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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to McCullough, who is the last U.S. president to have a sense of history?

2. What religious affiliation do the Rothschilds have?

3. How many hours does Miriam sleep each night?

4. How many aviators die attempting to cross the Atlantic before Charles Lindbergh, Jr.?

5. Who does the United States displace as the center of world power during this period?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Plowden both photographer and historian?

2. Describe Miriam Rothschild.

3. Who is the subject of "Cross the Blue Mountain" and what is this person's association with McCullough?

4. What is the purpose of McCullough's words in "Recommended Itinerary?"

5. What are the characteristics of Richter's writing style?

6. Describe Richter's personality.

7. What is the subject of this chapter entitled "Extraordinary Times?"

8. What closing words does McCullough offer the graduates?

9. What is the obvious theme in David Plowden's photography?

10. In what areas is life indelibly altered during this period?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the impact of Harriet Beecher Stowe's most acclaimed work, UNCLE TOM'S CABIN. What was the impetus for the writing of the piece? What were the reactions to the book? Did the book directly or indirectly affect the Civil War?

Essay Topic 2

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the great engineering marvels of the world. What was the impetus for the initiation of the project? What toll did the project take on the Roebling family as well as the other workers who risked their lives to complete this project?

Essay Topic 3

Brave Companions is a volume of 17 previously published articles and addresses about diverse people and events selected by historian David McCullough. Why did McCullough decide to write these stories? Why did he choose these people and places? What overall message does McCullough want readers to understand?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 965 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample