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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. Who defended the British soldiers accused of killing the British citizens?

2. When did Abigail and Nabby arrive in London?

3. What was the name of the ship on which Adams sailed to Europe?

4. What appears to be Adams' only joy during this difficult period?

5. What is the name of Abigail's sister with whom she shares her innermost feelings?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Philadelphia at the time of the First Continental Congress in 1774.

2. What fortuitous meeting did Abigail have before sailing from Boston?

3. What did Adams do upon arriving in France?

4. Where is Adams headed when the book opens?

5. How does Adams react when his ship is wrecked in a storm and he must be repaired in Spain.

6. Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" went a long way to rally New Englanders to war. Explain how John Adams found weakness in Paine and his document.

7. After all the debate, what was the final vote for independence on July 4, 1776?

8. What were Adams' three main objectives for the Second Continental Congress?

9. Where was John born and who were his parents?

10. What was Abigail's perspective on John's overseas assignment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain John Adams' life from birth through his marriage and his legal career. What were his parents like? What was his personality? What behaviors were instilled in him that would make him a success in his later life?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of religion in Adams' life. What was his father's plan for his life? Why did he alter the plan? How did his religious beliefs guide him as he guided the country?

Essay Topic 3

The relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had a curvy path during their lifetimes. Describe the nature of their friendship from the beginning, how it strengthened, how it eroded, and then finally solidified again.

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This section contains 1,016 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample