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PASSAGE 15
Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the
correct answer to each of the questions.
Dinosaurs were reptiles that lived during a period of earth’s history called the Mesozoic Era, which is
known as the Age of Reptiles. The first dinosaurs appeared more than 200 million years ago. For many
millions of years, they dominated the land with their huge size and strength. Then about 65 million years
ago, they died out rather suddenly, never to reemerge.
The word dinosaur comes from two Greek words meaning “terrible lizard”. Dinosaurs were not
lizards, but their appearance could be truly terrifying. The biggest ones weighed more than ten times as
much as a mature elephant and nearly equaled the size of most modern—day whales. The famous kinds
of dinosaurs, including the brontosaur and tyrannosaurus, reached 80 to 90 feet in length. Not all
dinosaurs were giants, however, some were actually no larger than a chicken.
Scientists still do not know what caused dinosaur to disappear. One theory involves a change in the
earth’s climate. It is believed that temperature dropped significantly towards the end of the Cretaceous
Period. Too large to hibernate and not having fur or feathers for protection, it is possible that the climate
became too chilly for dinosaurs. In contrast, other species having protection, such as the mammals and
birds, were able to survive.
Question 1. The word “ones” in the passage refers to
A. dinosaurs
B. millions
C. lizards
D. whales
Question 2. The word “chilly” in the passage refers to
A. very hot
B. extremely cold
C. very cold
D. humid
Question 3. What is the best title for this passage?
A. The Domination of the Land
B. The Metabolism of Dinosaurs
C. Earth’s Largest Reptiles
D. The History of Earth
Question 4. It can be inferred from the passage that the Age of Reptiles lasted about
A. 200 million years
B. 135 million years
C. 80 million years
D. 65 million years
Question 5. The author uses the phrase “never to reemerge” to indicate the dinosaurs
A. became extinct
B. went into hiding
C. never died out
D. lost their way
Question 6. According to the passage, what is true about the size of dinosaurs?
A. It made them the largest creatures ever on earth.
B. It varied quite greatly.
C. It guaranteed their survival.
D. It was rather uniform.
Question 7. Which of the following can be inferred about mammals and birds?
A. Most have either fur or feathers over their bodies.
B. They preceded the dinosaurs.
C. They were too large to hibernate.
D. They could not survive the chilly temperatures.