English

In this selection from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, what is the Africans' first thought about what will happen when they reach Barbados and are examined by the merchants? a. They will be fed. b. They will be eaten. c. They will be freed. d. They will be beaten.

b

To which of these historic events does the opening sentence of the Gettysburg Address refer? a. the Pilgrims' landing b. the American Revolution c. the founding of Jamestown d. the outbreak of the Civil War

b

Which person is the best example of someone who demonstrates tyranny? a. a rebel b. a dictator c. a member d. a challenger

b

What is Lincoln's main purpose in the Gettysburg Address? a. to identify the soldiers who have died in battle so far b. to argue why the Union will win the war c. to seek money for the families of those who died in battle d. to explain the importance of the war and inspire support for the Union

d

According to Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address, what is the stated purpose for meeting on the battlefield? a. to set aside a portion of the field as a graveyard for fallen soldiers b. to make a commitment to avenging the slain Gettysburg troops c. to pledge the nation to the Northern cause d. to surrender the nation to God

a

According to Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address, why are he and the others attending the ceremony unable to make the ground at Gettysburg holy? a. The soldiers who fought there have already made it holy. b. The site can never be holy until the Civil War has ended. c. Too much violence and bloodshed have taken place there. d. Only God, not human beings, can ever make a place holy.

a

According to his Speech in the Convention, why does Franklin want the delegates to the Constitutional Convention to support the Constitution strongly despite any personal reservations they may have? a. because doing so guarantees that the principles of the Constitution will be administered well b. because doing so will inspire public confidence in the delegates' leadership c. because Franklin views the document as a product of their joint wisdom d. because Franklin believes that it is a perfect document

a

From the Declaration of Independence, what can a reader infer about Jefferson's general attitude toward revolution? a. Revolution is a method of last resort. b. All cases of injustice justify a revolution. c. People often revolt as their first course of action. d. Revolution is a very poor way of dealing with conflict.

a

If people are convinced of their own infallibility, which of these attitudes do they most likely display? a. They believe they are always right. b. They are shy and full of self-doubt. c. They are puzzled by complex issues. d. They have trouble making decisions.

a

If you acquiesce to a plan, what is most likely true? a. You go along with it despite your reluctance. b. You see drawbacks to it and want to modify it. c. You want more time to consider other options. d. You disagree with it and will not participate.

a

If you claim that someone's actions lacked rectitude, how do you think the person most likely behaved? a. rudely b. carelessly c. dishonestly d. self-importantly

a

In his Speech in the Convention, what point does Franklin make most clearly in arguing that unanimity is an important part of the representatives' acceptance? a. Unanimity shows that the government is strong and efficient. b. Unanimity makes the work of government leaders more pleasant. c. Unanimity proves that America's enemies have mistaken opinions. d. Unanimity speeds up the process of making decisions for the nation.

a

In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln refers to the battlefield as "a final resting place" for the soldiers. He might have used more precise words or phrases, such as "cemetery" or "burial ground." What is the most reasonable inference to draw from Lincoln's diction—his choice to use the simple phrase "final resting place"? a. Lincoln wants to comfort listeners who have lost loved ones in the battle. b. Lincoln hopes to shame the military into ending the war promptly. c. Lincoln wants equal honor given to soldiers from both sides. d. Lincoln hopes to celebrate the triumph of a great victory.

a

In the Gettysburg Address, which set of values does Abraham Lincoln most clearly associate with the nation he leads? a. freedom and equality b. creativity and ingenuity c. prosperity and opportunity d. self-reliance and individuality

a

In this selection from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, what becomes of Equiano and the other Africans when they are taken ashore in Barbados? a. They are sold into slavery. b. They are hired by merchants. c. They are sent home to Africa. d. They are freed by the government.

a

In which of these situations is the word dedicate used correctly? a. An author might dedicate a book to a friend. b. A chef might dedicate ingredients to a recipe. c. A doctor might dedicate an injury to a patient. d. A soldier might dedicate supplies to a knapsack.

a

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is a slave narrative. Which quotation from this text makes the best use of strong descriptive language to create an emotional appeal? a. The stench of the hold while we were on the coast was so intolerably loathsome, that it was dangerous to remain there for any time ... but now that the whole ship's cargo were confined together, it became absolutely pestilential. b. I also now first saw the use of the quadrant; I had often with astonishment seen the mariners make observations with it, and I could not think what it meant. c. At last, we came in sight of the island of Barbados, at which the whites on board gave a great shout, and made many signs of joy to us. d. They told us we were not to be eaten, but to work, and were soon to go on land, where we should see many of our country people.... And sure enough, soon after we were landed, there came to us Africans of all languages.

a

Which answer choice best describes the author's main reason for writing The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano? a. to make people aware of the cruelty of slavery b. to make people aware of the need for fresh air c. to make people aware of the rigors of crossing the sea d. to make people aware of the dangers of overcrowding on ships

a

Which of the following is one of the purposes of the Preamble to the Constitution? a. to summarize each of the main ideas presented in the Constitution b. to state the specific rights and freedoms that the Constitution protects c. to describe the process by which the Constitution was written and approved d. to explain that the Constitution was established by the people of the United States

a

Which phrase best describes how the Africans were treated by their white captors according to Equiano in the selection from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano? a. like animals b. like enemies c. like foreigners d. like human beings

a

Which word is closest in meaning to consecrate? a. sanctify b. violate c. remember d. eliminate

a

Which of the following topics are covered in the Bill of Rights? Choose three options. a. the rights of people charged with crimes b. the freedom to worship as one chooses c. the legal definition of the term citizen d. the procedure for electing a President e. the right for women to vote f. the right to speak freely

a,b,f

5. Given his statements in the Speech in the Convention, choose which of the following statements Franklin would most likely agree with. a. People should maintain their convictions no matter what opposing arguments are made. b. People should not express opinions on important topics until they are certain of the facts. c. People should keep in mind that they may be mistaken in their opinions. d. People should work on a task until it is completed perfectly.

b

According to the Preamble to the Bill of Rights, who had to approve the Bill of Rights before it became law? a. the President b. the legislatures of three-fourths of the states c. the President and the Supreme Court judges d. a strong majority of the general voting public

b

Based on the wording of the Gettysburg Address, describe Lincoln's view of himself and his audience. a. powerless and defeated b. humble and dedicated c. cowardly and fearful d. noble and proud

b

If a government results in despotism, what must be true? a. The government must begin again. b. The government has become tyrannical. c. The government has failed at having unlimited power. d. The government cannot be as great as it previously was.

b

If taking some action is prescribed by a law, which of the following must be true? Base your answer on the meaning of prescribed. a. The law prohibits taking an action. b. The law requires the action be taken. c. The law offers an action as an option. d. The law avoids suggesting a specific action.

b

In his Speech in the Convention, Franklin states the following. ... [W]hen you assemble a number of men, to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected? What is Franklin's purpose in posing the rhetorical question above? a. to emphasize that those who oppose the Constitution should draw attention to its serious imperfections b. to argue that it would be unreasonable to demand an ideal Constitution from flawed human beings c. to show that the character faults of the delegates seriously outweigh their joint wisdom, and the result will be poor d. to demonstrate that while those involved in its creation are flawed, the Constitution will still be a perfect document

b

In the opening sentence of the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln refers to the United States as having been "conceived in Liberty." Which of the following best explains why Lincoln emphasizes the notion of liberty in the speech? a. to refer to the reason the audience has gathered at the battlefield b. to remind his listeners of the reason the soldiers fought and died c. to show his respect for the bravery of the armies on both sides of the war d. to recognize contributions of former slaves to the war effort on both sides

b

Read Amendment IX from the Bill of Rights. Amendment IX The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. What is the most likely reason this amendment was included in the Bill of Rights? a. Congress understood that people did not want a strong federal government. b. Congress was aware that some important rights may have been overlooked. c. Congress knew that only a few rights needed to be guaranteed in a democracy. d. Congress worried that too many guaranteed rights would weaken government.

b

Read this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.... Which of the following statements best explains what Jefferson means by "all men are created equal"? a. All people are equally provided with brains and talent. b. All people are entitled to equal treatment under the law. c. All people are equally qualified to hold high political office. d. All people are entitled to obey only the laws they agree with.

b

The Declaration of Independence states that independence has become "necessary" and that Americans "should declare the causes which impel them to the separation." Which of the following statements best expresses the point Jefferson makes with this language? a. Jefferson suggests that foreign allies have urged Congress to declare independence. b. Jefferson emphasizes that America has been forced into declaring its independence. c. Jefferson implies that Britain fully approves of Congress's decision to declare independence. d. Jefferson explains that America never considered any action other than declaring independence.

b

Which of the following is the central idea put forth in the Declaration of Independence? a. The American people will fight to the death to protect themselves from attacks by Britain. b. The American colonies are justified in rejecting British rule and setting up a new government. c. The people of Great Britain should claim their own independence from the rule of the current king. d. Americans who support the idea of independence from Great Britain greatly outnumber those who do not.

b

Which quotation from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is an example of a personal reflection that supports Equiano's purpose? a. This produced copious perspirations, so that the air soon became unfit for respiration, from a variety of loathsome smells, and brought on a sickness among the slaves, of which many died.... b. Every circumstance I met with, served only to render my state more painful, and heightened my apprehensions, and my opinion of the cruelty of the whites. c. One day, when we had a smooth sea and moderate wind, two of my wearied countrymen who were chained together ... preferring death to such a life of misery, somehow made through the nettings and jumped into the sea.... d. ... [T]wo of the wretches were drowned, but they got the other, and afterwards flogged him unmercifully....

b

Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to hallow? a. bless b. shame c. justify d. restrict

b

In the Declaration of Independence, what is Jefferson's purpose in listing self-evident truths? a. He is expressing the values that underlie his argument. b. He is demonstrating that he has a factual basis for his argument. c. He is drawing readers' attention to his personal and strongly held opinions. d. He is creating a connection to the colonists' attempts to reconcile with Britain.

b,a

According to the Declaration of Independence, which of the following statements are among the reasons the colonies determined to break away from British rule? Choose three options. a. The majority of Americans were not ethnically or culturally British. b. Britain was guilty of many recent abuses of its power in the colonies. c. The American and British armies had already clashed on the battlefield. d. Britain interfered with the operation of the legislatures in the various colonies. e. The British army was too weak and undisciplined to effectively protect the colonies. f. The American colonies did not wish to maintain any of the customs associated with being British.

b,c,d

What reasons for writing the Constitution are given in the Preamble to the Constitution? Choose three options. a. The Constitution was established to ensure peace within the country. b. The Constitution was established to present a united defense against other countries. c. The Constitution was established to enable taxes to be raised to support the government. d. The Constitution was established to promote the welfare of the people of the United States. e. The Constitution was established to give states more independence from the federal government. f. The Constitution was established to provide legal standing for the United States in international affairs.

b,d,f

According to his Speech in the Convention, what is Benjamin Franklin's overall opinion of the proposed Constitution? a. He strongly disapproves of it. b. He considers it unimportant. c. He has some objections to it. d. He completely approves of it.

c

According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the main purpose of a nation's government? a. to keep people satisfied with their leaders b. to help the nation grow in wealth and power c. to see that people's basic rights are protected d. to maintain order and stability by staying in power

c

If a person can accurately be described as wretched, which of the following must be true? a. She is unable to learn a lesson. b. She is homesick while traveling. c. She is trapped in a miserable situation. d. She is dissatisfied with what she is studying.

c

If an activity is salutary, what would be its effect? a. a weakening effect b. a depressing effect c. a healthful effect d. a puzzling effect

c

In his Speech in the Convention, Franklin states, "The opinions I have had of [the Constitution's] errors I sacrifice to the public good." Which of the following statements best explains why Franklin feels that it is his public duty to overlook the Constitution's errors? a. Franklin thinks that the people should not be informed about the details of the Constitutional debates. b. Franklin considers that the people have already indicated that they want the Constitution ratified. c. Franklin believes that swift agreement on a national government will be of great benefit to the people. d. Franklin knows that the people can always replace the government if it does not function satisfactorily.

c

In his Speech in the Convention, which of the following courses of action does Franklin advise the delegates to follow? a. Allow future generations to be the ones to perfect the Constitution. b. Change the Constitution only in ways a majority of members approves. c. Try to ensure that the government the Constitution establishes is run effectively. d. Pass the Constitution even though some of its provisions should generally be ignored.

c

In the selection from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, why is Equiano allowed to stay on the deck rather than kept below like most of the other Africans? a. He is sick. b. He is very young. c. He is liked by the sailors. d. He is helpful in sailing the ship.

c

Lincoln begins the Gettysburg Address with the phrase: "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty...." Which answer best explains Lincoln's purpose in choosing such formal language? a. It lightens the solemnity of the occasion by adding some humor. b. It adds majesty and weight to the speech and to the occasion. c. It delivers factual detail that adds logic to his speech. d. It conceals the real meaning of his words.

c

Read Amendment I from the Bill of Rights. Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. To which of the following situations does this amendment most clearly apply? a. A local government sets aside a day to celebrate citizens' contributions. b. A college professor takes her computer home so she can work over the weekend. c. A group of people demonstrates against a law enacted by the city council. d. A state court allows the government to take privately owned land to use for a new highway.

c

Read Amendment VIII from the Bill of Rights. Amendment VIII Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Which of the following choices best explains the rights guaranteed in this amendment? a. A court cannot require a convicted criminal to pay a sum of money to be released. The court also cannot charge a fine or punish offenders who commit minor crimes. b. Once someone who has committed a crime is released from jail, the court cannot require that person to return for another trial, and it cannot fine or punish the person in any way. c. A court cannot require an unreasonable amount of money to ensure that someone who is released from custody will return; unreasonable fines cannot be charged for offenses; and inhumane punishments cannot be imposed. d. When someone commits a crime, the court can make the person pay money to be released. The money will be returned when the person returns to court for trial. If the person does not return, the money will be used to pay the fine, and the case will be dismissed.

c

Read this description of a situation, and then answer the question based on your understanding of the Bill of Rights. During a routine traffic stop, the police checked the driver's license, and no ticket was issued. However, during the same stop, they took the passenger's cell phone without her permission and looked through her emails and text messages. A few days later, the passenger went to court to file a formal complaint. Which of the passenger's rights may have been disregarded? a. the right to due process b. the right to freedom of speech c. the right to freedom from an unjustified search d. the right to be informed of the reason for an arrest

c

What is the main point of Benjamin Franklin's Speech in the Convention? a. The Constitutional Convention should not approve the Constitution because the document is too weak. b. The Constitutional Convention should approve the Constitution, even though he himself cannot do so. c. The Constitutional Convention should support the Constitution because the document is as good as it is likely to be. d. The Constitutional Convention should support the Constitution because its framers have always been right in the past.

c

What is the practical purpose of the headings used in the Bill of Rights? a. They provide an example of how each right might apply. b. They remind people what each right specifically guarantees. c. They provide a way for people to quickly refer to a specific set of rights. d. They tell which are individual rights and which are reserved for the states.

c

1. Which argument most logically follows from Jefferson's expressed ideas in the Declaration of Independence? a. The rights of men should be supported over those of women. b. Monarchy is a bad form of government because rulers are not elected. c. All forms of government destroy human rights and should be abandoned. d. Any form of government that suppresses people's freedoms should be overthrown.

d

According to Franklin in his Speech in the Convention, how will approving the Constitution affect the country's relationships with foreign nations? a. It will frustrate the hopes of nations unfriendly to the United States. b. It will cause all other nations to be jealous of the United States. c. It will show that the United States is superior to other nations. d. It will cause all other nations to see the United States as a leader.

d

According to the Preamble to the Bill of Rights, why was the Bill of Rights considered necessary? a. The Bill of Rights was needed to strengthen the power of the federal government. b. The Bill of Rights was needed to prevent any states from ignoring federal authority. c. The Bill of Rights was needed to ensure the power of Congress to pass and enforce laws. d. The Bill of Rights was needed to protect the people against abuse of power by the government.

d

How does enumeration help make the Bill of Rights easier to understand? a. It shows which rights are most important so that readers can see which rights are essential and which are less valuable. b. It organizes the document into ten separate rights so that readers can more quickly understand and refer to them. c. It explains why certain rights are important so that readers know why they are guaranteed in the Constitution. d. It provides labels for each of the rights so that readers can quickly find the one that applies to their situation.

d

If a person can accurately be described as loathsome, which of the following must be true? a. He causes other people to become timid. b. He knows few people in the community. c. He does not spend money on friends or family. d. He turns others away due to his repulsive behavior.

d

In his Speech in the Convention, which of these views of government does Benjamin Franklin most clearly express? a. The government that governs least is best. b. Corrupt rulers breed disillusion and rebellion. c. Good governments are created by trial and error. d. Any well-run government can benefit the people.

d

In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson describes the king's actions and policies as "absolute despotism," "abuses and usurpations," "repeated injuries and usurpations," and so on. Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of such language? a. The language implies that powerful authorities disapprove of the king. b. The language provides logical evidence of the failings of the king. c. The language demonstrates justice and fairness toward the king. d. The language arouses readers' emotions against the king.

d

In the Declaration of Independence, what does Jefferson mean when he says that the king has "refused his assent to laws ... necessary for the public good"? a. The king knows what is best for the colonists. b. The king is too busy to listen to the colonists. c. The king enjoys his absolute rule over the colonists. d. The king has not allowed changes that would benefit the colonists.

d

In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln urges his listeners to join him to "resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain." How does Lincoln believe that Americans can give the soldiers' deaths purpose and meaning? a. by freeing all African American slaves immediately b. by visiting war cemeteries often and raising memorials to the war dead c. by voting to continue the present government in the next election d. by working toward a resolution that would preserve the Union's stability

d

In which of the following situations would one person most likely petition another? a. Bill studies all weekend and tells his teacher he is ready to take a test. b. Mike purchases his first car from the owner of a local car dealership. c. Sarah and Megan compete for a spot on the high school track team. d. Elena asks her boss for extra pay for the additional hours she worked.

d

Read the following passage from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. How does this passage help readers understand the Africans? During our passage, I first saw flying fishes, which surprised me very much; they used frequently to fly across the ship, and many of them fell on the deck. I also now first saw the use of the quadrant; I had often with astonishment seen the mariners make observations with it, and I could not think what it meant. a. It shows that they were easily impressed by the most common events. b. It shows that they were eager to learn and adapt to their new circumstances. c. It shows that they had been poorly prepared for their lives in the white world. d. It shows that they had been taken into a world completely beyond their experience.

d

Read these sentences from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. One day [the white slave traders] had taken a number of fishes; and when they had killed and satisfied themselves with as many as they thought fit, to our astonishment who were on deck, rather than give any of them to us to eat, as we expected, they tossed the remaining fish into the sea again, although we begged and prayed for some as well as we could, but in vain.... Which of the following is the most likely reason the author included this event in his narrative? a. to explain why the African slaves were so hungry b. to contrast the slave traders' skill with the Africans' helplessness c. to emphasize that the slave traders saw the Africans as human beings d. to show the slave traders' cruelty in the face of the Africans' dire need

d

Read this quotation from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. One day, when we had a smooth sea and moderate wind, two of my wearied countrymen who were chained together ... made through the nettings and jumped into the sea; immediately, another quite dejected fellow, who, on account of his illness, was suffered to be out of irons, also followed their example.... Why do these three Africans jump from the ship? a. They think they can escape by swimming to shore. b. They have suffered so much that they cannot think clearly. c. They are afraid of being severely beaten for trying to steal food. d. They consider death preferable to continued suffering aboard the ship.

d

Read this quotation from the beginning of the Gettysburg Address. Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty.... What does Lincoln's reference to an earlier time period suggest? a. He recognizes the need for humor at a sad time. b. He wishes to relate complex ideas to a common cause. c. He is concerned with losses due to battlefield casualties. d. He is aware of the nation's short history and its founding principles.

d

Read this sentence from Franklin's Speech in the Convention: If every one of us, in returning to our constituents, were to report the objections he has had to it, and endeavor to gain partisans in support of them, we might prevent its being generally received, and thereby lose all the salutary effects and great advantages resulting naturally in our favor among foreign nations, as well as among ourselves, from our real or apparent unanimity. Franklin here uses the technique of concession—acknowledging his opponents' argument. How does his concession strengthen his own argument? a. by concluding that his opponents are traitors to the nation in their unwillingness to debate b. by suggesting that his opponents do not want the people to debate or approve the Constitution c. by showing that his opponents do not intend to allow the democratic process to work itself out d. by pointing out that his opponents' recommendations are liable to make the new government fail

d

What is the most likely meaning of exercise in the following sentence? If you participate in a peaceful protest, you exercise the right to have freedom of speech. a. risk b. ensure c. understand d. put into practice

d

Which of the following is most likely to make a person feel dejected? a. being cautioned about a bad decision b. experiencing a painful cut or bruise c. following someone else's directions d. hearing an unkind comment from a friend

d

Which of the following statements from the Declaration of Independence makes the strongest emotional appeal to readers? a. He has called together legislative bodies ... for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. b. He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly.... c. He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection.... d. He is at this time transporting large armies ... to complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny....

d

Which quotation from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano contains the best example of using factual details to support an emotional appeal? a. Often did I think many of the inhabitants of the deep much more happy than myself. b. I envied them the freedom they enjoyed, and as often wished I could change my condition for theirs. c. This heightened my wonder; and I was now more persuaded than ever, that I was in another world, and that every thing about me was magic. d. On a signal given (as the beat of a drum), the buyers rush at once into the yard where the slaves are confined, and make choice of that parcel they like best....

d

Which statement best describes the way Britain harmed the American economy, according to the Declaration of Independence? a. Britain stopped all commerce and trade within the American colonies. b. Britain prevented the colonies from creating a national American currency. c. Britain raised prices on many of the basic necessities Americans had to import. d. Britain imposed illegal taxes on the colonies and cut off America's international trade.

d

In the beginning of the selection from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, what does Equiano describe as causes of the intolerable smell on the ship? Choose three options. a. The Africans were only given raw fish to eat. b. The Africans were hot and perspired heavily. c. The Africans were made to wash with unfamiliar soap. d. The Africans were crowded in next to cattle and sheep. e. The Africans were forced to relieve themselves in open tubs. f. The Africans were squeezed very tightly together in the hold.

d,e,f