1.
What did the Chinese men do after they were run off their claim?
Correct Answer
C. They went away to build levees.
Explanation
After being run off their claim, the Chinese men went away to build levees. This suggests that they left the area where their claim was and went to another location to construct levees, which are structures used to prevent flooding. This implies that they were involved in some sort of construction or engineering work related to water management.
2.
In town, why does Uncle let Wong Ming-Chung do the talking?
Correct Answer
A. Wong Ming- Chung speaks better English
Explanation
Wong Ming-Chung speaks better English, which is why Uncle lets him do the talking in town. This implies that Wong Ming-Chung is more proficient in English compared to Uncle, making him better equipped to communicate effectively with others in the town.
3.
Why does the river look like a battlefield?
Correct Answer
B. The river banks are filled with holes
Explanation
The river banks being filled with holes can make the river look like a battlefield because it gives the appearance of a terrain that has been heavily damaged or disrupted. Holes in the river banks may resemble bomb craters or trenches, which are commonly associated with battlefields. The presence of these holes can create a chaotic and destructive visual effect, contributing to the river's resemblance to a battlefield.
4.
Why did Uncle say such hurtful things to Wong Ming-Chung?
Correct Answer
B. He said hurtful things because he thought Wong would be better off with Fox
Explanation
Uncle said hurtful things to Wong Ming-Chung because he believed that Wong would have a better life with Fox. This suggests that Uncle's intentions were not necessarily malicious or mean-spirited, but rather driven by what he perceived as Wong's best interest.
5.
Why do the Americans laugh at Wong Ming-Chung and Uncle when they register their claim?
Correct Answer
C. They laugh because they think there is no gold left at the claim
Explanation
The Americans laugh at Wong Ming-Chung and Uncle because they think there is no gold left at the claim. This suggests that the Americans find it amusing that Wong Ming-Chung and Uncle are willing to register a claim for a location that they believe has no valuable resources. The laughter may stem from a sense of disbelief or amusement at their perceived foolishness.
6.
Why do Wong Ming-Chung and Uncle go from abandoned claim to abandoned claim?
Correct Answer
A. They find gold dust the others have left behind.
Explanation
Wong Ming-Chung and Uncle go from abandoned claim to abandoned claim because they find gold dust that the others have left behind. This suggests that they are searching for abandoned claims where they can collect the gold dust that has been overlooked or discarded by previous miners. This explanation is supported by the fact that they are not finding large gold nuggets, but instead, they are finding gold dust.
7.
What does Wong Ming-Chung want to do with the money he and Uncle make from the gold?
Correct Answer
C. He would like to buy a store and bring some of the cousins over from China.
Explanation
Wong Ming-Chung wants to use the money he and Uncle make from the gold to buy a store and bring some of the cousins over from China. This suggests that he wants to invest in a business and also bring his family members from China to live with him. This indicates his desire to establish a stable and prosperous life for himself and his extended family, rather than solely focusing on personal luxury or working for someone else.
8.
Why do Wong Ming-Chung and Uncle make themselves look dirty and shabby on their trip to Sacramento?
Correct Answer
A. They don't want anyone to suspect they have a basket filled with gold.
Explanation
Wong Ming-Chung and Uncle make themselves look dirty and shabby on their trip to Sacramento because they don't want anyone to suspect they have a basket filled with gold. By appearing poor and unattractive, they hope to avoid drawing attention to their valuable possession and potentially becoming targets for theft or kidnapping. This disguise allows them to travel safely and keep their gold hidden.
9.
When people ask Wong Ming-Chung and Uncle questions, Wong Ming-Chung and Uncle
Correct Answer
B. Smile and say little
Explanation
Wong Ming-Chung and Uncle smile and say little when people ask them questions. This suggests that they are likely reserved or shy individuals who prefer not to talk much. They may choose to express themselves through their smiles rather than verbal responses. Their pride in their answers is not mentioned in the given options, so it can be inferred that they do not answer proudly.
10.
The only signs that humans had been to the river were the rotting rockers and ruined shacks. A rocker is
Correct Answer
C. A tool used to separate gold from sand or dirt
Explanation
The correct answer is "a tool used to separate gold from sand or dirt." The passage mentions "rotting rockers and ruined shacks" as signs that humans had been to the river. This suggests that the rockers were left behind by people who were using them as tools to separate gold from sand or dirt in the river.
11.
A line from the journal says, "We've camped for the night on an abandoned claim." What is a claim in this sentence?
Correct Answer
B. A section of land that belongs to someone
Explanation
In this context, a claim refers to a section of land that belongs to someone. The line from the journal suggests that the speaker and their group have set up camp on a piece of land that was previously owned by someone else. This implies that the land has some sort of legal ownership or right attached to it, indicating that it is a claim.
12.
What does it mean to prospect in this story?
Correct Answer
C. Search for gold
Explanation
In this story, the term "prospect" refers to the act of searching for gold. This implies that the characters in the story are actively looking for gold, possibly in a mining or exploration context. The other options, "defend a claim" and "cover your tracks," do not align with the meaning of "prospect" in this context.
13.
Uncle says he doesn't see how they'd get rich piling up dirt for levees. A levee is
Correct Answer
A. A dirt bank that keeps a river from overflowing
Explanation
The correct answer is a dirt bank that keeps a river from overflowing. Uncle's comment implies that he doesn't understand how building dirt banks (levees) can lead to wealth, suggesting that he is referring to the function of levees in preventing river flooding rather than the other options provided (a business person or a vegetable).
14.
The owner of the claim probably thought there would be nuggets just waiting to be picked upriver. A nugget is
Correct Answer
C. A solid lump
Explanation
The correct answer is "a solid lump." In the context of the question, the owner of the claim believed that there would be nuggets upriver, indicating that they were searching for something valuable. A nugget is commonly associated with gold or other precious metals, and it is typically found in the form of a solid lump. Therefore, the correct answer implies that the owner of the claim expected to find solid lumps of valuable material while searching upriver.
15.
What is new in Sacramento?
Correct Answer
B. The buildings
Explanation
The correct answer is "the buildings." This suggests that there have been recent developments or changes in the architectural landscape of Sacramento. It implies that new structures or constructions have been erected in the city, which could indicate growth, development, or revitalization. The gold rush and the deposit slips are not relevant to the question and do not provide any information about what is new in Sacramento.