View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Gorgias intend to use rhetoric for?
(a) To manipulate a crowd.
(b) To frighten criminals.
(c) To speak and comprehend.
(d) To educate.

2. What does Socrates believe makes punishment beneficial?
(a) It keeps people afraid.
(b) It makes the body stronger.
(c) It makes the powerful more powerful.
(d) It improves the soul.

3. What does Socrates say defining areas of art is similar to defining?
(a) Generations.
(b) Likes and dislikes.
(c) Political parties.
(d) Body and soul.

4. Who does Socrates believe power is beneficial to?
(a) Youth.
(b) The one with power.
(c) The people.
(d) Criminals.

5. What are men in power with little common sense not able to judge, in Socrates' opinion?
(a) How to punish a criminal.
(b) What is best for them.
(c) The best defensive actions.
(d) The common good.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Socrates believe is the greatest evil?

2. What does Gorgias claim is the basis for all arts and sciences?

3. What is the benefit of rhetoric in Gorgias' example of medicine?

4. Socrates regards rhetoric as a skill that elicits what?

5. What does Socrates believe he can avoid in being corrected?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Socrates question Gorgias about rhetoric?

2. Why does Socrates favor Gorgias' answers more than Polus'?

3. In Socrates' opinion, why do rhetoricians and Sophists find it difficult to define themselves?

4. In terms of ethics, why does Socrates consider rhetoric a dangerous tool?

5. When an unjust act is committed, Socrates asks whether the wrongdoer or the sufferer is more wretched. Why?

6. In Socrates' opinion, what is the effect of someone with great power who has little common sense?

7. How is Socrates able to gain insight into rhetoric?

8. How does Gorgias see rhetoric as a means for great power?

9. Why does Socrates see all advantages as beneficial? Why does he see some wrong actions as just?

10. In Socrates' opinion, why is distinction crucial to individuals and professions?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 788 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample