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. This book is a volume of 17 __________________.

2. What is showing signs of wear on the bridge?

3. Humboldt and Bonpland explored the New World colonies of which country?

4. What becomes Remington's formula for his success as a commercial artist?

5. Humboldt is one of the earliest _________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What precipitates the finding of the carpentry shop treasure?

2. What is the human cost of building the Panama Railroad?

3. Explain Harriet's familiarity with slavery which allows her to write Uncle Tom's Cabin.

4. Why is the Panama Railroad called "the first steam road to El Dorado?"

5. When is the idea for the Panama Railroad born and who are its creators?

6. What was the impetus for the Brooklyn Bridge?

7. What are the unusual circumstances of Hattie's marriage?

8. What is Frederic Remington's background?

9. Remington is prolific with his painting and writing but what new medium does he discover which he feels will make him immortal?

10. Who is Humboldt's partner and what is the nature of their explorations?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

McCullough has friends in both the writer, Conrad Richter, and the photographer, David Plowden. What similarities do Richter and Plowden share in their personal philosophies? In their work? Why would McCullough be drawn to both these men and their work? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Brave Companions is a volume of 17 previously published articles and addresses about diverse people and events selected by historian David McCullough. Why did McCullough decide to write these stories? Why did he choose these people and places? What overall message does McCullough want readers to understand?

Essay Topic 3

Miriam Rothschild is a quirky woman who lives an unconventional life. Do you think Miriam could indulge her idiosyncrasies because her wealth allowed it? Or would Miriam have found some outlet for her quirkiness regardless of her station in life? How much is financial status an issue in living the life that one pleases as opposed to the life one is obligated to live?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,051 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample