8th Grade Social Studies Pre-Assessment 2014-2015
Part I
About the CSA: This is the pre-assessment exam for the 8th grade Social Studies class. It is designed
to test your reading, critical thinking and writing ability.
About Part I. Unit 1 focuses on events that led up to the American Revolution. Today you will read
three passages, answer multiple choice questions and write a response to a question based upon
your reading.
Taxes (Passage 1)
As the colonies took root, they grew used to mostly governing themselves. Great Britain decided it
wanted more control. It began to force new taxes on the colonists. They wanted to raise money
from the goods they were shipping to the colonies. In 1764, the British Parliament passed the Sugar
Act to raise the tax on sugar. The next year, the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act. Colonists
now had to pay taxes for newspapers, marriage licenses, and all other legal documents. Many
colonists were angered by these taxes. They hadn't agreed to them and felt they were illegal and
unfair. Each new tax led to a bigger protest by the colonists. Besides taxes, many colonists were also
unhappy about some of the rules the British were forcing on them. In 1765, the British Parliament
passed the Quartering Act. The act stated that colonists had to agree to give British troops food and
let them stay in their homes. Colonists who were unhappy with how the British were treating them
decided to fight back peacefully. In 1765, the Stamp Act Congress met in New York. The Congress
was made up of representatives from many colonies. The representatives agreed to boycott British
goods until the Stamp Act was repealed (took back). That same year, the Sons of Liberty, a secret
organization of colonists in favor of liberty, was formed. Tensions grew between the Colonists and
the British. In 1770, tensions erupted with the Boston Massacre. British troops in Boston found
themselves confronted by a crowd of angry colonists. The crowd shouted at the troops and threw
snowballs and other small objects at them. The soldiers panicked. One soldier started firing his gun.
Then more soldiers fired into the unarmed crowd. Five colonists were killed and six were injured.
The British government was afraid of losing control over the colonies. They removed all the taxes
on imports to try to make the colonists happy. They repealed however, one tax to remain in place
for tea. In 1773, Parliament passed the Tea Act to help get the East India Company out of financial
trouble. This act enabled the British trading company to sell tea in America at a low price. Even with
a tax on tea, the British company had a price advantage over American tea companies. The colonists
were furious. They feared East India’s tea would put American tea companies out of business. In
Boston, a leader of the resistance named Samuel Adams decided to protest. He spoke to a group of
colonists on December 16, 1773 at the Old South Church in Boston. Shortly after he spoke, a large
group of men boarded British ships and dumped thousands of pounds of East India’s tea into the
harbor. Crowds of onlookers gathered to celebrate the rebellious act. They nicknamed the event the
Boston Tea Party. The British responded quickly and harshly. In 1774, they passed several
measures known as the Intolerable Acts. They closed the Boston port and made it difficult for the
major city to function. Other colonies, especially Maryland, helped Boston survive by sending food
and supplies. All of these events had two main consequences. First, they made the colonists resent
Britain. Britain’s government seemed far away and out of touch with the colonists’ needs. Many
colonists began to think about ruling themselves. Second, they helped unite the colonists. The
colonists had come to the New World with very different backgrounds and lifestyles. They were
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sprawled2 across the East Coast of this big continent. But Britain’s acts gave them a single purpose
and a common cause: justice and liberty. In September 1774, the first meeting of the First
Continental Congress took place. Representatives from 12 of the American colonies met to discuss
how they would unite and defend their rights as men. Within months the Revolutionary War would
begin. Less than two years later, on July 4, 1776, America would declare its independence. 1
rebellious – defying authority, disobedient 2 sprawled – spread out all over the place
RI 8.2
Question 1. What was the author’s purpose?
a. To explain the events that led American colonists to declare independence from the British
independence from the British.
b. To convince the reader that the American colonists were overreacting to British actions
c. To compare the American colonies to other colonies in the British empire
d. To illustrate how American politics are different from British politics.
RI 8.4
Question 2. Read the following sentences: “They closed the Boston port and made it difficult
for the major city to function. Other colonies, especially Maryland, helped Boston survive by
sending food and supplies.” The word function means:
a.
b.
c.
d.
hold rallies
work normally
start existing
obey orders
Boston Massacre (Passage 2)
Captain Thomas Preston's Account of the Boston Massacre (13 march 1770) On a freezing March
day in 1770, one of the king's soldiers was looking for work to earn some extra money. Someone
started making fun of him and told him to get a job cleaning toilets [...] One thing led to another and
there was a fight. That started things. Soon a noisy, jeering group of mischief-makers gathered in
front of the Boston Customs House. They began pushing and shoving and throwing stones and
pieces of ice at the British sentry. He got knocked down and he called for help. Captain Thomas
Preston came to the rescue with eight British soldiers. There is some confusion about what
happened next. The mob is said to have taunted the redcoats yelling, "Fire! Fire!" Captain Preston is
said to have yelled, "Hold your fire!" Then the British soldier was hit with a big stick. He said he
heard the word, "fire," so fired his gun into the crowd. The street gang moved forward; the redcoats
panicked and fired at unarmed people. Five Americans died; seven were wounded. None of them
was a hero. The victims were troublemakers who got worse than they deserved. The soldiers were
professionals...who shouldn't have panicked. The whole thing shouldn't have happened. From
Hakim, J. (1993). From colonies to country (pp.64-65). New York: Oxford University Press.
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RI 8.6
Question 3. What was the purpose of Captain Preston’s testimony?
a.
b.
c.
d.
To persuade people to have sympathy for the colonists
To explain why the fight occurred
To defend the British army’s actions
To share both sides of the story
RI 8.1
Question 4. Which statement from the testimony best supports the answer in the previous
question?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Someone started making fun of him and told him to get a job cleaning toilets…
There is some confusion about what happened next
The mob is said to have taunted the redcoats yelling, “Fire! Fire!”
Captain Preston yelled, “Hold your fire!”
Declaration of Independence (Passage 3)
Declaration of Independence. When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one
people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume
among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of
Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should
declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that
all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights,
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the
governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the
Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation
on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to
effect their Safety and Happiness. ...To prove this let the facts be submitted to a candid world....For
cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world: For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:...We, therefore, the Representatives
of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of
the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People
of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought
to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown,
and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be
totally dissolved;
RI 8.6
Question 5. What was the purpose for writing the Declaration of Independence?
a.
b.
c.
d.
King George lacked consent to tax the colonists
King George treated the colonists unfair
King George taxed the colonists
King George was a tyrant
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RI 8.1
Question 6. What was the strongest detail that support the answer in the previous question?
A-That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they
are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown
B-For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
C-For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
D-For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world
RI 8.4
Question 7. What is the closest meaning to the word “self-evident” as used in the passage?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Obvious
Overt
Unmistakable
Undeniable
RI 8.4
Question 8. Which word could best replace the word "inalienable rights" and without
changing the meaning of the sentence?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Absolute rights
Secured by law
Nontransferable rights
Disposable rights
Part I- Writing Prompt.
Use a separate sheet of paper for your writing prompt.
You have read three passages about Colonization and the American Revolution. Based on the
sources, write a BCR explaining which event was a major cause of the American Revolution?
Support your answer with evidence using the strongest source.
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8th Grade Social Studies
Pre-Assessment 2014-2015
Part II
Directions: Part II focuses on the Constitution. You will read two passages, answer multiple choice
questions and write a response to a question based upon your reading. Use your scantron to mark
your answer choices.
Passage 1. American Government The Bill of Rights: Part I
The Constitution of the United States was written in 1787, but the government it created couldn’t
rule over people’s lives until one more step was taken. Each state had to vote to ratify1 , or approve
of it. By 1789, eleven states had ratified the new government. Their votes were enough to put the
Constitution into effect. Two states, however, refused to sign it– North Carolina and Rhode Island.
Critics in these states objected that a Bill of Rights had not been included. They worried that
without a Bill of Rights the government might eventually become too strong. It might be unjust and
put people in jail without a reason. It might take away a person’s ability to speak freely, or keep
some books from being written. They wanted people’s rights spelled out so the government could
never take them away.
The “founding fathers,” who created the Constitution, knew the document would have to be flexible
in order to survive over time. They knew they would have to allow amendments. In their first
session4 of Congress in 1789, they agreed to add a Bill of Rights. James Madison led the way. Of the
15 amendments he suggested, 10 were eventually ratified by the states. They were made a
permanent addition to the Constitution. These first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.
The Bill of Rights became part of the Constitution on December 15, 1791. Some rights, such as
freedom of speech and the press, support democracy. Others, such as the right to a trial by jury, are
important for justice. The ideas for these rights are very old. They date back to ancient Greek and
Roman civilizations. Without them, we wouldn’t enjoy the freedom we do as a nation today.
Question 8. RI 8.4
Read the following sentences: “The ‘founding fathers,’ who created the Constitution, knew the
document would have to be flexible in order to survive over time. They knew they would have to
allow amendments.” The word flexible means:
a. Able to be understood easily
b. Rigid and resistant to change from outside
c. Fast and strong
d. Able to bend or change without breaking
Question 9. RI 8.4
The author says that critics wanted people’s rights “spelled out” to mean:
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a. they wanted the founding fathers to explain them.
b. they demanded some rights to be taken out of the Constitution.
c. they asked Madison to use simple words in his writing.
d. they wanted those rights to be made official.
Question 10. RI 8.6
Why does the author describe the fears that critics in North Carolina and Rhode Island had
about the Constitution?
a) to show that many people were opposed to the Bill of Rights
b) to describe the arguments that they had against the Bill of Rights
c) to explain why they wanted the Bill of Rights added
d) to show that some states did not want to be part of the union
Passage 2. The Preamble
The words written in italics above are the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. The
Constitution is the document that defines our American democracy. It sets forth the nation’s laws.
It also spells out the rights and liberties of the American people. The preamble, or introduction,
explains why people wrote the Constitution. The first three words are, “We the People.” At the time,
these words were revolutionary.
Before the United States was established, the 13 colonies were part of England. Their ruler was the
king of England. The colonists had no say over what happened to them. When Americans
established their own government, they wanted the people to have a say. They wanted government
to protect the people’s rights. They wanted the Constitution to create a democracy. In a democracy,
the people elect, or vote for, the people they want to run their government. The government’s
power comes from the people. The government cannot exist without the consent of the majority of
its people. If the government fails to protect the people, then the people can use their voting power
to elect new people to run the government.
What should the government do for the people? The preamble answers part of this question. It says
that the government should provide justice, or fairness. It should ensure tranquility, or peace, by
working to solve problems within the country when they arise. The government should also defend
the country when necessary. It should care for the general well-being of the people. Finally, it
should provide liberty for all. The Constitution – with its many democratic goals and methods to
reach them – has stood the test of time. It was written in 1787. More than 200 years later, this
document still works for the people of the United States.
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Question 11. RI 8.4
Read the following sentence: “It should ensure tranquility, or peace, by working to solve
problems within the country when they arise.”
The word arise means:
a. get stronger
b.
disappear
c. go to war
d. start happening
Question 12. RI 8.6
What is the most basic purpose of the Constitution?
a. to declare independence from England
b. to establish a monarchy
c. to set forth the nation’s laws
d. to declare war on other countries
Question 13. RI 8.2
What is the central idea of the passage?
a. why the Constitution was written.
b. why the United States should be a part of England.
c. why a king should rule over the United States.
d. why a monarchy is better than a democracy.
Question 14. RI 8.6
The author’s purpose in describing how the American colonies were ruled by England was
to:
a. explain why the American colonists wanted a government just like England’s.
b. provide background information about how Americans used to be governed.
c. illustrate why American colonies wanted to take over England.
d. show how England helped the Americans in writing their own Constitution.
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Part II- Writing Prompt
Use a separate sheet of paper for your writing prompt.
You have read two (2) passages about the Constitution. Based on the sources, which part of the
Constitution is most valuable today: The Preamble or the Bill of Rights? Write an essay that cites
textual evidence drawn from the both sources to support your position.
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8th Grade Social Studies
Pre-Assessment 2014-2015
Part III
Directions: Part III focuses on the Constitution. You will read two passages, answer multiple choice
questions and write a response to a question based upon your reading. Use your scantron to mark
your answer choices.
Passage 1-Slavery and the Civil War
“The existence of slavery impairs the industry and the power of a nation; and it does so in
proportion to the multiplication of its slaves . . . “If slavery be permitted in Missouri, with the
climate and soil and in the circumstances of this territory, what hope can be entertained that it will
ever be prohibited in any of the new states that will be formed in the immense region west of the
Mississippi?” –Senator Rufus King, Nile’s Weekly Register, December 4, 1819
“Rob us of our just portion of the territory which has been jointly purchased by the treasures of the
nation and the valley of the Mississippi will be settled by the sons of the Eastern people, the
inheritors of their fathers' prejudices . . .
“And when they have succeeded in excluding from the
Western settlements every Southern man, and shall have sent forth in every direction swarms from
the Northern hive, and missionary preachers against the cruelties and inhumanities of Southern
slavery, a universal emancipation may be the next scheme suggested by visionary philanthropists
or promoted by designing politicians.” –Anonymous, Richmond Enquirer, December 23, 1819
Question 16. RI 8.6
According to the authors, which issue was of most concern to both individuals?
A-The settlement of northerners
B-The prohibition of slavery
C-The exclusion of southerners
D-The weakening of the national economy
Question 17. RI 8.1
Which quote best supports your answer in the previous question?
