Grade 4 PARCC Prep Assignment: Iceberg Ahead!

Part One

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Grade 4 PARCC Prep Assignment: Iceberg Ahead!

Part One
Do you know what an iceberg is? Each year about 40,000 icebergs are born that
is, break off from large glaciers. Most of them come from the shores of Greenland. They may be as
small as your house or as large as a city block. In fog or storms, sailors on the North Atlantic used to
be afraid of icebergs. They thought the white, silent icebergs were the greatest danger they had to
face. Do you see the iceberg in the picture above? That very iceberg sank a mighty ship in 1912.
The glaciers that icebergs come from are made up of unmelted snow. Some of the snow fell more
than 50,000 years ago. Their weight makes them break off the lip of a glacier. This is called calving.
Then they float free. When the sun is shining on it an iceberg looks like a bright white island. At other
times it appears dark and gloomy. An iceberg may look as smooth as polished marble or melted
glass. It may have many holes in its sides, like a honeycomb. Every iceberg is different and unique.
Icebergs from the east coast of Greenland move with the water current. They go around the
southern tip of the island. From there the current swings north toward the Arctic Circle. It carries the
icebergs with it. These icebergs are joined by others that break off from the 20 main glaciers on the
northwest coast of Greenland.
For about three years the icebergs drift north and west. Then they reach the Labrador Current. From
there they turn south toward shipping lanes.
Luckily, most icebergs run aground or get trapped in bays. They melt away in the summer sun. But
some go on drifting south at a speed of more than 50 miles a day.
Sometimes they drift surprisingly far to the south. In 1926 a British steamer came upon an iceberg
about 200 miles south of Bermuda! It was only 30 feet by 15 feet and rose only 3 feet above the
water. Yet this iceberg was still powerful enough to slice open a ship. Most icebergs only reach the
northern shipping lane. This is where many ships travel. Then they become the concern of the Ice
Patrol.
The Titanic hit an iceberg the night of April 14, 1912. When that ship went down, 1502 lives were
lost. The Titanic was the worlds biggest, newest, and most unsinkable ship of her time. And she
was on her first voyage. Her loss shocked the world.
In 1913 an International Conference on the Safety of Life at Sea met in London. The International Ice
Patrol was founded in 1914. A patrol service for the dangerous areas of the Atlantic was set up. The
United States was asked to help create and manage it. Each country pays a part of the cost.
Ships of many countries cooperate with the US Coast Guard. They report information on ice
conditions and icebergs. Ice Patrol Headquarters is in New London, Connecticut. There, each
icebergs position is marked on a big wall chart. It is also entered into computer systems. Word is
broadcast twice a day to all ships at sea. And every four hours ships in the ice area report conditions
to Patrol Headquarters.
Icebergs are born in the warmer months. March through August is the danger season for ships.
During this season, Ice Patrol ships and planes scout the shipping area. But even in January and
February the Patrol is busy. It charts airplane and satellite reports of icebergs. They are just breaking
off from glaciers and starting on their way.
The average number of icebergs found in shipping lanes is different each year. The average is 425.
But the number can vary a lot each year. In 1912, when the Titanic was lost, 1019 icebergs were
found. In 1924 there were only 11.
The Ice Patrol can proudly claim that no lives have been lost from icebergs in the area it has
guarded. Since the Titanic sank in 1912, no one else has died. But no one will ever say that the

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danger from icebergs is past.

* Required

1. Directions: Below are questions about the article Icebergs Ahead. Read the directions
for each set of questions and do your best work. You may look back at the story if you
need to. *
Mark only one oval.
Yes, I understand the above directions
No, I do not understand the above directions
2. Please enter your full name below.
(First,Last) *

3. Please identify what fourth grade class you are in. *

Mark only one oval.
4D
4P
4O
4. Part A: An iceberg is a piece from a _____________________. *
Select the choice that best completes each sentence.
Mark only one oval.
cliff
snowbank
glacier
5. Part B: Please locate a sentence within the
passage that supports your answer choice in
the above question. *

6. Part A: North Atlantic icebergs are usually born in _____________________. *

Select the choice that best completes each sentence.
Mark only one oval.
Maine
Alaska
Greenland
7. Part B: Please locate a sentence within the
passage that supports your answer choice in
the above question. *

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8. Part A: Since the Ice Patrol began________________ lives have been lost to icebergs. *
Select the choice that best completes each sentence.
Mark only one oval.
many
few
no
9. Part B: Please locate a sentence within the
passage that supports your answer choice in
the above question. *

10. Part A: The most famous iceberg in all history was hit by ___________________. *
Select the choice that best completes each sentence.
Mark only one oval.
Bermuda
the Titanic
the Ice Patrol
11. Part B: Please locate a sentence within the
passage that supports your answer choice in
the above question. *

12. Part A: The International Ice Patrol was created about ________ years ago. *
Select the choice that best completes each sentence.
Mark only one oval.
50
20
100
13. Part B: Please locate a sentence within the
passage that supports your answer choice in
the above question. *

14. Part A: The most dangerous time for icebergs is ____________ months. *
Select the choice that best completes each sentence.
Mark only one oval.
warmer
colder
winter

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15. Part B: Please locate a sentence within the

passage that supports your answer choice in
the above question. *

16. Part A: Ships receive messages about icebergs by _________________. *

Select the choice that best completes each sentence.
Mark only one oval.
internet
radio
radar
17. Part B: Please locate a sentence within the
passage that supports your answer choice in
the above question. *

18. Part A: Icebergs all look ______________. *

Select the choice that best completes each sentence.
Mark only one oval.
different
the same
smooth
19. Part B: Please locate a sentence within the
passage that supports your answer choice in
the above question. *

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