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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. What was the primary source of income for most large farms?

2. Farmers were given specific instructions on how to do which of the following:

3. How many acres were planted?

4. Most of Ireland's economy was based on what?

5. A "dip-at-the-stool" meal consisted of dipping potatoes into which liquid?

Short Essay Questions

1. What were some of the hardships face by the emigrants?

2. The Scientific Commission made several erroneous findings regarding the blight. What were they?

3. Describe the events surrounding the deaths of passengers en route to America.

4. The author states that the potato famine had little to do with the shortage of food. What was the real issue?

5. What happened to Diarmuid O'Donovan Rossa and his family?

6. Why was the summer of 1845 considered to be particularly fickle?

7. How did farmers protect their crops from theft?

8. Detail the events surrounding the arrest of Tom Flynn.

9. Recount the story of Bridget O'Donnel.

10. What was one of the biggest benefits of the soup kitchens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain why the Irish did not know the condition of the potato crops until the harvest. What might have been a hint that something was wrong with the crop? What kind of symptoms can be seen before blight fully takes over? What is the cure for blight? How did the farmers keep from contaminating future crops?

Essay Topic 2

A great deal was written about the Irish unions and the way the handled the famine and ensuing devastation. Explain the concept of the union and what its actions were before, during and after the famine.

Essay Topic 3

The Irish are often known as being a friendly and fanciful culture. Describe the Irish culture, including its religion, social policies, and folk lore.

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This section contains 702 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample