Unit 2 (part 1) Reading Comprehension Assessment

Instructions

Today you will read two selections related to the Middle Ages.  After reading the first selection, you will answer several questions based on it.  Then, you will read the second selection and answer several questions based on it.  Some of the questions have two parts.  You should answer part A of the question before you answer part B 

2

In paragraph 5, the text says William the Conqueror had his soldiers build motte and bailey castles in the most rebellious regions of England. Why would William the Conqueror have these structures built in the most rebellious regions?

8

Use the following chart to compare and contrast motte and bailey castles with stone castles. Some answer choices may be used more than once

built for protection and defense
made from stone
drawbridge to get into the castle
wooden steps or a ramp to get into the castle
high wooden wall, two ditches surrounding the castle
made from wood
several outer stone walls, moat surrounding the castle

Motte and Bailey Castle
Stone Castle

2

Select one set of characteristics from the chart in question 2 and write a sentence that compares or contrasts the characteristics between the two types of castles.

1

At the end of the selection, the text says castles became impressive homes rather than defensive structures. Why was there a change in the way in which castles were used?

1

In paragraph 6, the author discusses how the new style of castle could withstand fire and siege weaponry. In paragraph 7, the author discusses the change in castles providing protection to withstand an attack. What is a synonym for withstand?

2

Part A: In paragraph 5, Harry says the colors of the rainbow light up the church. What does he mean by this statement?

1

Part B: What information in the text helps determine what the narrator means when he says the colors of the rainbow light up the church??

1

In paragraph 1, what do the following sentences mean about the power of the Lord Chancellor of England?

My father said that our pig looks a little like the Lord Chancellor. However, my father spoke in a hushed tone when he uttered those words.

9

Complete the chart by categorizing the work Harry and his family do for Lord Percy and the chores Harry and his family do for themselves. Some answer choices may be used more than once.

learning carpentry skills
gathering wood
planting crops
taking care of livestock
weaving, sewing, baking
tending to crops

Work for Lord Percy
Chores for the family

1

In paragraph 2, Harry says that his family survived the plague and his mother said it was because of her clove tea. He ten says, "Other families were not so fortunate." What does he mean that other families were not so fortunate?

12

Writing Prompt: Harry describes many aspects of his life. In your opinion, was Harry's life easy or difficult? Using information from the text, write a paragraph in which you provide an opinion about whether you think Harry's life was easy or difficult. Your audience includes classmates who have learned about the Middle Ages, including the feudal system. Be sure to use information from the selection to support your opinion.

Unit 2 (part 1) Reading Comprehension Assessment

In paragraph 5, the text says William the Conqueror had his soldiers build motte and bailey castles in the most rebellious regions of England. Why would William the Conqueror have these structures built in the most rebellious regions?

Use the following chart to compare and contrast motte and bailey castles with stone castles. Some answer choices may be used more than once

Select one set of characteristics from the chart in question 2 and write a sentence that compares or contrasts the characteristics between the two types of castles.

At the end of the selection, the text says castles became impressive homes rather than defensive structures. Why was there a change in the way in which castles were used?

In paragraph 6, the author discusses how the new style of castle could withstand fire and siege weaponry. In paragraph 7, the author discusses the change in castles providing protection to withstand an attack. What is a synonym for withstand?

Part A: In paragraph 5, Harry says the colors of the rainbow light up the church. What does he mean by this statement?

Part B: What information in the text helps determine what the narrator means when he says the colors of the rainbow light up the church??

In paragraph 1, what do the following sentences mean about the power of the Lord Chancellor of England?My father said that our pig looks a little like the Lord Chancellor. However, my father spoke in a hushed tone when he uttered those words.

Complete the chart by categorizing the work Harry and his family do for Lord Percy and the chores Harry and his family do for themselves. Some answer choices may be used more than once.

In paragraph 2, Harry says that his family survived the plague and his mother said it was because of her clove tea. He ten says, "Other families were not so fortunate." What does he mean that other families were not so fortunate?

In paragraph 5, the text says William the Conqueror had his soldiers build motte and bailey castles in the most rebellious regions of England. Why would William the Conqueror have these structures built in the most rebellious regions?

Use the following chart to compare and contrast motte and bailey castles with stone castles. Some answer choices may be used more than once

Select one set of characteristics from the chart in question 2 and write a sentence that compares or contrasts the characteristics between the two types of castles.

At the end of the selection, the text says castles became impressive homes rather than defensive structures. Why was there a change in the way in which castles were used?

In paragraph 6, the author discusses how the new style of castle could withstand fire and siege weaponry. In paragraph 7, the author discusses the change in castles providing protection to withstand an attack. What is a synonym for withstand?

Part A: In paragraph 5, Harry says the colors of the rainbow light up the church. What does he mean by this statement?

Part B: What information in the text helps determine what the narrator means when he says the colors of the rainbow light up the church??

In paragraph 1, what do the following sentences mean about the power of the Lord Chancellor of England?My father said that our pig looks a little like the Lord Chancellor. However, my father spoke in a hushed tone when he uttered those words.

Complete the chart by categorizing the work Harry and his family do for Lord Percy and the chores Harry and his family do for themselves. Some answer choices may be used more than once.

In paragraph 2, Harry says that his family survived the plague and his mother said it was because of her clove tea. He ten says, "Other families were not so fortunate." What does he mean that other families were not so fortunate?

In paragraph 1, what do the following sentences mean about the power of the Lord Chancellor of England?

My father said that our pig looks a little like the Lord Chancellor. However, my father spoke in a hushed tone when he uttered those words.

In paragraph 1, what do the following sentences mean about the power of the Lord Chancellor of England?

My father said that our pig looks a little like the Lord Chancellor. However, my father spoke in a hushed tone when he uttered those words.