Part A
What does the word "vast" suggest as it is used in paragraph 1 of the passage?

• Small and crowded

• Very large and open

• Rocky and difficult to travel

• Dangerous and unlivable

Part B
Which two sentences from the passage help readers understand the meaning of the word "vast" as it is used in paragraph 1?

• "The Great Plains is a vast region in North America that stretches across several states in the United States and parts of Canada." (paragraph 1)

• "This region is home to many different animals, including bison, prairie dogs, and coyotes." (paragraph 1)

• "The Great Plains has an extreme climate, with hot summers and cold winters." (paragraph 2)

• "The wide, open skies provide stunning views of sunrises and sunsets." (paragraph 4)

• "The region is also famous for its storms, including powerful thunderstorms and tornadoes that can form quickly due to the flat terrain." (paragraph 4)

Part A
What is the main idea of the passage about the Great Plains?

• The Great Plains is a large and beautiful region with a rich history.

• The Great Plains is home to many dangerous animals.

• The Great Plains has unpredictable weather that makes it impossible to live there.

• The Great Plains is covered in forests and mountains.

Part B
Which sentence from the passage supports the answer to Part A?

• "The Great Plains has an extreme climate, with hot summers and cold winters." (paragraph 2)

• "Native American tribes, such as the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Comanche, have lived in the Great Plains for thousands of years." (paragraph 3)

• "National parks and wildlife preserves protect some of the remaining prairie lands and the animals that live there." (paragraph 5)

• "The wide, open skies provide stunning views of sunrises and sunsets." (paragraph 4)

What is one way the Great Plains is different from other regions in terms of its climate?

• It has a mild, rainy climate year-round.

• It experiences strong winds and has unpredictable rainfall.

• The temperatures never drop below freezing.

• It has a tropical climate with lots of rainfall.