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. Franklin refers to a villain in relation to being anointed and which of the following?

2. Lawyers are compared to what animal in Proverb 3?

3. How many towns contend for Homer?

4. When a person is forty-years-old, what part of him is in the most control?

5. In Franklin's opinion, what is the last organ to stop when a man dies?

Short Essay Questions

1. What part of the almanack may be difficult for people of today to understand?

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

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

4. Why has the almanack been able to stand the test of time?

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

6. Franklin scolds people with lazy bones. What is the admonishment?

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

8. Give at least two examples of Franklin's advice regarding money.

9. How does Franklin feel about being of service to God in one's life?

10. What is Franklin's moral advice on placing oneself above others?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One must be careful not to be quick to judge others or point out their faults. Part of that theory can be related to pride or humility. It can also be related to the fact that many people find it much easier to point out the faults of others than to recognize and face their own. Why is it difficult to face one's own faults? What are some faults that you see in other as well as yourself? Are there any faults in you that can be deemed irreparable or unforgivable? If so, what? What are some ways in which you might begin to recognize and repair your own faults? How can you refrain from pointing out the faults of others?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

It is said that Franklin was a compiler of old proverbs and did not write them all as some are led to believe. Research at least one section of proverbs to find out which ones were compiled and which ones originated with Franklin. Also compare the proverbs that are repetitive to see if Franklin simply adapted old sayings for his use. Write out a list of those proverbs in each category.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 772 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample