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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. Which of the following did Franklin consider to be the most important virtue?

2. What is its own defense?

3. Franklin says that a father is a treasure and a brother is what?

4. In what year was Franklin born?

5. One should take a lot of time and much care when choosing _____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the author's opinion on self control and even temperament?

2. What are the things that will lead a person to realize fortune or wealth?

3. Give at least one example in which God works in mysterious and wonderful ways.

4. What is the nature of sin? According to Franklin, why is it forbidden?

5. What do the proverbs say about education and its usefulness?

6. Who was responsible for writing and compiling POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK? Who was the true author?

7. What is the advice given by Franklin regarding the making and keeping of promises?

8. Franklin expresses his opinion throughout about the sharpness of a woman's tongue. How does it compare to a man's heart?

9. What is the wisdom contained on Page 7 regarding the way a man eats?

10. What is the moral of the story behind the tale of the now-famous poet and philosopher?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the creation of POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. When was it first created? What was its original purpose? Do you think Franklin was truly inspired to create the pamphlets or that he created them simply because he had the means to print them? When did the pamphlets evolve into books? How many pamphlets were there in total? How many books? How many revisions? Did the almanacks bring Franklin fame or fortune?

Essay Topic 2

Franklin was very vocal on the topic of humility. Why do you think that is? Were Franklin's views on humility due to religious and moral beliefs, personal circumstances, or the way he was raised? How did Franklin's family affect his moral standing? Were all members of the family Quaker? How were they involved in Franklin's professional careers?

Essay Topic 3

The first edition of Poor Richard's Almanack in the form of pamphlets appeared in 1732. Although many of the sayings still hold true today, much of the language no longer applies. This is due in part to the time in which the almanacks were written as well as a combination of the Queen's and King's language. Colloquialisms are another barrier the modern reader must overcome. Discuss the colloquialisms often used by Franklin, variations on spelling and how they may make meanings unclear or difficult for the modern American reader. How might some of the sayings be adapted for today? Would you use colloquialisms or avoid them?

(see the answer keys)

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