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. Which of the following was not one of Ephraim's professions?

2. Premarital sex in 18th century New England is considered to be ______________.

3. Where do Martha and Ephraim move their family?

4. Who does Rebecca Foster accuse of raping her?

5. How long had the Ballards been living at John Jones Mill?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the outcome of the Rebecca Foster rape case?

2. How did Martha procure her medicines and what treatments did she advocate?

3. How many doctors and midwives were available in the Hallowell area at the time?

4. What was the pattern of new births in the year 1793?

5. Which of Martha's relatives were married by 1792?

6. Explain the contentious relationship between Reverend Foster and Henry Sewall.

7. Where did Martha Ballard grow up and when did she marry her husband/

8. How was Reverend Foster's wife, Rebecca, received in Hallowell?

9. Explain how courtship and marriage during Martha's life were very different from popular perception of the time period.

10. What details about each birth did Martha choose to exclude from her diary?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Martha's diary reveals some surprising information regarding courtship and marriage which is contrary to popular beliefs. What was the true nature of courtship and marriage in 18th century New England?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of the midwife in 18th century colonial America. What made Martha so successful in this role?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Martha's husband, Ephraim. What is known about him from Martha's entries? What were his professions?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 863 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample