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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. "I believe that men are generally still a little afraid of..."

2. What vegetable does Thoreau plant on most of his 2 1/2 acres?

3. Thoreau speaks of visitors from what charitable institution?

4. For what does Thoreau feel sympathy?

5. What does Thoreau hear in the evening?

Short Essay Questions

1. What effect does Thoreau claim nature has on man?

2. What reaction do the people of Concord have to Thoreau's lifestyle?

3. How does Thoreau compare the people in the village to muskrats?

4. Why does Thoreau admire the French Canadian woodchopper?

5. Why does Thoreau love owls?

6. How does Thoreau bond with the old fisherman?

7. How does Thoreau explain his relationship with his beans?

8. How does Thoreau feel about walking home from town late at night in the dark?

9. Why does Thoreau decide to live such an isolated life at Walden Pond?

10. Why does Thoreau believe that people should read the classics?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay explaining the opportunities and hardships immigrants faced in the United States in the 19th century. Do present-day immigrants have better opportunities now? What is the American dream, and is it possible to achieve it?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about a person of historical significance and compare their philosophies and ideals to that of Thoreau. Be sure to address:

1 - Views on materialism and lifestyle.

2 - Whether or not this person "lived" their own philosophy.

3 - The importance of this person in history and impact upon cultures.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about an animal of your choice. Explain its habitat, diet and physical characteristics. How does it interact with other animals? What impact does it have on human life?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 818 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample