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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 items is something that cannot stand upright on its own?

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

3. Franklin says that a mob is a monster and although it has many heads it lacks what?

4. Pride in the way one dresses is sure to become what?

5. In what city was Benjamin Franklin born?

Short Essay Questions

1. What popular modern saying about men and their toys is covered by Franklin on Page 32?

2. Who is Mr. Fogg? How does Franklin create a pun to illustrate a point?

3. Franklin has many views regarding the value and length of a person's life. What does the author say?

4. How does one tend to treat another differently when there is wealth involved?

5. What famous poet and philosopher is paid homage by Franklin? What was the poet known for posthumously?

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

7. What does Franklin have to say about starting a new year?

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

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

10. How can one live a peaceful existence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the creation and development of Richard Saunders as a character. Was Saunders simply a pen name or did he have his own personality and beliefs? Include information about Bridget Saunders and how she relates to the text. When do you think the public found out that Saunders was really Franklin? What kind of response might Franklin have received when the news came out? How do you think it affected the almanack?

Essay Topic 2

Franklin had a lot to say about using one's time well. This thought appears in several different areas, from being industrious to making time for leisure and through to being outright lazy. Following are three of Franklin's many citations on the topic. Explain each. Also describe what Franklin meant by laziness and leisure. Compare and contrast the two items.

"Up, sluggard, and waste not life; in the grave will be sleeping enough."

"O Lazy-Bones! Dost thou think God would have given thee Arms and Legs, if he had not design'd thou should'st use them."

"A life of leisure and a life of laziness, are two things."

Essay Topic 3

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?

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