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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. What kind of animal does Thoreau find in his house?

2. Where have loons been caught with fishing hooks, eighty feet below the water's surface?

3. What dramatic event occurs while Thoreau lives at Walden Pond?

4. What word doesn't Thoreau use to describe John Field?

5. What does Thoreau do to test the strength of the ice?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Thoreau compare the spring melt with?

2. Who was Brister Freeman?

3. What did Thoreau use as an excuse to carry a gun?

4. What happened to the well on the Field's property?

5. What does Thoreau say about Zilpha's life?

6. How does Thoreau feel after he witnesses the ants battling?

7. What do the hunters say is the downfall of the fox in the foxhunt?

8. Why does Thoreau's self-respect fall when he goes fishing?

9. What does Thoreau learn from his experiment?

10. What does Thoreau think John Field's future holds?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

If you tried to carry out Thoreau's experiment today, would it be possible? Why or why not? Write an essay explaining how our modern society can prevent us from living such a simplified lifestyle. Be sure to include any modern inventions that would actually assist a minimalist lifestyle.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay describing and comparing the practices of etiquette for visiting friends in America and abroad.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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