PEARSON QUESTIONS

In the preface to the 1855 edition of Leaves of Grass, Whitman states, "The United States themselves are essentially the greatest poem." What does he cite to support his opinion?

the vitality and diversity of Americans

Amendment VIII Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. 1.Which of the following choices best explains the rights guaranteed in this amendment? 2.Which of the following situations illustrates a violation of this amendment?

-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. -A driver who received a parking ticket is charged $5,000 and has her car confiscated by the court.

1.Which of the following rights is protected by the Bill of Rights? 2.Which excerpt from the Bill of Rights supports the answer to Part A?

-A person who is arrested for a crime has a right to know what crime he or she has been charged with. -In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right ... to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation.... (Amendment VI)

1.In his Speech in the Convention, which of these views of government does Benjamin Franklin most clearly express? 2.Which of these excerpts from Franklin's Speech in the Convention best supports the answer to Part A?

-Any well-run government can benefit the people. -I think a general government necessary for us, and there is no form of government but what may be a blessing to the people, if well administered....

Read this sentence from Franklin's Speech in the Convention. I doubt, too, whether any other convention we can obtain, may be able to make a better constitution; for, when 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. Which of the following statements describe the effect that Franklin achieves with his use of parallelism in this sentence? Choose two options.

-He emphasizes the character of his fellow delegates. -He creates a pleasing rhythm and balance.

1. According to Franklin in his Speech in the Convention, how will approving the Constitution affect the country's relationships with foreign nations? 2. Which of these excerpts from Franklin's Speech in the Convention best supports the answer to Part A?

-It will frustrate the hopes of nations unfriendly to the United States. -It therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does; and I think it will astonish our enemies, who are waiting with confidence to hear, that our councils are confounded like those of the builders of Babel, and that our States are on the point of separation, only to meet hereafter for the purpose of cutting one another's throats.

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.

-The Africans were hot and perspired heavily. -The Africans were forced to relieve themselves in open tubs. -The Africans were squeezed very tightly together in the hold.

1.If a corporation is multinational, which is most likely to be true? Base your answer on your knowledge of the combining form multi- 2. Which of these examples best illustrates the answer to Part A?

-The corporation produces goods in several countries. -Her company started in the United States, but it now has franchises in 119 countries.

1.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? 2.Which of the following best explains the answer to Part A?

-The language arouses readers' emotions against the king. -The language is intense and extreme.

1.Which sentence contains an example of onomatopoeia? 2. What is the main effect of the onomatopoeia used in the answer to Part A?

-The murmuring tide soon lulled the campers to sleep. -It helps the reader imagine a sound.

1.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? 2.Which purpose of a slave narrative is most clearly supported by the quotation identified in Part 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. -One purpose of a slave narrative is to help readers visualize the awful and unbearable treatment of newly captured Africans as they were transported to the Americas.

1. In his Speech in the Convention, which of the following courses of action does Franklin advise the delegates to follow? 2. Which of these excerpts from Franklin's Speech in the Convention best supports the answer to Part A?

-Try to ensure that the government the Constitution establishes is run effectively. -I hope, therefore, for our own sakes, as a part of the people, and for the sake of our posterity, that we shall act heartily and unanimously in recommending this Constitution, wherever our influence may extend, and turn our future thoughts and endeavors to the means of having it well administered.

Which of the following elements of poetic structure does Whitman use in these lines from "Song of Myself"? Choose three options. I, now thirty-seven years old in perfect health begin, Hoping to cease not till death.

-irregular meter -varying line length -natural speech cadence

1.Which of America's qualities does Whitman most stress in "America"? 2.Which of these lines from "America" best supports the answer to Part A?

-its permanence -... Chair'd in the adamant of Time

1.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? 2.Which quotation from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

-like animals -We were conducted immediately to the merchant's yard, where we were all pent up together, like so many sheep in a fold, without regard to sex or age....

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. 1.Which of the passenger's rights may have been disregarded? 2.Which statement from the Bill of Rights supports the answer to Part A?

-the right to freedom from an unjustified search -The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated.... (Amendment IV)

1.Which answer choice best describes the author's main reason for writing The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano? 2.Which sentence from the autobiography best supports the answer to Part A?

