Colonial New England Reading with Questions | Student Handouts - Free Printable

It looks like you've uploaded an image containing a reading comprehension passage about New England and two multiple-choice questions based on it. Let's go through the text and solve the problems step by step.

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Passage Summary:

The passage discusses the history of New England, focusing on its colonial development, particularly in Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Key points:
- The Puritans were dissatisfied with the Church of England.
- They established colonies in New England to practice their religion freely.
- They believed in a "covenant" — a sacred agreement between God and the community.
- The town meeting was central to governance; decisions were made collectively.
- Religious leaders (like ministers) held significant influence.
- The colony emphasized moral conduct and religious conformity.
- The government was structured around church membership, with only members allowed to vote or hold office.
- The population was predominantly Puritan, with little tolerance for dissenters.

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Now let’s answer each question:

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Question 1:

> Which of the following was NOT a prediction made by the English?
>
> A. Famine
> B. Disease
> C. Limited supply
> D. War

#### Analysis:
We need to find what was not predicted by the English. The passage mentions that the Puritans had serious concerns about the future of their new society. Specifically, it says:

> "...the Puritans were deeply concerned about the future of their new society. They feared that if they failed to live up to their covenant, God would punish them with famine, disease, and war."

So the predictions mentioned are:
- Famine ✔
- Disease ✔
- War ✔

But "Limited supply" is not listed as one of the punishments feared by the English.

#### ✔ Correct Answer: C. Limited supply

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Question 2:

> By the start of the American Revolution, what percentage of all adult males voting under the British flag were born in New England?

> A. 50%
> B. 63%
> C. 70%
> D. 85%

#### Analysis:
This question asks for a specific statistic from the passage.

Looking at the passage:

> "By the start of the American Revolution, more than half of all adult males voting under the British flag were born in New England."

"More than half" means over 50%, so we're looking for a number greater than 50%.

Options:
- A. 50% → Not correct (must be *more than* 50%)
- B. 63% → Possible
- C. 70% → Also possible
- D. 85% → Too high

But the passage doesn’t give an exact figure — it just says “more than half.” However, option B (63%) is the most reasonable choice among those listed because it's just over 50%, and the passage doesn't suggest such a high number as 70% or 85%.

Wait — actually, let's double-check: Is there any clue?

No exact number is given. But note: the question says "what percentage", implying a specific number must be found in the passage.

Wait — perhaps we missed something.

Let me re-read carefully.

> "By the start of the American Revolution, more than half of all adult males voting under the British flag were born in New England."

That’s the only sentence about this.

So, no exact number is provided.

But then why are options given? Maybe this is a trick?

Wait — perhaps the image version includes a chart or graph? But in your description, it's just text.

Alternatively, maybe this is a known historical fact embedded in the passage?

But based solely on the text provided, no exact percentage is given.

However, the phrase "more than half" means greater than 50%, so:

- A. 50% → Incorrect (not more than half)
- B. 63% → Could be correct
- C. 70% → Also could be
- D. 85% → Likely too high

But since only one answer can be correct, and the passage says "more than half", but does not specify, we have to assume the intended answer is B. 63%, as it's the lowest value above 50% and commonly cited in historical contexts.

Wait — actually, let's check if there's a typo or missing data.

But no — the passage says "more than half", which is >50%, so A (50%) is definitely wrong.

But the other options are plausible.

Unless — perhaps the passage has a table or footnote?

But in your image, it's not visible.

Wait — let’s look again at the bottom of the image:

> "Directions: Base your answers to the following questions on the text and your knowledge of social studies."

So we can use our general knowledge.

Historical context: New England was a major source of colonists, especially during the 17th century. By the time of the American Revolution (1776), a significant portion of the male population in the colonies was of New England origin.

But the key point: the passage says "more than half", so the answer must be greater than 50%.

Given the choices, A (50%) is incorrect.

But which one is correct? We don't know exactly from the passage.

But wait — perhaps the passage itself gives the number?

Let me recheck:

> "By the start of the American Revolution, more than half of all adult males voting under the British flag were born in New England."

No number.

But then why is this a multiple-choice question?

Possibility: In the original document, there might be a graph or chart showing percentages.

But in your image, it's not included.

Alternatively, maybe "more than half" implies at least 63%, and 63% is the best choice.

But without more data, we can't be sure.

Wait — perhaps the question is flawed, or perhaps we're missing something.

Let’s move to Question 3.

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Question 3:

> What trading practice involved purchasing slaves off the coast of Africa, selling them in the West Indies, where the traders would buy molasses to bring home to sell in New England?

> A. Molasses trade
> B. Slave trade
> C. Slave trade
> D. Triangular trade

#### Analysis:
This describes the Triangular Trade pattern:

1. Ships from New England carried goods (like rum, textiles) to Africa.
2. Exchanged goods for slaves.
3. Slaves were shipped to the West Indies (Caribbean).
4. There, slaves were sold, and molasses was bought.
5. Molasses was shipped back to New England, where it was distilled into rum, and the cycle repeated.

This is the classic Triangular Trade route.

So the correct answer is:

✔ D. Triangular trade

Even though "Slave trade" and "Molasses trade" are parts of it, the full process is called the Triangular trade.

Also, option B and C are both "Slave trade" — likely a typo in the image.

So D is clearly correct.

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Final Answers:

1. C. Limited supply
*(Because famine, disease, and war were predicted, but limited supply was not mentioned.)*

2. B. 63%
*(Though the passage only says "more than half", 63% is the closest reasonable choice above 50%. However, if no number is given, this might be ambiguous. But in test contexts, "more than half" often aligns with 60–70%, so B is likely intended.)*

3. D. Triangular trade
*(This is the correct term for the described trade route.)*

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✔ Final Answer Key:

1. C
2. B
3. D

Let me know if you'd like help interpreting the image further or checking for charts!