View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What word from "Down at the Cross" refers to a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument?

2. As the author describes growing up in Harlem in "Down at the Cross," he says, "In the same way that the girls were destined to gain as much weight as their mothers, the boys, it was clear, would" what?

3. The author asserts in "Down at the Cross" that "a civilization is not destroyed by wicked people; it is not necessary that people be wicked but only that they be" what?

4. The authors writes in "Down at the Cross," "Yes, it does indeed mean something - something unspeakable - to be born, in a white country, and Anglo-Teutonic, antisexual country, black. You very soon, without knowing it, give up all hope of" what?

5. The author writes in "Down at the Cross" that "the social treatment accorded even the most successful Negroes proved that one needed, in order to be free, something more than a bank account. One needed" what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is noteworthy about the quotes that open "Down at the Cross"?

2. What differences does the author point out between Christianity and Islam in the second section of "Down at the Cross"?

3. In the second section of "Down at the Cross," the author points out many reasons that American society is not healed in relation to race. How does he propose it might become healed?

4. How would you describe the author's sense of anger in the beginning of "Down at the Cross"?

5. How does the author describe the setting of Elijah Muhammad's home in "Down at the Cross"?

6. How does the author compare his involvement in ministry with the thugs on the Avenue in "Down at the Cross"?

7. How does the author perceive the expression of pain and suffering of blacks through Christianity?

8. What elements of foreshadowing can be seen in the first part of "Down at the Cross"?

9. What does the author describe discussing with his driver after leaving Elijah Muhammad's home in "Down at the Cross"?

10. What causes the author irritation during his dinner at Elijah Muhammad's home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the concepts of "segregation," "integration," and "acceptance" in The Fire Next Time. How does the author define these terms in his essays? What is the importance of integration and acceptance moving forward in striving for equality?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss Elijah Muhammad and his characterization in "Down at the Cross." When did Elijah Muhammad take over the leadership of the Nation Of Islam? How does the author describe his home and his experiences at dinner with Elijah Muhammad? How does the author compare Elijah Muhammad with his father?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the author's encounter with the driver after leaving Elijah Muhammad's home in "Down at the Cross." What did the two discuss? What conclusions did they reach in their discussion? How did the author feel about this exchange?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,160 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample