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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. Booker notes that even though the slaves are well informed, the biggest downfall is what?

2. The author states that those earning seventy-five or a hundred dollars a month were:

3. Among the unnecessary excesses that he describes for the families of Tuskegee living in poverty, what does Booker include?

4. The author tells the story of finding a ten-dollar bill while working at a restaurant. What happens when he shows the money to the proprietor?

5. What does Booker comment about the schools in Tuskegee?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the position that General Armstrong offers Booker Washington at Hampton.

2. Why does Booker purchase an old plantation for the Tuskegee Institute?

3. How does Booker describe the residents of Tuskegee?

4. What important lesson does Booker learn working with Miss Mackie, whom he describes as a member of a cultured Northern family?

5. Describe Mrs. Ruffner and the work Booker does for her.

6. Describe Booker's experience of traveling with an Indian boy who is ill.

7. Who works closely with Booker to establish the new school in Tuskegee?

8. What is the Tuskegee Institute like in its earliest days?

9. What does Booker T. Washington know about his birth?

10. Explain why Booker feels that many students come out of school with an education but without the ability to make a living.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout his life, many people help Booker succeed.

1. Describe some of the people who are influential in helping Booker become a success.

2. How do these people help Booker? Cite specific examples from the book.

3. Describe how the help that Booker receives in turn propels him to help countless others.

Essay Topic 2

There are times in his life when Booker learns hard lessons. What are some of the hard lessons Booker learns? How does he maintain a sense of optimism or hope after difficult or disappointing experiences? What prevents him from losing faith in humanity?

Essay Topic 3

Citing specific examples from the book, explain how the following influence Booker's work:

1. Faith.

2. Drive.

3. Community.

(see the answer keys)

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