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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. Amongst the British, ________ were one of the categories of members of society who were actively seeking increased rights, responsibilities and liberties within the nations of the Empire, particularly on the isles of Britain herself.

2. What does the author believe leads to progress?

3. Has this tendency continued into the 20th and 21st centuries?

4. In this chapter Mill examines what?

5. By exposing opinions what can people do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the author say about tyranny?

2. What does the author discuss regarding controlling people?

3. What does John Stuart Mill say about the education system in Great Britain in the 1800s? How can one relate to this today?

4. Why must one be careful when discussing an issue or disagreeing over one's opinion?

5. What role does John Stuart Mill play in the women's movement?

6. What does John Stuart Mill say about his wife? Why?

7. What is the story of Copernicus?

8. What was exposed by this aspect of the Middle Ages education system?

9. With what does the book begin? Why?

10. How can one learn by expressing one's opinion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Education in both the Middle Ages and nineteenth century England are discussed.

Part 1) What does the author say about these two education systems? Compare these two forms of education. Why does he use these two as examples?

Part 2) How do these two education systems compare to your own? Do you study opposing ideas? Do you try to understand the points of view of others?

Part 3) How has the U.S. educational system changed in the past one hundred years? How would Mill feel about these changes? Why would he feel this way?

Essay Topic 2

Copernicus' knowledge of the Solar system is discussed.

Part 1) Describe the story of Copernicus. Why does the author use this as an example to prove the importance of freedom of speech?

Part 2) If Copernicus had been wrong, should he still have been allowed to express his beliefs?

Part 3) What might cause someone to persecute and stifle those with whom they disagree? how does this hurt everyone involved?

Essay Topic 3

Diversity of situations is important to Mill.

Part 1) What is meant by diversity of situations?

Part 2) Why is diversity in this sense important, according to Mill? Do you agree with Mill?Why or why not?

Part 3) How can a society or state keep this type of diversity? Compare the diversity of situations in Mill's time to today. Based on this text, what would he say about our diversity of situations?

Part 4) Do you feel that a lack of diversity of situations is a problem in our society today? Why or why not?

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