Read the following passages:Humankind did not create Earth — it was a gift from the gods. What began as a handful of dirt on the back of a turtle grew into the rolling hills and vast plains we see today. Everything on Earth, including the rivers and trees and even the animals, is a gift that has been entrusted to humans. The gods have given us this land to care for, and we should use only what we need.My eyes scanned the plains where I had hunted bison, the creek where I had gotten water. They could no more take this land from me than I could give it freely. It was never mine to give, and I had never thought that I owned it. I used it in accordance with what the gods had given me. And now I was being forced to leave.Which of these best describes how the personal narrative enhances a reader's understanding of the mythical description?A.It shows how conflicting religious beliefs lead to friction between cultures.B.It confirms the idea that American Indians wanted to remain on the land their ancestors owned.C.It supports the American Indian perspective that land was to be used but not owned.D.It gives readers a personal glimpse at what can go wrong when animals are hunted to the point of extinction.SUBMITarrow_backPREVIOUS

Read the following passage:Humankind did not create Earth — it was a gift from the gods. What began as a handful of dirt on the back of a turtle grew into the rolling hills and vast plains we see today. Everything on Earth, including the rivers and trees and even the animals, is a gift that has been entrusted to humans. The gods have given us this land to care for, and we should use only what we need.Which of these most closely matches the tone of the passage?A.The Iroquois fashioned intricate jewelry and headpieces to be used in religious ceremonies.B.But the grasshopper, who had played all summer long, found that when winter came he had no food to eat.C.Once there was a little girl who had a very difficult childhood. Little did she know that she would one day be crowned queen of her country.D.What was happening to our nature preserve? I looked around at the empty cans, plastic bags, and broken glass.

The ancient Native American proverb wisely states, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." This profound statement encapsulates the essence of our relationship with the planet we call home. Earth does not belong to us; rather, we belong to Earth. In this essay, we will delve into the idea that we are mere stewards of this planet, responsible for its well-being and preservation.The Earth as Our HomeSince the dawn of human civilization, our species has flourished on the bountiful planet Earth. We have built civilizations, harnessed the Earth's resources, and adapted to its diverse environments. However, it is essential to recognize that our existence here is temporary, while the Earth's existence predates us by billions of years. The Earth has been a hospitable host to countless species long before humans walked its surface, and it will continue to do so long after we are gone.Interconnectedness with NatureWe must acknowledge our deep-rooted interconnectedness with the natural world. Our survival and well-being depend on the health of the planet. We rely on Earth's ecosystems for clean air, fresh water, fertile soil, and an abundance of resources for our sustenance. The delicate balance of nature ensures our survival, and any disruption to this balance can have severe consequences.Stewardship, Not OwnershipThe idea that Earth belongs to us is a dangerous misconception that has led to overexploitation, environmental degradation, and the depletion of natural resources. Instead, we must view ourselves as stewards of the Earth, entrusted with the responsibility of preserving its beauty and vitality for future generations. Just as a steward manages and cares for someone else's property, we must manage and care for the Earth, recognizing that we are only temporary occupants.Environmental ResponsibilityOur stewardship of the Earth entails a moral and ethical responsibility to protect and preserve it. This responsibility includes adopting sustainable practices in agriculture, industry, and daily life. It also involves conserving biodiversity, combating climate change, and reducing pollution. When we treat the Earth with respect and care, we not only safeguard our future but also honor the intricate web of life that sustains us.A Global EffortPreserving the Earth is not the sole responsibility of one nation or one generation. It is a global effort that transcends borders and time. We must collaborate as a global community, sharing knowledge, technology, and resources to address environmental challenges collectively. International agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity are examples of the commitment to this shared responsibility.ConclusionIn conclusion, the Earth does not belong to us; we belong to Earth. Our presence on this planet is a privilege, and with it comes the solemn duty of stewardship. It is our responsibility to protect, preserve, and cherish the Earth for future generations. By adopting sustainable practices and recognizing our interconnectedness with the natural world, we can ensure that the Earth continues to thrive long after we are gone. Let us remember the wisdom of the Native American proverb and strive to be conscientious stewards of our only home.

Read the following passages:Long ago, the gods held a meeting to create a new animal. "It will be large, with strong bones, so man can use them to make tools," said the sky god. "It will be covered in a thick hide, so man can use it to make leather clothing," said the water god. "Its meat will be plentiful, so man will have much to eat," said the wind god. They called the animal bison and set great herds of them across the land.As I washed the unfinished food down the drain and collected the paper plates to throw out, I considered my ancestors. What would they think of this excess and waste? They would have spent days on a hunt to take down a single bison and then painstakingly find a use for every single part. Was our heritage picnic becoming a dishonor to their legacy?Which of these best describes how the personal narrative enhances a reader's understanding of the mythical description?A.It supports the people's appreciation for resourcefulness by showing how the practice is carried on today.B.It confirms the idea that the bison was a highly valued resource to this cultural group.C.It illustrates the differences between modern buildings and those used long ago.D.It shows that the values of long ago are no longer relevant but still fun to remember and share.SUBMITarrow_backPREVIOUS

Read the following passages:My eyes scanned the plains where I had hunted bison, the creek where I had gotten water. They could no more take this land from me than I could give it freely. It was never mine to give, and I had never thought that I owned it. I used it in accordance with what the gods had given me. And now I was being forced to leave.Understanding of property rights among American Indians differed greatly from that of European settlers. While some land deals did involve the exchange of money or goods (rather than just taking land by force), misunderstandings about ownership often led to conflict.Which of these best describes how the historical description enhances a reader's understanding of the personal narrative?A.It provides background information to help readers understand the narrator's confusion.B.It connects the experience of moving somewhere to a modern understanding of land use and distribution.C.It supports the personal experience of living off the land with historical information about how it was done.D.It creates a vivid mental picture so readers can understand the area and the resources in question.SUBMITarrow_backPREVIOUS

Today, Native American writers commonly use themes of nature and environment in their books and stories. This focus is partly an effort to draw a greater awareness to global environmental concerns. Historically, the foundation of Native American cultures has been grounded in the relationship between the natural environment and the people. Ancient beliefs teach that the survival of both the people and the land is dependent on a mutual respect for one another. Both the people and the land are alive and in a continuous state of habitation and coexistence. In fact, the Earth is perceived as being just as alive and animated as any person or animal. This kinship still influences numerous aspects of life for many Native American cultures across the nation.12Which statement correctly describes the purpose of the passage above? A. The passage persuades readers to be more environmentally aware. B. The passage informs readers about themes used by certain writers. C. The passage describes how to be more environmentally conservative. D. The passage entertains the reader with a story about the Earth.