Reading Comprehension
While the bald eagle is one national symbol of the United States, it is not the only one. Uncle Sam, a bearded gentleman
... [Show More] costumed in the red, white, and blue stars and stripes of the nation's flag, is another well-known national symbol. According to legend, this character is based on Samuel Wilson, the owner of a meat-packing business in Troy, New York.
During the War of 1812, Sam Wilson's company was granted a government contract to supply meat to the nation's soldiers; this meat was supplied to the army in barrels stamped with the initials U.S., which stood for United States. However, the country was at that time relatively young, and the initials U.S. were not commonly used. Many people questioned what the initials represented, and the standard reply became "Uncle Sam," for the owner of the barrels. It is now generally accepted that the figure of Uncle Sam is based on Samuel Wilson, and the U.S. Congress has made it official by adopting a resolution naming Samuel Wilson as the inspiration for Uncle Sam.
1. The paragraph preceding this passage most probably discusses
(A) the War of 1812
(B) the bald eagle, which symbolizes the United States
(C) Sam Wilson's meatpacking company
(D) The costume worn Uncle Sam
2. The word "granted" in line 5 means
(A) refused (B) underbid for (C) told about (D) given
3. According to the passage, what was in the barrels stamped U.S.?
Sam Wilson
Food for the army
Weapons to be used in the war
Company contracts
4. Which of the following is Not mentioned about Uncle Sam's appearance?
(A) He wears facial hair
(B) There is some blue in his clothing
(C) He is bald
(D) His clothes have stripes in them
5. The word "official" in line 10 is closest in meaning to
(A) authorized (B) professional (C) dutiful (D) accidental
6. In 1812, people most probably answered that the letters " US" written on the barrels stood for
"Uncle Sam" because
(A) congress require it
(B) Samuel Wilson was their favorite uncle
(C) Sam Wilson prefer it
(D) They were not exact sure what the letter meant [Show Less]