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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. There is an ancient tale about an object that is able to turn lead into what?

2. The author wonders why the wife of a blind man would use what?

3. If a man truly wants to be recognized, he should be judged by what?

4. People often wish for something but never give thought to what?

5. Which two things are considered to be the practice of fools?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Franklin have to say about a discontented man?

2. What is the consequence of not punishing those who have committed a wrong?

3. What are Franklin's views regarding observation before and after marriage?

4. What will happen when one is faced with reason but chooses to ignore it?

5. How does Franklin describe becoming a complete and worthy man? What attributes to that goal?

6. What is the worst hope one can have for a miser?

7. What is one of the qualities that helps a man be wise?

8. What should one know about the extent of his cleverness?

9. Who is Bridget Saunders? How is she described by Franklin?

10. Name at least two of Franklin's warnings about food?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The almanack states in several places that one should be careful not to act as a fool. In Franklin's eyes, a fool is not necessarily an uneducated person, rather an unwise one. Explain at least five of Franklin's sayings regarding fools and the way they conduct their lives. What is Franklin's advice about being a fool? What is the author's advice about interacting with a fool?

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

Education was a large part of Franklin's life, even though educational opportunities were somewhat limited while the author was growing up. Compare and contrast Franklin's level of education with what is common today. What educational facilities are most often associated with Franklin? Explain Franklin's dedication to education and learning throughout the course of his life.

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