The Man Who Invented Roller Skates

What is the meaning of the word masquerades as it is used in paragraph 1?

• dances

• parties

• concerts

• theaters

Which two quotations provide sufficient evidence to support the author’s claim that Merlin was well-respected in his time?

• “His entrance caused a great sensation.” (paragraph 1)

• “Roller skating did not catch on as a hobby for sensible people for another hundred years.” (paragraph 2)

• “English artist Thomas Gainsborough painted his portrait, and his name appeared in the novels of friends.” (paragraph 3)

• “Perhaps the most fascinating of all Merlin’s automata was a large, silver mechanical swan that swam in a mirrored brook, and even seemed to catch and swallow fish.” (paragraph 6)

• “Many of his musical instruments and other inventions, including the silver swan, can still be seen in museums.” (paragraph 9)

What is the meaning of the word careened as it is used in paragraph 1?

• crashed

• flew

• swayed

• tripped

What is a central idea of the passage?

• A Inventors should try to create things that will make money for them.

• A Inventors should try to create things that will make money for them.

• Inventors should try to persevere when they fail or face difficulties in their efforts.

• Inventors should try to hire people to test their inventions for them before showing them to the public.

Read the sentence from paragraph 5.

Merlin devised many contraptions to make life easier for the sick or disabled.

What is the meaning of contraptions as it is used in the sentence?

• applications

• furnishings

• gadgets

• rollers

Which phrase from paragraph 5 helps the reader determine the meaning of contraptions?

• He designed the Morpheus chair, a wheelchair that reclined if the occupant needed to rest.

• His “gouty” chair—for those suffering from gout

• a painful inflammation of the joints, often affecting the big toe —could be propelled and

• steered by turning winches on its arms.

Which two claims made by the author lack sufficient support in the passage?

• “. . . John Joseph Merlin, made a grand entrance.” (paragraph 1)

• “Roller skating did not catch on as a hobby for sensible people. . . .” (paragraph 2)

• “Merlin’s inventiveness went far beyond musical instruments.” (paragraph 4)

• “Merlin devised many contraptions to make life easier for the sick or disabled.” (paragraph 5)

• “Merlin’s mechanical magic fascinated all London.” (paragraph 8)

How did automation influence John Joseph Merlin’s inventions?

• Merlin created a better wheelchair with automation.

• Merlin invented roller skates powered by automation.

• Merlin made clocks using automation that was mechanical.

• Merlin designed items using automation that moved like people.

Which statement describes a conclusion reached by the author of “The Man Who Invented Roller Skates”?

• Merlin was creative and often envied by his peers.

• Merlin was a genius who created marvelous inventions

• The museum Merlin opened was the first amusement park.

• The accident on roller skates was what caused Merlin to stop inventing toys.

Select the quotation from the passage that supports that Merlin was a genius who created marvelous inventions.

• “English artist Thomas Gainsborough painted his portrait, and his name appeared in the novels of friends.” (paragraph 3)

• “Perhaps the most fascinating of all Merlin’s automata was a large, silver mechanical swan that swam in a mirrored brook, . . .” (paragraph 6)

• “Eventually Merlin opened a museum that he called Merlin’s Cave, linking his own name with that of King Arthur’s wizard.” (paragraph 7)

• “Many of his musical instruments and other inventions, including the silver swan, can still be seen. . . .” (paragraph 9)