NWEA MAP Test Prep Reading passage with Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary words, comprehension questions, and a glossary that can help students prepare for the NWEA MAP reading test at the 210 RIT level:
Day One: Bruce Lee: Pioneer of Martial Arts Entertainment
Bruce Lee transformed martial arts into a global pop culture phenomenon through his trailblazing career and revolutionary philosophy. Though he passed away prematurely at age 32, his dynamic legacy as a teacher, actor, and philosopher continues inspiring generations worldwide.
Lee was born in 1940 in San Francisco but grew up in Hong Kong. As a child, he studied Wing Chun, a compact martial art favoring technique over strength. After some teenage street fighting and training with several kung fu masters, Lee moved to America in 1959. He attended the University of Washington where he began teaching non-Chinese students, violating tradition. During this time, he formulated his own martial arts system.
Lee combined techniques from boxing, fencing and disparate kung fu styles into his hybrid system called Jeet Kune Do, or "Way of the Intercepting Fist". He believed in efficiency of movement, practicality, and merging Eastern and Western fighting philosophies. Students like actor James Coburn helped popularize his teachings. Troubled by the artificiality of film fight choreography, Lee sought to portray realistic martial arts.
Lee landed his first major acting role in The Green Hornet TV series in 1966, displaying his charismatic style. But his big break came when he returned to Hong Kong in 1971. His first Hong Kong film, The Big Boss, broke box office records across Asia in 1971. Fist of Fury and Chinese Connection further cemented Lee as a bankable star and idol of the big screen.
Lee's greatest film success came in Enter the Dragon in 1973, which reached global audiences. His magnetism, athleticism, and flair made kung fu films irresistibly mainstream. However, before its release, a mysterious brain edema took Lee's life in Hong Kong at age 32. Though Enter the Dragon propelled the kung fu genre into Hollywood, Lee's sudden death left him unable to witness his influence. Audiences mourn his unrealized potential to this day.
In life, Bruce Lee never desired idolization, but harmony with others through martial mastery. He called his philosophy the "art of expressing the human body". His insights into kinetic philosophy never divided East and West, only sought to combine their strengths. Respect for the individual and continuous self-improvement through hard training were key tenets of his teaching.
Bruce Lee's global legacy demonstrates the power of culture to unify humanity across borders. His daring, creative spirit lives on whenever people overcome obstacles through sheer will and skill. Though his life was fleeting, his ripples continue spreading throughout the martial arts community and beyond. Over 40 years after his death, the force of his personality still inspires hope in realizing human potential.
Comprehension Questions:
1. Why was Lee's training of non-Chinese students controversial?
a) Kung fu was considered dangerous for foreigners.
b) Mixed martial arts were discouraged at the time.
c) Kung fu tradition restricted teaching to Chinese.
d) Non-Chinese were thought unable to master it.
2. How did Lee develop his Jeet Kune Do system?
a) By traveling China collecting techniques
b) Through philosophical meditation
c) By combining diverse martial arts styles
d) Using ancient kung fu manuscripts
3. Why was Enter the Dragon so significant in Lee's career?
a) It made kung fu films mainstream internationally.
b) It showcased Lee's martial arts academy.
c) It pioneered modern wirework choreography.
d) It was Lee's first Hong Kong film role.
4. What personal philosophy did Lee try to convey through his films?
a) Unity of Eastern and Western cultures
b) Modernization of traditional kung fu
c) Primacy of Chinese cinema
d) Superiority of Jeet Kune Do techniques
5. How is Lee's legacy described in the final paragraph?
a) Tragic and unrealized
b) Local and insignificant
c) Inspiring and enduring
d) Outdated and narrow-minded
Glossary:
Charismatic - Possessing an appealing magnetism or charm.
Fleeting - Lasting only for a very short time.
Kinetic - Relating to motion or movement.
Mainstream - Reflecting accepted dominant cultural ideas.
Trailblazing - Innovative, establishing new developments or methods.
c) Primacy of Chinese cinema
d) Superiority of Jeet Kune Do techniques
5. How is Lee's legacy described in the final paragraph?
a) Tragic and unrealized
b) Local and insignificant
c) Inspiring and enduring
d) Outdated and narrow-minded
Glossary:
Charismatic - Possessing an appealing magnetism or charm.
Fleeting - Lasting only for a very short time.
Kinetic - Relating to motion or movement.
Mainstream - Reflecting accepted dominant cultural ideas.
Trailblazing - Innovative, establishing new developments or methods.
Here is a reading passage on Jesse Owens and his experiences with discrimination, including comprehension questions:
Day Two: Jesse Owens: An American Hero Overcomes Discrimination
Jesse Owens was one of the greatest American track and field athletes, shattering records and racial barriers in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. His dominance discredited Hitler's views of Aryan supremacy. Yet the prejudice Owens faced at home showed equality remained elusive.
Owens was born in 1913 in Oakville, Alabama to sharecroppers. As a sickly child with a lifelong battle against asthma and bronchitis, few expected athletic greatness. However, Owens discovered a talent for sprinting, honing his skills throughout high school. Despite racial discrimination limiting his opportunities, Owens earned a scholarship to Ohio State University.
At Ohio State, Owens attained national fame under coach Larry Snyder. In 1935 at the Big Ten Championships, he set three world records and equaled a fourth in a stunning 45 minute span. The "Buckeye Bullet" proved unbeatable in all jumping and short sprint events. Though colleges were still segregated, his courteous and gracious manner won respect nationwide.
Controversy shrouded the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, as Hitler intended the Games to showcase supposed Aryan supremacy. However, the most dominant athlete proved to be African-American Jesse Owens. He was slated to compete in the 100m, 200m, long jump and 4x100m relay against the top German athletes.
On August 3, Owens won the 100m in Olympic record time, finishing a full yard ahead of the competition. His long jump of 26 feet 8.5 inches broke the world record by nearly a foot and a half. Owens later took gold in the 200m and relay, accomplishing a feat unmatched to this day. His four gold medals thoroughly discredited Nazi claims of Aryan athletic superiority.
Owens was hailed worldwide as a symbol of hope, but still faced racism at home. Southern newspapers simply dubbed him "the negro" rather than by name. No city official in segregated Alabama acknowledged his triumphs. President Roosevelt never publicly congratulated Owens despite his historic feat.
For decades, Owens was barred from lucrative endorsements and coaching jobs open to white athletes. He was reduced to public appearances just to earn a living. Yet he remained humble and dignified despite the prejudice, stating, "The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself–the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us–that's where it's at."
Jesse Owens shook the world in 1936 with his integrity and accomplishment. His example pushed America towards living up to its founding ideals of equality. More than just an athletic champion, Owens embodied the human capacity to overcome adversity through character and courage.
Comprehension Questions:
1. What obstacle did Owens have to overcome early in life?
a) Poverty
b) Lack of training facilities
c) Chronic illness
d) Discouragement from coaches
2. Why was Owens' success at the 1935 Big Ten Championships significant?
a) He got a huge endorsement deal.
b) He set multiple world records.
c) He became team captain.
d) He received a professional contract.
3. How did Owens' Olympic success undermine Hitler's views?
a) It proved athletic superiority was not race-dependent.
b) It showed German athletes were afraid to compete against him.
c) It demonstrated better training conditions in America.
d) It highlighted lack of opportunities for black athletes in Germany.
4. How did Owens continue facing discrimination after the Olympics?
a) He was banned from future competitions.
b) He was not acknowledged upon his return home.
c) He was denied business opportunities given to white athletes.
d) He was stripped of his medals.
5. What does the passage suggest about Owens’ character?
a) He was bitter about how he was treated.
b) He was boastful and wanted glory.
c) He felt superior to white athletes.
d) He maintained dignity despite discrimination.
Glossary:
Accomplishment - An impressive, noteworthy achievement through skill and effort.
Dignified - Behaving in a serious, composed, and prestigious manner.
Dominance - Authority, control or prevailing influence over others.
Elusive - Difficult to achieve or accomplish.
Embodied - Represented or exemplified the very essence of a concept.
Here is a reading passage on the life and achievements of soccer legend Pelé:
Day Three: Pelé: The King of Football
No soccer player alive or dead has reached the iconic status of Pelé. His spectacular career on Brazil's national team and in professional leagues earned him the moniker “The King of Football”. Pelé's supremacy on the pitch made him a national hero and global ambassador for the sport.
Pelé was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in 1940 in the city of Três Corações, Brazil. He grew up playing football barefoot on the streets using rolled up socks or oranges for a ball. At just 15 years old, he debuted professionally for Santos Futebol Clube where he would thrive for almost two decades as their star striker.
As a 17 year old in the 1958 World Cup, Pelé mesmerized the world with his play. His audacious style and penchant for dramatic goals powered Brazil to their first World Cup victory. Pelé scored a hat trick in the semifinal versus France, then two goals in the final against the heavily favored Swedes. He finished the tournament with six goals.
In 1962, a brutal foul in the second match sidelined Pelé for the rest of the World Cup, which Brazil won. Seeking redemption in 1970, an iconic Pelé led what is considered the greatest World Cup team ever assembled. Wearing the number 10 jersey, his brilliant passing and leadership guided Brazil to a third championship.
For his club career, Pelé remained devoted to Santos FC from 1956 to 1974, scoring over 600 goals for them. The team won several Brazilian league titles plus the 1962 and 1963 Copa Libertadores tournaments. Pelé's prolific scoring and dazzling flair brought football prominence in Brazil. He gained fame overseas for his unrivaled athleticism and ability to improvise creative shots.
Pelé possessed an uncanny anticipation of plays and accuracy of passing. His mastery of shooting with both feet and his head enabled spectacular placement. His trademark bicycle kicks wowed crowds. Pelé seemed to float across the field as he effortlessly evaded defenders. Though compact in build, his control of the ball elevated him above any challenges.
Retiring from Santos FC in 1974, Pelé joined the North American Soccer League playing for the New York Cosmos for two seasons and winning the championship in his final year. Upon retiring with 1,279 career goals, Pelé had secured his legacy as soccer's greatest phenomenon. FIFA named him Football Player of the Century.
Beyond the pitch, Pelé served as Brazil's first minister of sport and as a UNESCO Goodwill ambassador promoting peace through sport. His charismatic appeal and rise from poverty to legend made him an idol across Brazil. The sheer joy Pelé brought global audiences cemented soccer as "The Beautiful Game." He proved excellence transcends circumstances when pursued with passion.
Comprehension Questions:
1. What descriptive nickname was Pelé given in recognition of his skills?
a) King of Brazil
b) Wizard of Dribbling
c) The Beautiful Game
d) King of Football
2. How did the 1958 World Cup impact Pelé's career?
a) It sparked Brazil's soccer obsession.
b) It made Pelé a global superstar.
c) It convinced Pelé to retire at his peak.
d) It began his rivalry with Diego Maradona.
3. How did Pelé's moves and abilities enable his success against opponents?
a) His talent improvising creative shots
b) His experience playing in Italy
c) His fame leading to referee favoritism
d) His intimidating size and physicality
4. What fueled Pelé's mass appeal both in Brazil and worldwide?
a) His outspoken views on politics
b) His charisma and life story overcoming poverty
c) His exceptional speed outrunning defenders
d) His endorsement deals with major brands
5. What does the passage suggest Pelé represented beyond soccer?
a) The global reach of Brazilian culture
b) The discipline it takes to perfect a craft
c) A model for peacefully resolving conflict
d) How sports can bring joy and unite people
Glossary:
Flair - A natural talent or ability to do something well, often with style and panache.
Goodwill ambassador - A celebrity or notable figure who represents an organization or cause.
Iconic - Widely recognized and well-established.
Pitch - The playing field in soccer.
Spectacular - Dramatically impressive or exciting.
Here is a reading passage on the life and achievements of Jackie Robinson:
Day Four: Jackie Robinson: Pioneer of Racial Progress in Baseball
Jackie Robinson broke modern baseball's color barrier when he took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. His courage and excellence ended racial segregation in the major leagues, paving the way for full integration. Robinson overcame bigotry through quiet dignity and phenomenal skill.
Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born in 1919 to a family of sharecroppers in Georgia. In 1920, his family relocated to Pasadena, California seeking opportunity. As a youth, Robinson excelled at baseball, basketball, football and track. After briefly attending Pasadena Junior College, he continued his education and athletics at UCLA.
In 1942, Robinson left college to join the army. After facing racial bias during boot camp, he qualified for Officer Candidate School, becoming a second lieutenant. However, while stationed at a Texas base, he resisted segregation policies on military buses, leading to a court martial. Ultimately, Robinson was honorably discharged.
After WWII, Robinson played one season for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League. He was scouted by Branch Rickey, general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who sought to integrate Major League Baseball. They met in 1945 and agreed Robinson would not retaliate against racist taunts to avoid fueling critics as the first black player.
On April 15, 1947, Robinson made his MLB debut with the Dodgers at first base, going hitless against the Boston Braves. Though facing hostile racial slurs from fans and opponents, Robinson went on to have an award-winning rookie season. His athleticism and disciplined restraint gradually won over many critics. By 1949, Robinson was the National League batting champion and MVP.
Over a 10 year career, Robinson excelled both on and off the field. A talented infielder and base stealer, he helped the Dodgers reach six World Series. His courage under fire desegregated baseball and inspired the civil rights movement. After retirement in 1957, Robinson remained active in business and politics, advocating equal opportunity until his death in 1972.
Jackie Robinson opened the door for generations of minority athletes. His character and talent enabled integration under intense pressure few could endure. Robinson remarked, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." His dignified grace under fire demonstrated the power of nonviolence to effect social change.
Comprehension Questions:
1. What led Robinson to leave college during WWII?
a) To enlist in military service
b) To play professional baseball
c) To start a civil rights organization
d) To avoid racial segregation on campus
2. How did Robinson qualify to become an army officer?
a) He volunteered for a black regiment.
b) He passed Officer Candidate School.
c) He fought against segregation policies.
d) He was specially recruited by Branch Rickey.
3. What approach did Robinson initially agree to take as the first black MLB player?
a) Quietly turning the other cheek to racism
b) Refusing to play unless racially abuse stopped
c) Threatening boycotts if not given fair treatment
d) Demanding desegregation of stadium facilities
4. How did Robinson eventually gain wider acceptance in MLB?
a) By giving fiery rebuttals to racist critics
b) By exceeding expectations with his play
c) By refusing to play in segregated stadiums
d) By getting traded to a more liberal team
5. What does the passage suggest was Robinson's lasting legacy?
a) Advancing the civil rights movement
b) Encouraging black youth to play baseball
c) Ending all racial barriers in professional sports
d) Improving conditions in Negro American League
Glossary:
Bigotry - Intolerant prejudice against a group based on race, religion, sex, etc.
Desegregate - Abolish racial segregation in a place or organization.
Dignified - Behaving in a serious and self-controlled way.
Integrate - Combine (one thing) with another to become whole.
Phenomenal - Remarkable or extraordinary.
Here is a reading passage on the life and achievements of Muhammad Ali:
Day Five: Muhammad Ali: The Greatest Boxer and Social Activist
Muhammad Ali entertained millions as a boxer while standing firm for his principles, becoming an international icon. His showmanship in the ring combined with his integrity outside it to make him "The Greatest" boxer and one of the most influential Americans of all time.
Born Cassius Clay in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali began boxing at age 12, winning two national Golden Gloves titles. He qualified for the 1960 Olympics, claiming gold in the light heavyweight division. Turning professional in 1960, Clay won his first 19 fights, mostly by knockout. His brash predictions, rhyming taunts, and cocky persona delighted and enraged audiences.
In 1964, Clay won his first world heavyweight title, beating Sonny Liston. He then shocked America by announcing his conversion to Islam and name change to Muhammad Ali. As racial tensions escalated in the 1960s, Ali faced criticism for his Muslim faith and relations with Malcolm X. In 1967, he was stripped of his title for refusing military induction during the Vietnam War as a conscientious objector.
Regaining his boxing license in 1970, Ali returned to the ring against new champion Joe Frazier. Though losing his first comeback bout, Ali bested top contenders including Frazier to reclaim the heavyweight crown in 1974. His epic bouts against George Foreman and Frazier remain legendary for showcasing Ali's strategic brilliance and tenacity against younger rivals.
Ali's iconic status transcended boxing through his showmanship, humor, and principles. He appeared on stage and television, releasing spoken word albums. His refusals to be cowed by government pressure inspired antiwar and civil rights activists. Though somewhat controversial, Ali was deeply respected for standing by his convictions at great personal cost.
Advancing Parkinson's disease precipitated Ali's retirement in 1981. He focused on philanthropy as his speech and mobility declined, raising funds for Parkinson's research and hunger relief. The unconditional love displayed towards Ali worldwide highlighted the unifying power of sports and character. He lit the Olympic flame in 1996 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 as tributes poured in.
Muhammad Ali entertained millions with his flair and boxing genius. But his courageous integrity both inside and outside the ring made him a legend. He defiantly spoke truth to power while retaining his flawless humor and humanity. Ali proved that living with purpose and principle surpasses any achievement.
Comprehension Questions:
1. How did Cassius Clay distinguish himself early in boxing?
a) With his defeat of Joe Frazier
b) By winning Olympic gold in 1960
c) Through his promotion of the sport
d) With his flawless professional record
2. Why was Ali's name change controversial at the time?
a) He abandoned his slave name.
b) It was seen as unpatriotic.
c) It aligned him with Islam.
d) It threatened his career.
3. What stance jeopardized Ali's career in the late 1960s?
a) His friendship with Malcolm X
b) His objection to the Vietnam War
c) His racial justice advocacy
d) His conversion to Islam
4. How did Ali regain the world heavyweight title in the 1970s?
a) By an inspirational comeback
b) Due to opponents' injuries
c) From better training techniques
d) Through legal action
5. What made Ali greatly admired outside of boxing?
a) His showmanship and entertainment
b) His unyielding principles and integrity
c) His ideal physique and fitness
d) His access to mainstream audiences
Glossary:
Brash - Self-assertive in a noisy, overbearing way.
Conscientious objector - One who refuses military service due to moral or religious objections.
Conviction - A firmly held belief or principle.
Iconic - Widely recognized and well-established.
Tenacity - Persistence and determination.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you!