–PRETEST–

6. What sort of doctor was Dr. Mudd? 8. Read this sentence from the essay.
a. careless, sloppy
As horrible and unjust as this punishment must
b. generous, caring
have been, a greater plight lurked at Fort Jefferson.
c. greedy, money-hungry
d. cold-hearted, unfeeling As it is used in this passage, plight most nearly
means
7. Dr. Mudd fought the yellow fever outbreak at
a. challenge.
Fort Jefferson because
b. difficulty.
a. there was no one else to treat the sick prisoners.
c. scare.
b. he thought it would help get him a pardon.
d. sickness.
c. he didn’t want to get sick himself.
d. he was forced to by the prison warden.

YEAR-ROUND SCHOOL VS. REGULAR SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Both year-round school and regular school schedules are found throughout the United States. With year-round
school schedules, students attend classes for nine weeks, and then have three weeks’ vacation. This continues all
year long. The regular school schedule requires that students attend classes from September to June, with a three-
month summer vacation at the end of the year. This schedule began because farmers needed their children at home
to help with crops during the summer. Today, most people work in businesses and offices. Year-round school is
easier for parents who work in businesses and don’t have the summer to be with their children. The regular school
schedule is great for kids who like to have a long summer vacation. While some educational systems have changed
their schedules to keep up with their population, others still use the old agrarian calendar. Both systems have dis-
advantages and advantages, which is why schools use different systems.

QUESTIONS

9. Which of the following statements from the
passage represents the author’s opinion?
a. Year-round school is easier for the parents
who work in businesses and don’t have the
summer to be with their children.
b. The regular school schedule requires that stu-
dents attend classes from September to June.
c. Both year-round school and regular school
schedules are found throughout the United
States.
d. With year-round school, students attend
classes for nine weeks, and then have three
weeks’ vacation.

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