ELTIS - English Language Test for International Students Reading Social Studies Texts 1

Question 1

Read the following passage: 'The United States Constitution was ratified in 1788 and established the framework for the federal government.
The Bill of Rights, added in 1791, consists of the first ten amendments and protects individual liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.' According to the passage, what does the Bill of Rights protect?

Accepted Answer

Individual liberties such as freedom of speech and religion

Answer

The power of the federal government over states

Answer

The process for ratifying new states

Answer

The duties of the President and Congress

Question 2

A social studies text states: 'The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 1700s, transformed economies from agriculture-based to manufacturing-based. Factories replaced cottage industries, and workers moved from rural areas to cities in a process called urbanization.' Based on this passage, what is urbanization?

Accepted Answer

The movement of workers from rural areas to cities

Answer

The growth of factory machinery during the Industrial Revolution

Answer

The shift from manufacturing back to farming

Answer

The process of building new roads between towns

Question 3

Read the excerpt: 'The Great Depression of the 1930s caused widespread unemployment and poverty across the United States. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the New Deal, a series of government programs designed to provide relief, recovery, and reform.' What was the purpose of the New Deal?

Accepted Answer

To provide relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression

Answer

To declare war on foreign nations that caused the Depression

Answer

To reduce the size of the federal government

Answer

To encourage banks to lend more money without restrictions

Question 4

A textbook passage reads: 'The United Nations was founded in 1945 after World War II with the goal of promoting international peace and cooperation. Member nations agree to resolve conflicts through diplomacy rather than armed conflict whenever possible.' According to the passage, how does the United Nations prefer conflicts to be resolved?

Accepted Answer

Through diplomacy rather than armed conflict

Answer

Through military force led by the most powerful nations

Answer

By allowing each nation to act independently without interference

Answer

By holding public elections in countries experiencing conflict

Question 5

Read the following passage: 'The system of federalism divides governmental power between the national government and state governments. Some powers, like printing money and declaring war, belong only to the federal government, while others, like issuing driver's licenses, are left to individual states.' Based on this passage, which power belongs to the federal government?

Accepted Answer

Declaring war on foreign nations

Answer

Issuing driver's licenses to residents

Answer

Setting school lunch menus for local districts

Answer

Deciding state speed limits on highways

Question 6

A social studies text states: 'The American westward expansion of the 1800s was fueled by the concept of Manifest Destiny — the belief that the United States was destined to stretch from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. This expansion came at a great cost to Native American populations, who were displaced from their ancestral lands.' What does the passage say was a consequence of westward expansion?

Accepted Answer

Native American populations were displaced from their ancestral lands

Answer

Native Americans gained new territories and legal protections

Answer

The United States expanded its trade routes with European nations

Answer

New railroad lines connected the East Coast to South America