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. What is Teresa's metaphor of the tree transplanted into a smelly bog?

2. What is the Prayer of Recollection all about?

3. What do many people do to prevent them from moving into the Fifth Dwelling?

4. How does Teresa describe the silk worm nature of the pending change in the supplicant?

5. What, according to Teresa, is the value of continuously reflecting on one's own character?

Short Essay Questions

1. What theme does Teresa introduce in her first chapter that runs throughout the book?

2. How has Teresa handled fear and weakness on her part in the past?

3. What does Teresa say about the rich man who has lost his wealth?

4. In what way does Teresa explain the Prayer of Recollection?

5. What does Teresa have to say about inept spiritual advisers?

6. What is Teresa's feeling after leaving the Prayer of Union?

7. What caution does Teresa offer about imagining one has gifts from God that have not actually been bestowed?

8. How does Teresa say a seeker will know if she is truly humble?

9. What reservation does Teresa have about writing on the subject of prayer?

10. Explain how the seeker receives the spiritual sweetness.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the value of holding onto convictions. In this essay you are not speaking exclusively about religious convictions. Define what happens to a person who behaves in a contradictory way to any values he or she holds to be right. These values may be ethical, political, or religious.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about your idea of faith. Give your definition of faith and explain its value to you personally. Be honest with your essay. This is not marked on the basis of agreement with your ideas but rather on how well you state your case.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on what prayer means to you. Explain whether you agree with Teresa of Avila that prayer involves introspection that goes along with the vocal words. In addition, mention the idea of prayer being a way of listening rather than demanding favors.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 865 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample