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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Some of Thoreau's pleasantest hours are spent during this kind of weather:
(a) Thunderstorms.
(b) Sun showers.
(c) Snowstorms.
(d) Hail.

2. Where is Walden Pond located?
(a) Albany, New York.
(b) Portland, Oregon.
(c) Concord, Massachusetts.
(d) Keswick, England.

3. What does one Concord Trader use as a sign for his store?
(a) A Wooden plank.
(b) A salt fish.
(c) A Wagon Wheel.
(d) A bear hide.

4. What kind of bird does an old man tell Thoreau used to frequent the pond?
(a) Crane.
(b) Eagle.
(c) Crow.
(d) Owl.

5. What does Thoreau follow all the way into town?
(a) The railroad.
(b) Road signs.
(c) A river.
(d) A wooded path.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which animal is one of "Nature's Watchmen"?

2. For what does Thoreau feel sympathy?

3. Why does Thoreau reject the suggestion of owning a visitor's book?

4. What does Thoreau state was a pleasant pastime?

5. What gets struck by lighting during a heavy thunder-shower?

Short Essay Questions

1. What benefits does Thoreau say he gains from simplifying his existence?

2. What story does Thoreau tell to illustrate his point?

3. Why does Thoreau advocate living "free and uncommitted"?

4. Why does Thoreau believe that people should read the classics?

5. Why does Thoreau decide to live such an isolated life at Walden Pond?

6. What kind of 'music' does Thoreau make while hoeing the bean-field?

7. How does Thoreau clean his house?

8. What does Thoreau believe will happen if general American society begins supporting education?

9. How does Thoreau compare men to the stars and planets?

10. How does Thoreau feel about taking life lessons from books?

(see the answer keys)

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