CMA #3 Practice/5th grade

The Surprise Soldier

According to a well-known yet questionable story, on a hot June day in 1778, a woman stepped onto a battlefield in Monmouth, New Jersey. It was during the Revolutionary War when colonists in America were fighting for their independence. At that time, only men could enlist in the Continental Army as soldiers, but women sometimes disguised themselves as men so they could enlist. Other women simply took any opportunity they could find to join in the fight.

Mary Hays was one of those "surprise soldiers." Even though the men in the Continental Army did not expect a woman to help on the battlefield, she joined them in the Battle of Monmouth. She became famous for what she reportedly did to help win the fight against the British.

In 1777, two years after the war for American independence began, Mary's husband William Hays enlisted inthe Continental Army to fight the British. Like many wives of soldiers, Mary Hays went along with her husband; in the army camps, she helped by caring for wounded soldiers, cooking, and washing clothes.

One eyewitness said that during the Battle of Monmouth, William Hays, who was an artilleryman, collapsed next to his cannon. According to the eyewitness, Mary took over her husband's cannon when he fell. A soldier at the battle later wrote in his journal that a cannon ball fired by the British passed so close to Mary that it tore the lower part of her skirt. Although she had never been trained to fight, she stood her ground. She fired her husband's cannon until the battle was over. this courage under fire made her a legend.

Letter from a Confederate Soldier

Camp near Fort Thorn Jan 16th 1862

Dear Carrie,

We arrived in this vicinity, yesterday evening. This morning was spent in selecting a camp convenient to water & grass & this evening we moved to this place, where we have all the conveniences that this country affords. We have a nice, pleasant place in a skirt of timber on he Rio Grande River. Our horses have stood the trip so far amazingly well, the men are all well except one who is too trifling and mean to keep well - his name is Walters- you do not know him, nor has he any friends in your country (And I expect none in the world). I am on duty as officer of the day. It is- now about one o'clock at night, the camp is hushed in sleep & no noise greets the ear except the occasional challenge of a sentinel and the continuous bowl of wolves...Just think of my condition, here. One thousand miles from home in the ... field, surrounded by enemies in the midst of winter, with poor horses and no corn to feed them with. And then think of what my condition was but a short time since, when at home with my loved ones around me - The best contented and happiest man in Texas- is there not a contrast? There is, and the pictures are not half drawn. My cup of bliss was too full. The happiness that was mine, was more than my portion... Many have said to me on this trip, that they were more fortunate than I - they had no wife to care for at home. They are deluded creatures...

Yours,

John

Which statement about the passages is correct?

The Surprise Soldier

According to a well-known yet questionable story, on a hot June day in 1778, a woman stepped onto a battlefield in Monmouth, New Jersey. It was during the Revolutionary War when colonists in America were fighting for their independence. At that time, only men could enlist in the Continental Army as soldiers, but women sometimes disguised themselves as men so they could enlist. Other women simply took any opportunity they could find to join in the fight.

Mary Hays was one of those "surprise soldiers." Even though the men in the Continental Army did not expect a woman to help on the battlefield, she joined them in the Battle of Monmouth. She became famous for what she reportedly did to help win the fight against the British.

In 1777, two years after the war for American independence began, Mary's husband William Hays enlisted inthe Continental Army to fight the British. Like many wives of soldiers, Mary Hays went along with her husband; in the army camps, she helped by caring for wounded soldiers, cooking, and washing clothes.

One eyewitness said that during the Battle of Monmouth, William Hays, who was an artilleryman, collapsed next to his cannon. According to the eyewitness, Mary took over her husband's cannon when he fell. A soldier at the battle later wrote in his journal that a cannon ball fired by the British passed so close to Mary that it tore the lower part of her skirt. Although she had never been trained to fight, she stood her ground. She fired her husband's cannon until the battle was over. this courage under fire made her a legend.

Letter from a Confederate Soldier

Camp near Fort Thorn Jan 16th 1862

Dear Carrie,

We arrived in this vicinity, yesterday evening. This morning was spent in selecting a camp convenient to water & grass & this evening we moved to this place, where we have all the conveniences that this country affords. We have a nice pleasant place in a skirt of timber on he Rio Grande River. Our horses have stood the trip so far amazingly well, the men are all well except one who is too trifling and mean to keep well - his name is Walters- you do not know him, nor has he any friends in your country (And I expect none in the world). I am on duty as officer of the day. It is- now about one o'clock at night, the camp is hushed in sleep & no noise greets the ear except the occasional challenge of a sentinel and the continuous bowl of wolves...Just think of my condition, here. One thousand miles from home in the ... field, surrounded by enemies in the midst of winter, with poor horses and no corn to feed them with. And then think of what my condition was but a short time since, when at home with my loved ones around me - The best contented and happiest man in Texas- is there not a contrast? There is, and the pictures are not half drawn. My cup of bliss was too full. The happiness that was mine, was more than my portion... Many have said to me on this trip, that they were more fortunate than I - they had no wife to care for at home. They are deluded creatures...

Yours,

John

Which sentence from "The Surprise Soldier" expresses the main idea of the passage

The Surprise Soldier

According to a well-known yet questionable story, on a hot June day in 1778, a woman stepped onto a battlefield in Monmouth, New Jersey. It was during the Revolutionary War when colonists in America were fighting for their independence. At that time, only men could enlist in the Continental Army as soldiers, but women sometimes disguised themselves as men so they could enlist. Other women simply took any opportunity they could find to join in the fight.

Mary Hays was one of those "surprise soldiers." Even though the men in the Continental Army did not expect a woman to help on the battlefield, she joined them in the Battle of Monmouth. She became famous for what she reportedly did to help win the fight against the British.

In 1777, two years after the war for American independence began, Mary's husband William Hays enlisted inthe Continental Army to fight the British. Like many wives of soldiers, Mary Hays went along with her husband; in the army camps, she helped by caring for wounded soldiers, cooking, and washing clothes.

One eyewitness said that during the Battle of Monmouth, William Hays, who was an artilleryman, collapsed next to his cannon. According to the eyewitness, Mary took over her husband's cannon when he fell. A soldier at the battle later wrote in his journal that a cannon ball fired by the British passed so close to Mary that it tore the lower part of her skirt. Although she had never been trained to fight, she stood her ground. She fired her husband's cannon until the battle was over. this courage under fire made her a legend.

Letter from a Confederate Soldier

Camp near Fort Thorn Jan 16th 1862

Dear Carrie,

We arrived in this vicinity, yesterday evening. This morning was spent in selecting a camp convenient to water & grass & this evening we moved to this place, where we have all the conveniences that this country affords. We have a nice, pleasant place in a skirt of timber on he Rio Grande River. Our horses have stood the trip so far amazingly well, the men are all well except one who is too trifling and mean to keep well - his name is Walters- you do not know him, nor has he any friends in your country (And I expect none in the world). I am on duty as officer of the day. It is- now about one o'clock at night, the camp is hushed in sleep & no noise greets the ear except the occasional challenge of a sentinel and the continuous bowl of wolves...Just think of my condition, here. One thousand miles from home in the ... field, surrounded by enemies in the midst of winter, with poor horses and no corn to feed them with. And then think of what my condition was but a short time since, when at home with my loved ones around me - The best contented and happiest man in Texas- is there not a contrast? There is, and the pictures are not half drawn. My cup of bliss was too full. The happiness that was mine, was more than my portion... Many have said to me on this trip, that they were more fortunate than I - they had no wife to care for at home. They are deluded creatures...

Yours,

John

Based on the excerpt from "Letter from a Confederate Soldier," which can infer about the letter writer, John Shropshire?

Ready . . . Set . . . Paddle!

Jamal Washington and his dad were going to participate

in a river race on a stretch of the Colorado River that ran

through Austin. Before this year, Jamal had been too young

to take part in the race, even with an adult. He was glad he

had turned eleven in time for the race. The race was held each

year to get the public interested in the river’s health and the

importance of taking care of our waterways.

.

Mr. Washington loved to canoe, and he always liked the view of the gorgeous city

skyline from the water. Jamal mainly wanted to have the fun of experiencing something new

with his father. Neither particularly cared if they won or lost, but they were determined to

try their best.

The race was timed, so it would be short but fast. The Washingtons had watched the race

before, and they knew they would have to paddle steadily, working as a team. Jamal was in

charge of making sure they had the required safety equipment. He had gathered helmets and

life jackets for both of them. Mr. Washington believed in the advantages that good training

offered, so he and Jamal had set a schedule and followed it.

The pair spent several weekends practicing paddling until they were confident that they

worked efficiently. They simply moved as quickly as they could. It was important that they

focus and not worry about how much time it would take them to complete the course.

On the day of the race, the paddling teams had to transport their boats to the launch site

by 9:00 in the morning. The race would begin at 9:30 on the dot. The Washingtons arrived

at the site at 8:00, and the shore was already crowded with other teams. Many of the teams

were made up of parents and their children, and Jamal could not stop grinning. He was part

of something big, exciting, and fun!

Run, Run, Run!

A marathon is a foot race that is just over 26 miles long.

One such race is held in Austin, Texas, every year. People come

from around the world to run in the Austin Marathon. Runners

who complete this marathon fast enough can enter the Boston

Marathon.

Shelly Anderson loved to run, and so did her older sister,

Karen. Karen was graduating from high school this year, and she

had registered for the race. She had trained for months, running up and down the hills

in Austin. Karen knew she would have to adjust her pace to the hills and flat areas. She

hoped to make it to the finish line, but she knew she might get too tired and have to

drop out.

Shelly was excited to be able to watch her sister run. The media would televise the

race, so Shelly knew her friends at home could watch Karen, too.

The racecourse would be open for seven hours. During the race, it would be lined

with crowds of cheering supporters. Thousands of people registered for the event.

Many runners ran to compete, and many others walked or ran just for the fun of it.

The Anderson family promised to be there to cheer Karen on and take photographs of

her during the race.

One theme of the race was “26 miles for 26 Charities.” Nonprofit groups set up

water stations along the race route so runners and walkers could get a drink. It was

also a way for the charities to increase awareness of their work. Shelly looked forward

to seeing the booths and hearing the bands that came out to play music and encourage

the runners.

Shelly liked that her town had one of the “greenest” races in America. All plastic

bottles were recycled. Refreshments were served on recyclable paper products. Solar

energy was used to power lights on the stages for the bands.

All things considered, Shelly knew she would have a wonderful time cheering for

Karen and watching the finalists cross the finish line.

Choose whether each sentence describes events in Passage 1, Passage 2, or both passages.

Family is involved in the competition.

Ready . . . Set . . . Paddle!

Jamal Washington and his dad were going to participate

in a river race on a stretch of the Colorado River that ran

through Austin. Before this year, Jamal had been too young

to take part in the race, even with an adult. He was glad he

had turned eleven in time for the race. The race was held each

year to get the public interested in the river’s health and the

importance of taking care of our waterways.

.

Mr. Washington loved to canoe, and he always liked the view of the gorgeous city

skyline from the water. Jamal mainly wanted to have the fun of experiencing something new

with his father. Neither particularly cared if they won or lost, but they were determined to

try their best.

The race was timed, so it would be short but fast. The Washingtons had watched the race

before, and they knew they would have to paddle steadily, working as a team. Jamal was in

charge of making sure they had the required safety equipment. He had gathered helmets and

life jackets for both of them. Mr. Washington believed in the advantages that good training

offered, so he and Jamal had set a schedule and followed it.

The pair spent several weekends practicing paddling until they were confident that they

worked efficiently. They simply moved as quickly as they could. It was important that they

focus and not worry about how much time it would take them to complete the course.

On the day of the race, the paddling teams had to transport their boats to the launch site

by 9:00 in the morning. The race would begin at 9:30 on the dot. The Washingtons arrived

at the site at 8:00, and the shore was already crowded with other teams. Many of the teams

were made up of parents and their children, and Jamal could not stop grinning. He was part

of something big, exciting, and fun!

Run, Run, Run!

A marathon is a foot race that is just over 26 miles long.

One such race is held in Austin, Texas, every year. People come

from around the world to run in the Austin Marathon. Runners

who complete this marathon fast enough can enter the Boston

Marathon.

Shelly Anderson loved to run, and so did her older sister,

Karen. Karen was graduating from high school this year, and she

had registered for the race. She had trained for months, running up and down the hills

in Austin. Karen knew she would have to adjust her pace to the hills and flat areas. She

hoped to make it to the finish line, but she knew she might get too tired and have to

drop out.

Shelly was excited to be able to watch her sister run. The media would televise the

race, so Shelly knew her friends at home could watch Karen, too.

The racecourse would be open for seven hours. During the race, it would be lined

with crowds of cheering supporters. Thousands of people registered for the event.

Many runners ran to compete, and many others walked or ran just for the fun of it.

The Anderson family promised to be there to cheer Karen on and take photographs of

her during the race.

One theme of the race was “26 miles for 26 Charities.” Nonprofit groups set up

water stations along the race route so runners and walkers could get a drink. It was

also a way for the charities to increase awareness of their work. Shelly looked forward

to seeing the booths and hearing the bands that came out to play music and encourage

the runners.

Shelly liked that her town had one of the “greenest” races in America. All plastic

bottles were recycled. Refreshments were served on recyclable paper products. Solar

energy was used to power lights on the stages for the bands.

All things considered, Shelly knew she would have a wonderful time cheering for

Karen and watching the finalists cross the finish line.

