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Bremen School District 228

Social Studies Common Assessment

1: Fall Pretest

0223 World Civilization

55 Minutes – 75 Questions

Directions: There are 3 historical documents in this test and 24 multiple

choice questions that match to these documents. Following are 51 multiple

choice questions testing World Civilization content knowledge and critical

thinking skills. After reading a passage, choose the best answer to each

question and fill in the corresponding oval on your answer document. You

may refer to the passages as often as necessary.

Written: 2013-14

Revised: 2014-15

Authors: Gary Andruch, D.J. Brown, Dante Corbin

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Document A: Shakespeare Play, Antony and Cleopatra

CLEOPATRA

To an asp, which she applies to her breast

With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate

Of life at once untie: poor venomous fool

Be angry, and dispatch. 0, couldst thou speak,

That I might hear thee call great Caesar ass

Unpolicied!

CHARMIAN

eastern star!

CLEOPATRA

Peace, peace!

Dost thou not see my baby at my breast,

That sucks the nurse asleep?

CHARMIAN

0, break! 0, break!

CLEOPATRA

As sweet as balm, as soft as air, as gentle,--

o Antony!-Nay, I will take thee too.

Applying another asp to her arm

What should I stay-

Dies

Source: Antony and Cleopatra, a tragedy by William Shakespeare, first printed in 1623.

IVocabulary: asp: a small snake

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Document B: Cassius Dio (Modified)

Cassius Dio lived approximately between 164 CE and 230 CE. He was a wealthy Greek who was

consul twice and also held important governorships. He wrote eighty books on Roman History, and

his position is often sympathetic with emperors, though he is sometimes critical of Octavian. Here is

an excerpt from his book Roman History.

Octavian, however, feared that she might kill herself. He did not remove any of her servants and asked

that they take special care of her, that she might add brilliance to his triumph. But as soon as the others

neglected to keep a careful watch, she prepared to die as painlessly as possible. She put on her most

beautiful clothing, took in her hands all the symbols of royalty, and so died. No one knows clearly in what

way she perished, for the only marks on her body were slight pricks on the arm. Some say she hid a

poisonous snake in a water-jar, or perhaps it hidden in some flowers. Others declare that she had smeared

a pin, with which she fastened her hair, with a poison that if came into contact with even a drop of blood

would destroy the body very quietly and painlessly. In this or in some very similar way she perished, and

her two handmaidens with her. When Octavian heard of Cleopatra’s death, he was astounded, and not

only viewed her body but also tried to revive her. But when he could not in any way resuscitate Cleopatra,

felt both admiration and pity for her, and was excessively grieved on his own account, as if he had been

deprived of all the glory of his victory.

Document C: Scholarly Journal (Modified)

The excerpt below is from an article on Cleopatra’s death published in 2005 in Acta Theologica, a

South African journal that publishes articles on religion and theology.

One scholar has argued convincingly that the snakebite theory is unlikely. Various North African snakes

could have been used. However, in the case of each of these species the area surrounding the bite is

characterized by severe pain, swelling and bleeding. Cleopatra had no significant bite marks. On the other

hand, if the snake were a cobra, a small bite could

swiftly lead to paralysis and death. However, in order to bring about the speedy deaths of three adults, the

cobra would have had to be at least 5 to 6.5 feet in length.

Another scholar thinks the snakebite theory could have originated as a result of popular misunderstanding

at the time of Octavian’s victory parade through Rome. An image of Cleopatra was displayed in the

procession, wearing the robes of Isis and with the goddess’s traditional armlet (a coiled snake) on her

forearm. Roman spectators ignorant of Egyptian religious symbolism might have interpreted this as

suggesting that her death had been caused by a snake.

There is also a possibility that Cleopatra and her handmaidens could have died of poison hidden in a

hollow hairpin. A very deadly poison, taken first by Cleopatra and then by Charmian and Iras, could then

explain how they died so swiftly and without any wounds. In many ways this simpler explanation is more

acceptable than the exotic theories concerning snakebite. The Egyptian royal house was probably well-

informed about the effects of various poisons. Roman authors claimed that Cleopatra had a superior

knowledge of poison and its effect on human victims.

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CC Standard 1: Textual Evidence (10 Questions: 5 Understanding / 5 Application)

1. What evidence leads you to believe Document B is more reliable than the others?

A. It is from a historian that focused on great leaders

B. it only focused on Egyptian history

C. the author was a historian who lived closest to the time period

D. Plutarch wrote from an entertainment point of view

2. Which detail from the text best shows that Document A would not be as reliable a source as document

B or C?

A. The Author is not well known

B. It was written within 50 years of Cleopatra life

C. Doc A was written for entertainment value

D. The Author is a known historian

3. Why can it be inferred that Document C has the most reliable information?

A. It was written during Cleopatra’s life

B. It was written for entertainment purposes only

C. The author had little experience with Roman Emperors

D. It was written close to present day, based on collected evidence

4. Which of the following statements best summarize Document A:

A. Cleopatra was accidentally bitten by an Asp, which caused her death

B. Cleopatra was purposeful in her intrinsic desire to commit suicide

C. Cleopatra tricked Charmian into helping her escape from captivity

D. Cleopatra and Antony both died together by a poisonous Asp

5. Which of the following sources MOST LIKELY indicates that Cleopatra was bitten by a poisonous

Asp based on the information presented?

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. None of the above

6. What is the main idea of Document C:

A. Historians are united in their belief that Cleopatra died from a poisonous snake bite

B. That the Egyptian cobra is locally known as Uraeus

C. Cleopatra’s death from a snake bite may not be based on historical facts

D. Cleopatra was present during Octavian’s Triumphal parade through Rome

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7. Which of the following statements is not presented by the author of Document C?

A. Cleopatra was killed by poison hidden in a hollow hairpin

B. Cleopatra may have been assassinated by a political rival

C. If Cleopatra was killed by a Cobra, it would have to be over 5 feet tall

D. Roman spectators may have started the snakebite rumors due to a misunderstanding

8. What additional piece of information would best help support the author of Document C’s position?

A. Secondary sources that agree with his main idea

B. A suicide note written by Cleopatra, explaining she DID NOT die from a snake bite

C. A suicide note written by Cleopatra, explaining she DID die from a snake bite

D. None of these pieces of information would be support the author’s claims

9. According to the author of Document C, why is it unlikely that the snake bite theory is true?

A. Cleopatra had no significant bite marks (swelling, bleeding, etc…)

B. There were no North African snakes that could have been used

C. Egyptian royals knew too much about poison to be bitten by snakes

D. Cleopatra had several guards on suicide watch

10. Based on the information presented in the text in Doc B, which action would LEAST LIKELY show

why Octavian was really upset at the death of Cleopatra?

A. He thought that she might add brilliance to his triumph

B. He asked that her servants watch her closely for protection and asked that they take special care of her

C. He truly loved Cleopatra and wanted to have a relationship with her similar to Julius Caesar and Marc

Antony both had

D. He thought he had been deprived of all the glory of his victory with her death

CC Standard 8: Author’s Argument (4 Questions: 4 Evaluation)

11. According to Document B, what argument is presented by Cassius Dio that Cleopatra was preparing

for her death?

A. Cleopatra did not want to be resuscitated when she died

B. Cleopatra put on her most beautiful clothing

C. She faked her own death to escape from Octavian

D. All of the above

12. Based on what is presented in Document C, which conclusion best supports the author's position for a

possible reason why an image of Cleopatra was shown with snakes during a parade?

A. The above described situation is not true, as Cleopatra never appeared with snakes

B. The snakes symbolized Cleopatra’s victory over Octavian

C. She was wearing a traditional armlet on her forearm

D. The Roman spectators ran from the crowd and put the snakes on the image of Cleopatra

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13. Which quote from Document A supports the argument that Cleopatra was bitten by a poisonous

snake?

A. “poor venomous fool be angry and dispatch”

B. “O break! O, break!”

C. “Dost thou not see my baby at my breast”

D. “O Antony! - Nay, I will take thee too”

14. Which of the following documents present a counterclaim to the position that Cleopatra could have

only died from a snakebite?

A. A,B

B. B,C

C. A,C

D. Doc C only

CC Standard 7: Media (10 Questions: 5 Application / 5 Analysis)

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Use the “Punic Wars” Map to answer questions 15 and 16.

15. According to the map, what two mountain ranges did Hannibal have to cross over to get to Rome?

A. Gaul and Cannae

B. Pyrenees and Alps

C. Corsica and Sardinia

D. Rocky and Appalachian

16. Which of the following is best supported by the information presented within the map?

A. The Punic wars were fought over to control Mediterranean Sea

B. The Punic wars were fought over to control Black Sea

C. The Punic wars were fought over to control Adriatic Sea

D. The Punic wars were fought over to control Atlantic Ocean

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Use the Feudalism Hierarchy Pyramid to answer questions 17 and 18.

17. Which of the following is best clarified by the Feudalism Hierarchy Pyramid?

A. The Monarch is the main protector of the castle in the middle ages.

B. The Nobles were the main protectors of the castle in the middle ages.

C. The Knights were the main protectors of the castle in the middle ages.

D. The Peasants were the main protectors of the castle in the middle ages.

18. Which of the following is the major theme communicated by the Feudalism Hierarchy Pyramid?

A. Kings and Knights, although separate groups are equal in their social status.

B. Peasants and Knights, although separate groups are equal in their social status.

C. Church Officials and Nobles, although separate groups are equal in their social status.

D. King and Peasants, although separate groups are equal in their social status.

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Use the “Early River Valley Civilizations” Chart to answer questions 19 and 20.

19. Which information from the Early River Civilization Chart most strongly supports evidence that

China had the most advanced science and technology?

A. Cuneiform, irrigation, and bronze

B. Wheel, sail, and plow

C. Hieroglyphics, pyramids, medicine

D. Writing, silk, cast iron

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20. Which of the following would best support the claim that the Indus Valley civilization was the best at

city planning?

A. The fact that they had monsoon winds

B. The fact that they had a strong, centralized government

C. The fact that they had natural mountain and desert barriers

D. The fact that their buildings were built on a precise grid

Use the “Athenian and United States Democracy” Diagram to answer questions 21 and 22

21. Which of the following is best clarified by the Democracy chart?

A. The Athenian and U.S. juries are the same size.

B. Male and females are free voting citizens in both.

C. Both have speedy trials.

D. They both have the same three branches of government.

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22. Which of the following conclusions can you draw from the chart regarding US Democracy?

A. The US’s democracy was derived from Athenian democracy using many of the same components

B. US democracy and Athenian democracy are mutually exclusive

C. The Athenian democracy was derived from the US’s democracy

D. The US version of democracy probably developed from communism

Use the “World Religions by percentage” Graph to answer questions 23 and 24.

23. Which of the following conclusions could you predict would happen if the non-religious part of the

pie chart were to grow in percentage?

A. The other pie pieces would remain the same size

B. Only “Christianity” and “other religions” would change in shape because they are right next to it

C. The pie chart would increase its total to over 100%

D. It is not known exactly which religions would decrease or by how much, but some would have to

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24. If everyone in North and South America (countries with large percentages of Christians) converted

to Buddhism, what would be the impact on the other religions?

A. The Christianity slice would be greatly reduced

B. The Buddhism slice would be greatly increased

C. Both A and B

D. Neither A or B

Questions 25 - 75 test your World Civilization content knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Unit 1: Pre-History/River Civilizations

25. Early civilizations often settled near water because water could provide

A. Transportation

B. Electricity

C. Barter

D. Boat docks

26. In the Ancient River Civilizations, the rulers/leaders were usually

A. Women

B. Elected by the people

C. Absolute rulers

D. Assassinated

Unit 2: Greece

27. An example of Ancient Greek Architecture is

A. The Parthenon

B. The Coliseum

C. The Sphinx

D. Soldier Field

28. The epic poems, “the Iliad” and “the Odyssey,” were written by

A. Homer

B. Virgil

C. Plato

D. Aristophanes

29. The Macedonian Greek who spread global culture by conquering many lands was

A. Amenhotep IV

B. Darius III

C. Pericles

D. Alexander the Great

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30. Another word for a city state is a:

A. Acropolis

B. Polis

C. Polistarch

D. Civilization

31. Who developed the Scientific Method?

A. Plato

B. Socrates

C. Aristotle

D. Darius

32. Ancient Greek religion can be best defined as

A. Polytheistic

B. Monotheistic

C. Oligarchy

D. Democracy

33. The period after Alexander the Great is know as:

A. Hellenistic Culture

B. Alexandria Culture

C. Hellenic Culture

D. The Great Culture

34. In geographical terms, the land of Greece is a large

A. Island

B. Peninsula

C. Isthmus

D. Continent

35. How would you summarize what Socrates wanted people to do:

A. be as intelligent as he was

B. question themselves and examine their own lives

C. examine other people's lives for them

D. live in other people's ignorance

36. Greek myths were stories that explained

A. What things the Greek people most valued

B. Why natural or historical events happened

C. Why humans should worship the gods

D. Why humans or animals behaved like they did

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37. Which of the following include the features of Athenian Democracy?

A. Plebeians, at Patricians, Consuls

B. Legislative, Executive, Judicial

C. President, Congress, Senate

D. Assembly, Council, Courts

38. The lasting contribution of the Ancient Greeks to America was?

A. Democracy

B. Road Building

C. Slavery

D. Gladiator Training

39. How would you evaluate Alexander the Great’s use of the phalanx?

A. An effective military strategy

B. An ineffective military strategy

C. An effective system of laws used throughout the Greek Empire

D. An ineffective system of laws used throughout the Greek Empire

40. Can you predict the most significant impact on Greek culture had Alexander the Great never

served as a Macedonian king?

A. Greek culture would not have been able to spread and be infused to other cultures

B. Greek city-states would not have been united

C. The Trojan war would have destroyed Macedonia

D. The library at Alexandria would never have existed

Unit 3: Rome

41. Period of peace and prosperity in the western world under Rome’s rule.

A. Renaissance

B. Greek Dark Ages

C. Age of Enlightenment

D. Pax Romana

42. Over time the government of Rome

A. Evolved from a republic to a dictatorship

B. Changed from an autocracy to an oligarchy

C. Developed from an aristocracy to a theocracy

D. Evolved from dictatorship to a republic

43. What examples can you find to show that there was a separation of classes back in the

Roman empire?

A. Social class was divided between the Patricians and Plebeians

B. Social class was not determined by birth but by your success in life

C. Social class was deciphered between being either a gladiator or a noble

D. Social class was not a major factor as Rome had just one middle class

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44. How would you organize the correct order of the people who influenced the Romans?

A. Romans, Greeks, Etruscans

B. Greeks, Romans, Etruscans

C. Etruscans, Greeks, Romans

D. Greeks, Etruscans, Romans

45. What examples can you find to show the Octavian is planning on becoming the sole ruler of

Rome?

A. He is wants the second triumvirate to last as long as possible

B. He is developing a peace treaty to establish the Pax Romana

C. He is persecuting the Christians

D. He is replacing Antony’s members of the senate with people of his own

46. Improvements in communication, trade, and defense in Rome was a result of

A. A simplified Roman alphabet and numbering system

B. A vast network of well constructed roads

C. The development of a powerful navy

D. Advancements in mathematics

47. How would you show your understanding of the Fall of the Roman Empire in regards to where its

roots? Rome’s roots can be traced through all of the following except?

A. barbarian invasions

B. poor leadership

C. contact with an intellectually superior society

D. inflation and other economic issues

48. What conclusions can you draw about the general pattern Rome had with the people they conquered?

A. They would kill all of the males and enslave all of the females

B. Demanded allegiance to Rome coupled with commercial support of the empire

C. Stripped conquered people of their wealth and moved on

D. Used them as military conscripts

49. Our founding fathers, such as Thomas Jefferson, admired ancient Rome because at

one time the Roman government had been a(n)

A. Theocracy

B. Oligarchy

C. Anarchy

D. Republic

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50. What details could you use to support the view that the senators had a right to be upset and

stab Julius Caesar?

A. Julius Caesar was not tending to the affairs of the Roman republic while spending a lot of

time in Egypt

B. Julius Caesar was in favor of expanding the power of the senators which they were strongly

against

C. Julius Caesar denounced his Roman marriage and married Cleopatra

D. Julius Caesar was not advancing Rome in any way

51. How would you describe the Plebeians views/opinions of Julius Caesar as the unopposed

leader of the Roman Empire?

A. A dictator that deserved to meet his demise in the manner in which he did

B. A man that sought for equal rights and representation within the Roman Government

C. The lone reason for the fall of the Roman Empire

D. A man that favored the rich and their place in Roman society

52. Which of the following points would you recommend in regards to the decline in patriotism

in the Roman empire?

A. Poor farmers abandoned their own farms to work for wealthy landowners

B. Caligula appointed his horse as consul

C. Mercenaries replaced citizen-soldiers in the Roman army

D. Diocletian fixed the prices of goods and services

53. What would have happened if Carthage would have won the Punic Wars?

A. Rome would have then controlled the Mediterranean Sea

B. Hannibal would have been seen as a failure as a general

C. Carthage would have been in control of the Mediterranean Sea

D. Trade would have become less important during the Roman Empire

54. What changes would you implement to make Rome’s tax system more fair?

A. Increase the taxes paid by the rich

B. Order a census to compile records of who should be taxed

C. Consolidate the types of taxes that were collected

D. Tax foreigners at a higher rate than Roman citizens

55. What could have been done to prevent Caesar from being targeted for assassination by his

own Senate?

A. Increase the role of the courts in the Roman government

B. Increase the role of the Roman Senators within the Roman government

C. Step down from his position as Roman consul after his one year term ended

D. Increase the number of Senators from surrounding lands conquered by the army

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Unit 4: World Religions

56. Applying what you know about Christianity, what do Christians have to do to achieve

salvation?

A. Buy indulgences

B. Give money to the church

C. Fulfill all sacraments

D. Take a test on the Bible

57. Which is an example of Buddhism’s idea of peace, happiness, and achievement?

A. Reincarnation

B. 5 pillars

C. Heaven

D. Nirvana

58. What facts could you select to show your knowledge of reaching salvation in the Islamic

faith?

A. You must complete the 5 pillars

B. You must complete all 7 sacraments

C. You must organize your life around keeping order and strong family stability

D. Believe in reincarnation to achieve happiness

59. What is the relationship between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism?

A. All three are polytheistic

B. All three have Egypt as their holy land

C. All three are monotheistic

D. All three are all derived from Hinduism

60. Can you assess the importance of the Holy Land in regards to world religions?

A. It was a major center of trade for the Egyptians

B. The first river civilization originated there

C. It is the origin of three of the world's major religions

D. Both Buddhism and Hinduism originated there

Unit 5: Rise of Eastern Empires

61. What is the relationship between Constantine and Byzantium?

A. Byzantium was renamed Constantinople

B. Byzantium took over what was the Western Half of the Roman Empire

C. Byzantium took over what was the Eastern Half of the Roman Empire

D. Constantine took over Byzantium forcing the people to swear allegiance to the Greek Army

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Unit 6: Middle Ages

62. What religion were the Crusades fighting against?

A. Islam

B. Christianity

C. Buddhism

D. Judaism

63. Who wrote the 95 thesis which protested practices of the Catholic Church?

A. Martin Luther

B. John Calvin

C. John Knox

D. Pope Pius IX

64. How would you summarize manorialism slowing the economy of Europe during the Middle Ages?

A. Manors depended on trade with Asia

B. Manors were self-sufficient

C. Manors depended on industry rather than agriculture

D. Manors were democratic

65. During the middle ages, which person could not leave the land on the manor at all?

A. Knight

B. Peasant

C. Serf

D. Lord

66. What happened at the Concordat of Worms?

A. The church appointed bishops but the kings could veto them

B. The kings appointed bishops but the church could veto them

C. The church has the sole power to choose the church officials

D. The kings have the sole power to choose the church officials

67. When the church is involved in politics or worldly things we say that it is what?

A. Secular

B. Lay Investiture

C. Sacramental

D. Centralized

68. How would you organize the correct sequence of steps to show how one became a knight?

A. Squire, page, knight

B. Knight, squire, page

C. Page, squire, knight

D. Knight, page, squire

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69. Which was not an effect of the Crusades?

A. Religious intolerance grows

B. Muslims distrust Christians due to all of the lives lost

C. Europe becomes isolated from other countries

D. Trade grows between Europe and the Middle East

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Use the Ancient World map provided to answer questions 70-75:

70. Nile River

A. 7

B. 9

C. 11

D. 3

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71. Rome

A. 1

B. 4

C. 10

D. 14

72. Atlantic Ocean

A. 2

B. 6

C. 1

D. 11

73. Birthplace of two major world religions

A. 3

B. 9

C. 8

D. 5

74. Site of the Great Sphinx

A. 8

B. 7

C. 10

D. 9

75. Alexander the Great was from here

A. 4

B. 5

C. 8

D. 3