-to make people aware of the cruelty of slavery -In this manner we continued to undergo more hardships than I can now relate, hardships which are inseparable from this accursed trade.

Which line from the selections is the best example of Whitman's use of sensory diction?

... Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs (from "I Hear America Singing")

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 group of people demonstrates against a law enacted by the city council.

Which passage from the selections is the strongest example of anaphora?

A vast similitude interlocks all, / All spheres, grown, ungrown, small, large, suns, moons, planets, / All distances of place however wide. . . . (from "On the Beach at Night Alone")

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"?

All people are entitled to equal treatment under the law.

Which argument most logically follows from Jefferson's expressed ideas in the Declaration of Independence?

Any form of government that suppresses people's freedoms should be overthrown.

The word rectify is based on the Latin root -rect-. Choose the answer that most clearly illustrates a person who is trying to rectify a situation. Base your answer on your knowledge of the Latin root -rect-.

Because she forgot his birthday, Josie sent a bouquet of flowers and a note of apology to her cousin Samson.

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?

Congress was aware that some important rights may have been overlooked.

In which of the following situations would one person most likely petition another?

Elena asks her boss for extra pay for the additional hours she worked.

According to the Preamble to the Bill of Rights, who had to approve the Bill of Rights before it became law?

the legislatures of three-fourths of the states

Which quotation from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is an example of a personal reflection that supports Equiano's purpose?

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.

The word right has multiple meanings. One meaning is "something to which one is morally or legally entitled." In which of the following sentences does right have this meaning?

He had a right to vote for the candidate he believed in.

According to his Speech in the Convention, what is Benjamin Franklin's overall opinion of the proposed Constitution?

He has some objections to it.

Which of the following statements from the Declaration of Independence makes the strongest emotional appeal to readers?

He is at this time transporting large armies ... to complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny....

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?

He is sick

If a person can accurately be described as loathsome, which of the following must be true?

He turns others away due to his repulsive behavior.

Read the following passage from Franklin's Speech in the Convention. I confess, that I do not entirely approve of this Constitution at present; but, Sir, I am not sure I shall never approve it; for, having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged ... to change my opinions even on important subjects.... It is therefore that, the older I grow, the more apt I am to doubt my own judgment of others. Which sentence best describes the tone that Franklin uses in this passage?

He uses a mild, reasonable tone to persuade his audience members in a gentle way, without forcefulness or hostility.

The prefix re- has several meanings, one of which is "back." Using this information and your knowledge of the root -ject-, choose the situation that most clearly illustrates the meaning of reject.

I decide not to hire the applicant.

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?

Jefferson emphasizes that America has been forced into declaring its independence.

Which statement best explains why "On the Beach at Night Alone" can be said to have an epic theme?

It expresses a belief in a connection among all people.

How does enumeration help make the Bill of Rights easier to understand?

It organizes the document into ten separate rights so that readers can more quickly understand and refer to them.

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.

It shows that they had been taken into a world completely beyond their experience.

Which of the following sentences shows the correct use of parallel structure?

No male, nor female, nor child, nor animal shall be unprotected by the law.

Because Franklin's Speech in the Convention is not a lengthy work, listeners may have appreciated its brevity. Given your knowledge of the Latin suffix -ity, choose the best definition of brevity.

the quality of being brief

Which quotation from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano contains the best example of using factual details support an emotional appeal?

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....

Which sentence most clearly demonstrates word usage typical of eighteenth-century narrative style?

One bold, strapping lad volunteered his able service and was dispatched forthwith to the forest to locate wood to revive the dwindling fire.

Given his statements in the Speech in the Convention, choose which of the following statements Franklin would most likely agree with.

People should keep in mind that they may be mistaken in their opinions.

Which of the following sentences shows the correct use of the serial comma?

People wanted to guard against foreign intervention, provide economic security, create a more efficient national government, and improve political unity for the nation.

Read this sentence and think about how the word subject is used. The subject for today's discussion is the history of fingerprinting. The word subject has multiple meanings. Which definition applies to the word as it is used in the sentence?

the topic or theme of a conversation or research

From the Declaration of Independence, what can a reader infer about Jefferson's general attitude toward revolution?

Revolution is a method of last resort.

If a person can accurately be described as wretched, which of the following must be true?

She is trapped in a miserable situation.

Based on the following passage from the preface to the 1855 edition of Leaves of Grass, identify what is most clearly suggested about Whitman's attitude toward the past. America does not repel the past or what it has produced under its forms or amid other politics or the idea of castes or the old religions ... accepts the lesson with calmness ... is not so impatient as has been supposed that the slough still sticks to opinions and manners and literature while the life which served its requirements has passed into the new life of the new forms....

Whitman recognizes that Americans learn from the past while making a new way of life.

According to the Preamble to the Bill of Rights, why was the Bill of Rights considered necessary?

The Bill of Rights was needed to protect the people against abuse of power by the government.

What is the main point of Benjamin Franklin's Speech in the Convention?

The Constitutional Convention should support the Constitution because the document is as good as it is likely to be.

Which sentence most clearly demonstrates the mechanics used in eighteenth-century narratives?

The chains, and irons cut into their ankles; the mud wearied their gait, and they were soon covered in the element—; in sum, the situation could not have been worse.

If a government results in despotism, what must be true?

The government has become tyrannical.

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"?

The king has not allowed changes that would benefit the colonists.

If taking some action is prescribed by a law, which of the following must be true? Base your answer on the meaning of prescribed.

The law requires the action be taken.

If you claim that someone's actions lacked rectitude, how do you think the person most likely behaved?

dishonestly

Which of the following most clearly demonstrates the length of sentences written in eighteenth-century narrative style?

Their effort produced copious quantities of fish and brought immediate relief to the villagers, who had suffered terribly for want of enough food to sustain them through the long and brutal winter.

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?

They are sold into slavery.

If people are convinced of their own infallibility, which of these attitudes do they most likely display?

They believe they are always right.

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?

They consider death preferable to continued suffering aboard the ship.

What is the practical purpose of the headings used in the Bill of Rights?

They provide a way for people to quickly refer to a specific set of rights.

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?

They will be eaten.

... [A]s free and independent states, [the colonies] have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. Which of the following best indicates how the phrase contract alliances would be expressed in modern English?

establish friendly relationships with other nations

What is the best interpretation of this excerpt from "Song of Myself"? These are really the thoughts of all men in all ages and lands, they are not original with me, / If they are not yours as much as mine they are nothing, or next to nothing....

Whitman believes that his observations are, in some sense, universally shared.

If you acquiesce to a plan, what is most likely true?

You go along with it despite your reluctance.

Which person is the best example of someone who demonstrates tyranny?

a dictator

If an activity is salutary, what would be its effect?

a healthful effect

The word multilevel contains the Latin combining form multi-. Choose the example that most clearly illustrates the meaning of multilevel. Base your answer on your knowledge of the combining form multi-.

a terraced garden with stairs connecting various flat surfaces

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?

because doing so will inspire public confidence in the delegates' leadership

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?

by suggesting that his opponents do not want the people to debate or approve the Constitution

Which of the following elements of Whitman's poetic structure is best represented in this passage from "America"? All, all alike endear'd, grown, ungrown, young or old, Strong, ample, fair, enduring, capable, rich, Perennial with the Earth, with Freedom, Law and Love....

catalogue

Which of the following is most likely to make a person feel dejected?

hearing an unkind comment from a friend

In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson accuses Britain of "quartering large bodies of armed troops among us." Which of the following best defines the word quartering as Jefferson uses it here?

housing in assigned dwellings

The word curiosity contains the Latin suffix -ity. Use your knowledge of this suffix to identify what part of speech curiosity is.

noun

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.

put into practice

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?

to argue that it would be unreasonable to demand an ideal Constitution from flawed human beings

Which of the following is one of the purposes of the Preamble to the Constitution?

to explain that the Constitution was established by the people of the United States

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?

to show the slave traders' cruelty in the face of the Africans' dire need

What is the meaning of the Latin root -ject-?

to throw

The word insurrection contains the Latin prefixes in-, meaning "not, opposite," and sur-, meaning "above, on top of." Use this information as well as your knowledge of the Latin root -rect- to choose the correct definition of insurrection.

uprising, rebellion