Choose whether each sentence describes events in Passage 1, Passage 2, or both passages.

Nonprofit groups, increased awareness of their charity work.

Ready . . . Set . . . Paddle!

Jamal Washington and his dad were going to participate

in a river race on a stretch of the Colorado River that ran

through Austin. Before this year, Jamal had been too young

to take part in the race, even with an adult. He was glad he

had turned eleven in time for the race. The race was held each

year to get the public interested in the river’s health and the

importance of taking care of our waterways.

.

Mr. Washington loved to canoe, and he always liked the view of the gorgeous city

skyline from the water. Jamal mainly wanted to have the fun of experiencing something new

with his father. Neither particularly cared if they won or lost, but they were determined to

try their best.

The race was timed, so it would be short but fast. The Washingtons had watched the race

before, and they knew they would have to paddle steadily, working as a team. Jamal was in

charge of making sure they had the required safety equipment. He had gathered helmets and

life jackets for both of them. Mr. Washington believed in the advantages that good training

offered, so he and Jamal had set a schedule and followed it.

The pair spent several weekends practicing paddling until they were confident that they

worked efficiently. They simply moved as quickly as they could. It was important that they

focus and not worry about how much time it would take them to complete the course.

On the day of the race, the paddling teams had to transport their boats to the launch site

by 9:00 in the morning. The race would begin at 9:30 on the dot. The Washingtons arrived

at the site at 8:00, and the shore was already crowded with other teams. Many of the teams

were made up of parents and their children, and Jamal could not stop grinning. He was part

of something big, exciting, and fun!

Run, Run, Run!

A marathon is a foot race that is just over 26 miles long.

One such race is held in Austin, Texas, every year. People come

from around the world to run in the Austin Marathon. Runners

who complete this marathon fast enough can enter the Boston

Marathon.

Shelly Anderson loved to run, and so did her older sister,

Karen. Karen was graduating from high school this year, and she

had registered for the race. She had trained for months, running up and down the hills

in Austin. Karen knew she would have to adjust her pace to the hills and flat areas. She

hoped to make it to the finish line, but she knew she might get too tired and have to

drop out.

Shelly was excited to be able to watch her sister run. The media would televise the

race, so Shelly knew her friends at home could watch Karen, too.

The racecourse would be open for seven hours. During the race, it would be lined

with crowds of cheering supporters. Thousands of people registered for the event.

Many runners ran to compete, and many others walked or ran just for the fun of it.

The Anderson family promised to be there to cheer Karen on and take photographs of

her during the race.

One theme of the race was “26 miles for 26 Charities.” Nonprofit groups set up

water stations along the race route so runners and walkers could get a drink. It was

also a way for the charities to increase awareness of their work. Shelly looked forward

to seeing the booths and hearing the bands that came out to play music and encourage

the runners.

Shelly liked that her town had one of the “greenest” races in America. All plastic

bottles were recycled. Refreshments were served on recyclable paper products. Solar

energy was used to power lights on the stages for the bands.

All things considered, Shelly knew she would have a wonderful time cheering for

Karen and watching the finalists cross the finish line.

Choose whether each sentence describes events in Passage 1, Passage 2, or both passages.

Training required focus, not speed.

Ready . . . Set . . . Paddle!

Jamal Washington and his dad were going to participate

in a river race on a stretch of the Colorado River that ran

through Austin. Before this year, Jamal had been too young

to take part in the race, even with an adult. He was glad he

had turned eleven in time for the race. The race was held each

year to get the public interested in the river’s health and the

importance of taking care of our waterways.

.

Mr. Washington loved to canoe, and he always liked the view of the gorgeous city

skyline from the water. Jamal mainly wanted to have the fun of experiencing something new

with his father. Neither particularly cared if they won or lost, but they were determined to

try their best.

The race was timed, so it would be short but fast. The Washingtons had watched the race

before, and they knew they would have to paddle steadily, working as a team. Jamal was in

charge of making sure they had the required safety equipment. He had gathered helmets and

life jackets for both of them. Mr. Washington believed in the advantages that good training

offered, so he and Jamal had set a schedule and followed it.

The pair spent several weekends practicing paddling until they were confident that they

worked efficiently. They simply moved as quickly as they could. It was important that they

focus and not worry about how much time it would take them to complete the course.

On the day of the race, the paddling teams had to transport their boats to the launch site

by 9:00 in the morning. The race would begin at 9:30 on the dot. The Washingtons arrived

at the site at 8:00, and the shore was already crowded with other teams. Many of the teams

were made up of parents and their children, and Jamal could not stop grinning. He was part

of something big, exciting, and fun!

