Bill Pickett: Rodeo-ridin' Cowboy
In the Wild West nobody thought that a slave would become a rodeo cowboy one day but this all changed when the son of a former slave became the first African American rodeo star. What do you remember about this hope inspiring book? Take the quiz below and know for sure.
- 1.
Which of these is a fact from the story?
- A.
Willie Pickett was more active than most children
- B.
Being in a rodeo is one of the most dangerous jobs
- C.
Bill Pickett's parents came from South Carolina
Correct Answer
C. Bill Pickett's parents came from South CarolinaExplanation
The fact from the story is that Bill Pickett's parents came from South Carolina.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The author compares freedom to
- A.
Bluebonnet blossoms
- B.
The Texas prairie
- C.
Parched soil
Correct Answer
A. Bluebonnet blossomsExplanation
The author compares freedom to bluebonnet blossoms. This comparison suggests that freedom is beautiful and vibrant, just like the blossoms of bluebonnet flowers. Bluebonnets are known for their striking blue color and are often associated with the beauty of nature. By comparing freedom to bluebonnet blossoms, the author implies that freedom is something that brings joy, beauty, and a sense of flourishing, much like the sight of a field of blooming bluebonnets.Rate this question:
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- 3.
How does the author describe Willie Pickett as a child?
- A.
The author says that Willi Pickett was as fast as a Texas tornado and as mean as a one-eyed horned toad.
- B.
The author says that Willie Pickett was quick as a jackrabbit, more wide-eyed than a hoot owl, and curious.
- C.
The author says that Willie Pickett was an average boy that liked to have fun on the ranch.
Correct Answer
B. The author says that Willie Pickett was quick as a jackrabbit, more wide-eyed than a hoot owl, and curious.Explanation
The author describes Willie Pickett as quick as a jackrabbit, more wide-eyed than a hoot owl, and curious. This suggests that Willie was not only physically fast but also alert and inquisitive.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How did the Pickett family spend their evenings?
- A.
The Pickett family spent their evenings by singing and playing banjo.
- B.
The Pickett family spent their evenings by reading the bible and praying.
- C.
The Pickett family spent their evenings by swapping stories.
Correct Answer
C. The Pickett family spent their evenings by swapping stories.Explanation
The correct answer is that the Pickett family spent their evenings by swapping stories. This can be inferred from the given options, as the other options mention activities such as singing and playing banjo, and reading the bible and praying, but only the option of swapping stories directly relates to spending evenings.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What interested Bill most at an early age?
- A.
Bill was most interested in catching lizards.
- B.
Bill was most interested in the cowboys who drove thousands of steers past his parent's farm.
- C.
Bill was most interested in helping his father in the fields.
Correct Answer
B. Bill was most interested in the cowboys who drove thousands of steers past his parent's farm.Explanation
At an early age, Bill was most interested in the cowboys who drove thousands of steers past his parent's farm. This implies that Bill found the cowboys and their work fascinating and captivating. It suggests that he had a strong curiosity and admiration for the cowboys and their way of life.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Why was it hard at first for Bill to join the rodeo?
- A.
It was hard for him because he had to leave his family, and some people didn't want an African-American cowboy.
- B.
It was hard for him because he had to leave a job that earned lots of money for his family, and some people didn't want an African-American cowboy.
- C.
It was hard for him because he did not think he was as good as the other rodeo people, and some people didn't want an African-American cowboy.
Correct Answer
A. It was hard for him because he had to leave his family, and some people didn't want an African-American cowboy.Explanation
The correct answer explains that it was hard for Bill to join the rodeo because he had to leave his family, and some people didn't want an African-American cowboy. This suggests that Bill faced challenges on both personal and societal levels. Leaving his family would have been emotionally difficult for him, and facing discrimination based on his race would have added additional obstacles to his pursuit of becoming a cowboy in the rodeo.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Why did the Millers want to hire Bill?
- A.
The Millers wanted to hire him, because he could draw a crowd and put on a good show.
- B.
The Millers wanted to hire him, because they wanted to help African-American cowboys.
- C.
The Millers wanted to hire him, because he was a friend of an old family friend.
Correct Answer
A. The Millers wanted to hire him, because he could draw a crowd and put on a good show.Explanation
The Millers wanted to hire Bill because he had the ability to attract a large audience and entertain them with an impressive performance. This suggests that the Millers were looking for someone who could captivate and engage a crowd, likely for a specific event or purpose. It implies that Bill's skills and talents were highly valued by the Millers, and they believed that he would be able to deliver a memorable and entertaining show.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What did people do to show that they liked Bill's riding skills?
- A.
To show Bill they liked his skills, the people cheered and asked him to dinner.
- B.
To show Bill they liked his skills, the people clapped.
- C.
To show Bill they liked his skills, the people dropped coins in his hat.
Correct Answer
C. To show Bill they liked his skills, the people dropped coins in his hat.Explanation
The correct answer is "To show Bill they liked his skills, the people dropped coins in his hat." This answer is supported by the fact that dropping coins in his hat is a common way for people to show appreciation or support for a performer or entertainer. The action of dropping coins in his hat indicates that the people were impressed by Bill's riding skills and wanted to show their admiration by giving him money.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Where does this story take place?
- A.
Utah
- B.
Arizona
- C.
Texas
Correct Answer
C. TexasExplanation
This story takes place in Texas.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How did Bill get a bull to do down without a fight?
- A.
He bit the animal's lip
- B.
He pushed the animal over
- C.
He sang a song to the animal
Correct Answer
A. He bit the animal's lipExplanation
Bill was able to get the bull to go down without a fight by biting the animal's lip. This action likely caused the bull pain or discomfort, causing it to submit and go down without putting up a fight.Rate this question:
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- 11.
To pass the time on the slow, steady trek, the southerners sang traveling songs. Another word for trek is
- A.
Meal
- B.
Journey
- C.
Race
Correct Answer
B. JourneyExplanation
The passage mentions a "slow, steady trek" which implies a long and arduous journey. The southerners are passing the time by singing traveling songs, further emphasizing the idea of a journey. Therefore, the correct answer is "journey".Rate this question:
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- 12.
The cowboys looked at this brazen boy and went back to their work. Brazen means
- A.
Pushy
- B.
Thin
- C.
Shy
Correct Answer
A. PushyExplanation
The cowboys observed the bold and confident behavior of the boy but did not pay much attention to him and continued with their tasks. "Brazen" refers to someone who is audacious, assertive, or even impudent. In this context, the cowboys perceived the boy as pushy, displaying a boldness that caught their attention but did not deter them from focusing on their work.Rate this question:
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- 13.
According to the story, bulldogging was invented by feisty Bill Pickett. Someone who is feisty is
- A.
Smart and proud
- B.
Calm and wise
- C.
Frisky and brave
Correct Answer
C. Frisky and braveExplanation
The correct answer is frisky and brave. According to the story, bulldogging was invented by Bill Pickett, who is described as feisty. Feisty typically refers to someone who is lively, energetic, and courageous. Therefore, it can be inferred that someone who is feisty is frisky and brave.Rate this question:
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- 14.
One of the cowboys put forth a challenge. In this sentence, a challenge is
- A.
Something everyone already knows
- B.
Something that may be difficult to do
- C.
Something that makes people angry
Correct Answer
B. Something that may be difficult to doExplanation
The correct answer is "something that may be difficult to do." In the given sentence, the cowboy is presenting a challenge, indicating that it is something that may require effort or skill to accomplish.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Even when Bill Pickett was very young, he was itching for adventure. Adventure means
- A.
A fun or exciting experience
- B.
A place to call your very own
- C.
A treasure that makes you rich
Correct Answer
A. A fun or exciting experienceExplanation
Bill Pickett's desire for adventure indicates that he was looking for something thrilling or exciting in his life. This suggests that adventure, in this context, refers to a fun or exciting experience. It implies that Bill Pickett wanted to engage in thrilling activities and explore new and exciting opportunities, rather than seeking a place to call his own or a treasure for wealth.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 19, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Apr 24, 2013Quiz Created by
Mriley100
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