Excerpt from "The Problem of the Ohio Mounds"

Introduction

No other ancient works of the United States have become so widely known or have generated so much interest as those of Ohio. This is due in part to their remarkable character, but in a much greater degree to recent writings about their nature.

The constantly recurring question, "Who constructed these works?" has brought about a wide range of theories. The one which has been most generally accepted is that they were made by a people who have been long since extinct or driven from the country. This group had attained a culture status more advanced than the natives who occupied the country at the time of its discovery by Europeans.

The opinion advanced in this paper, which will be supported by evidence, is that the ancient works were completed by Indians of several different tribes, among them being the ancestors of the modern Cherokees. The discussion will be focused on the latter suggestion, as the limits of the paper will not permit a full presentation of all the data…

Reading Comprehension Questions

1) The above passage is an introduction to a book that was most likely written for which purpose?

a. to detail the history of the Cherokee people

b. to explain how to conduct excavations

c. to research the origins of ancient works

d. to promote the state of Ohio

2) In the final paragraph of the above passage, the author states that his opinion "will be supported by evidence." In this context, what is the meaning of the word "evidence"?

a. facts

b. judgments

c. theories

d. estimates

3) The above passage is the introduction to a book that was most likely written for which audience?

a. photographers

b. construction workers

c. archaeologists

d. Europeans

4) The final sentence of the above passage states that the "discussion will be focused on the latter suggestion." In this context, what is the meaning of the term "latter suggestion"?

a. the suggestion that is the most correct

b. the suggestion that was mentioned last

c. the suggestion that is very complicated

d. the suggestion that is the least popular

5) In the above passage, how would the author answer the question he poses: "Who constructed these works?"

a. “The ancient works were completed by the Europeans.”

b. “The ancient works were completed by the founders of Ohio.”

c. “The ancient works were completed by Indian tribes.”

d. “The ancient works were completed by changes in the weather.”

6) The above passage is an introduction to which of the following?

a. an advertisement

b. a biography

c. a newspaper article

d. a thesis

Answer Key

1) The above passage is an introduction to a book that was most likely written for which purpose?

a. to detail the history of the Cherokee people

b. to explain how to conduct excavations

c. to research the origins of ancient works

d. to promote the state of Ohio

2) In the final paragraph of the above passage, the author states that his opinion "will be supported by evidence." In this context, what is the meaning of the word "evidence"?

a. facts

b. judgments

c. theories

d. estimates

3) The above passage is the introduction to a book that was most likely written for which audience?

a. photographers

b. construction workers

c. archaeologists

d. Europeans

4) The final sentence of the above passage states that the "discussion will be focused on the latter suggestion." In this context, what is the meaning of the term "latter suggestion"?

a. the suggestion that is the most correct

b. the suggestion that was mentioned last

c. the suggestion that is very complicated

d. the suggestion that is the least popular

5) In the above passage, how would the author answer the question he poses: "Who constructed these works?"

a. “The ancient works were completed by the Europeans.”

b. “The ancient works were completed by the founders of Ohio.”

c. “The ancient works were completed by Indian tribes.”

d. “The ancient works were completed by changes in the weather.”

6) The above passage is an introduction to which of the following?

a. an advertisement

b. a biography

c. a newspaper article

d. a thesis