Run, Run, Run!

A marathon is a foot race that is just over 26 miles long.

One such race is held in Austin, Texas, every year. People come

from around the world to run in the Austin Marathon. Runners

who complete this marathon fast enough can enter the Boston

Marathon.

Shelly Anderson loved to run, and so did her older sister,

Karen. Karen was graduating from high school this year, and she

had registered for the race. She had trained for months, running up and down the hills

in Austin. Karen knew she would have to adjust her pace to the hills and flat areas. She

hoped to make it to the finish line, but she knew she might get too tired and have to

drop out.

Shelly was excited to be able to watch her sister run. The media would televise the

race, so Shelly knew her friends at home could watch Karen, too.

The racecourse would be open for seven hours. During the race, it would be lined

with crowds of cheering supporters. Thousands of people registered for the event.

Many runners ran to compete, and many others walked or ran just for the fun of it.

The Anderson family promised to be there to cheer Karen on and take photographs of

her during the race.

One theme of the race was “26 miles for 26 Charities.” Nonprofit groups set up

water stations along the race route so runners and walkers could get a drink. It was

also a way for the charities to increase awareness of their work. Shelly looked forward

to seeing the booths and hearing the bands that came out to play music and encourage

the runners.

Shelly liked that her town had one of the “greenest” races in America. All plastic

bottles were recycled. Refreshments were served on recyclable paper products. Solar

energy was used to power lights on the stages for the bands.

All things considered, Shelly knew she would have a wonderful time cheering for

Karen and watching the finalists cross the finish line.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A: How did both texts approach the theme?

Ready . . . Set . . . Paddle!

Jamal Washington and his dad were going to participate

in a river race on a stretch of the Colorado River that ran

through Austin. Before this year, Jamal had been too young

to take part in the race, even with an adult. He was glad he

had turned eleven in time for the race. The race was held each

year to get the public interested in the river’s health and the

importance of taking care of our waterways.

.

Mr. Washington loved to canoe, and he always liked the view of the gorgeous city

skyline from the water. Jamal mainly wanted to have the fun of experiencing something new

with his father. Neither particularly cared if they won or lost, but they were determined to

try their best.

The race was timed, so it would be short but fast. The Washingtons had watched the race

before, and they knew they would have to paddle steadily, working as a team. Jamal was in

charge of making sure they had the required safety equipment. He had gathered helmets and

life jackets for both of them. Mr. Washington believed in the advantages that good training

offered, so he and Jamal had set a schedule and followed it.

The pair spent several weekends practicing paddling until they were confident that they

worked efficiently. They simply moved as quickly as they could. It was important that they

focus and not worry about how much time it would take them to complete the course.

On the day of the race, the paddling teams had to transport their boats to the launch site

by 9:00 in the morning. The race would begin at 9:30 on the dot. The Washingtons arrived

at the site at 8:00, and the shore was already crowded with other teams. Many of the teams

were made up of parents and their children, and Jamal could not stop grinning. He was part

of something big, exciting, and fun!

Run, Run, Run!

A marathon is a foot race that is just over 26 miles long.

One such race is held in Austin, Texas, every year. People come

from around the world to run in the Austin Marathon. Runners

who complete this marathon fast enough can enter the Boston

Marathon.

Shelly Anderson loved to run, and so did her older sister,

Karen. Karen was graduating from high school this year, and she

had registered for the race. She had trained for months, running up and down the hills

in Austin. Karen knew she would have to adjust her pace to the hills and flat areas. She

hoped to make it to the finish line, but she knew she might get too tired and have to

drop out.

Shelly was excited to be able to watch her sister run. The media would televise the

race, so Shelly knew her friends at home could watch Karen, too.

The racecourse would be open for seven hours. During the race, it would be lined

with crowds of cheering supporters. Thousands of people registered for the event.

Many runners ran to compete, and many others walked or ran just for the fun of it.

The Anderson family promised to be there to cheer Karen on and take photographs of

her during the race.

One theme of the race was “26 miles for 26 Charities.” Nonprofit groups set up

water stations along the race route so runners and walkers could get a drink. It was

also a way for the charities to increase awareness of their work. Shelly looked forward

to seeing the booths and hearing the bands that came out to play music and encourage

the runners.

Shelly liked that her town had one of the “greenest” races in America. All plastic

bottles were recycled. Refreshments were served on recyclable paper products. Solar

energy was used to power lights on the stages for the bands.

All things considered, Shelly knew she would have a wonderful time cheering for

Karen and watching the finalists cross the finish line.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part B.

Select a detail from the texts that support the answer in Part A.