A- “universal emancipation may be the next scheme suggested by visionary philanthropists...”
B-“the existence of slavery impairs the industry and the power of a nation.”
C-“missionary preachers against the cruelties and inhumanities of southern slavery “
D-“There must be an answer choice for every question. We no longer use the option method.”
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Question 18. RI 8.4
What is meaning of the word "emancipation" as it is used in the passage?
A-to keep within limits
B- to free from someone else's control or power
C- to bind or hold with or as if with chains
D- to prevent from doing
Passage 2-Slavery, the Civil War & Reconstruction: The Emancipation Proclamation
On September 22, 1862, President Lincoln declared that all slaves in the rebellious states were free.
The rebellious states of the South were fighting against the northern states because they wanted to
secede, or separate from the Union. His announcement was called the Emancipation Proclamation.
Emancipation means the same thing as “freedom.” Part of Lincoln’s declaration is below:
“I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves…shall be free. The Executive Government of
the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain
the freedom of said persons.”
In the last part of this sentence, Lincoln says that the Union Army will free and protect slaves.
Northerners everywhere now knew why they were fighting the Civil War to free the slaves. The war
was no longer just a battle to make the southern states come back to the Union. Now it was a war
over slavery. Even if the southern states came back to the Union, there would be no more slavery.
The entire way of life in the South would have to change. Southerners could no longer sell people as
if they were property. They could no longer run large plantations with slaves as workers. They
could no longer force black men and women to work all day in their cotton fields. When the North
won the Civil War, life in the South did change.
Many black slaves heard about the Emancipation Proclamation before the northern army arrived
to free them. They were very excited. Some ran away to meet the northern army as they fought.
Many wanted to join the fight and help the Union beat the Confederacy. As northern armies
marched south, all of the slaves were freed. In the North, many abolitionists were happy.
Abolitionists wanted slaves to be free. They spent their time convincing people that black men and
women were no different than white men and women. They gave speeches about the horrible
institution of slavery. Slavery, they said, did more than just chain black men and women. It also was
against the basic ideas of liberty and equality that were part of the founding of our country. Slavery
brought out the worst part of human nature. Slave owners might have been kind men, but slavery
made them become cruel. The Emancipation Proclamation was the first big step to ending slavery.
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Question 19.
The passage “The Emancipation Proclamation” is mostly about
a. an announcement that ended slavery in a large part of the United States.
b. a famous speech that Abraham Lincoln made on a battlefield.
c. how slavery in the South was different from slavery in the North.
d. Abraham Lincoln’s most famous speeches
Question 20. RI 8.6
According to the author, what was so significant about the Emancipation Proclamation?
a. It stated that all slaves in the rebellious states were free.
b. It reminded Northerners of why they were fighting the Civil War.
c. Slave owners were allowed to continue owning slaves.
d. It gave Southerners the right to keep slaves.
Question 21. RI 8.6
Based on the text, how did slave owners in the South feel about the Emancipation
Proclamation?
A. Agitated
B. Distressed
C. Perturbed
D. Offended
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Question 22. RI 8.4
Read the following sentences: “On September 22, 1862, President Lincoln declared that all
slaves in the rebellious states were free. The rebellious states of the South were fighting
against the northern states because they wanted to secede, or separate from the Union. His
announcement was called the Emancipation Proclamation.” What does the word “declared”
most nearly mean?
A. Repudiated
B. Announced
C. Alleged
D. Concealed
Question 23. RI 8.6
In the last paragraph it states, “They gave speeches about the horrible institution of slavery.”
Whose point of view is being addressed here?
a. the slaves
b. the politicians
c. the citizens
d. the abolitionists
Question 24. RI 8.6
How did the slaves feel when they heard about the Emancipation Proclamation?
a. Angry
b. Excited
c. Bored
d. Cruel
Question 25. RI 8.1
Why did life in the South change after the Emancipation Proclamation and Civil War?
a. So many southern towns were destroyed.
b. Many soldiers had died defending the South.
c. Plantations were difficult to run without slaves to work there.
d. The South stayed as part of the United States.
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Writing Prompt
You have read two (2) passages about Slavery and the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln is quoted as
having said, "Two houses divided against itself cannot stand." Based on the sources, do you think
Abraham Lincoln freed African slaves out of moral obligation OR to have more soldiers fighting on
the Union side? Pick one side and write a memo that supports your response with textual evidence
drawn from both sources.
Memo
To:
Ms. Davis/Ms. Langford
From: Your name
Re:
Point of View
Date:
Today’s date
You have asked me to write a memo describing which point of view Lincoln believed in. I believe
that Lincoln believed…
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