View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does the playwright describe the appearance of Stephen Douglas as he takes the stage to debate Lincoln?
(a) "The judge is an elfin man, with a voice to match."
(b) "Muscular and tall, Judge Douglas commands attention with his merest glance."
(c) "He is a titan, with a voice that rolls like thunder."
(d) "He is a brief but magnetic man, confident of his power."

2. How is Lincoln's appearance different from Election Day?
(a) There is a patch over one eye.
(b) He is walking with a cane.
(c) He has a beard.
(d) He has shaved his head.

3. What are the issues on Lincoln's mind as he addresses the crowd?
(a) A strike by factory workers in New Jersey.
(b) His wife's mental health.
(c) The break-up of the Union because 11 states have promised to secede.
(d) The cost of maintaining the railroads.

4. In the debate, Douglas says Lincoln appears innocent but is very good at doing something dangerous with his words. What is it?
(a) Tossing verbal lightning bolts with lethal force.
(b) Inserting daggers between an opponent's ribs.
(c) Flinging words like David flung stones.
(d) Aiming verbal volleys with the accuracy of a sharpshooter.

5. What does Lincoln do with his notes before he begins speaking in the debate with Douglas?
(a) Rips them to pieces.
(b) Sticks them under his chair.
(c) Puts them on the podium.
(d) Puts them in his hat.

6. Asked how he'll feel if he loses, how does Lincoln predict he will feel?
(a) The greatest sense of relief.
(b) Afraid to face Mary.
(c) Crushed beyond belief.
(d) As flustered as a toad in hot water.

7. What does Seth Gale's wife want for her sick son, besides the help of a doctor?
(a) A bathtub full of cool water to calm his fever.
(b) A minister to say a prayer.
(c) A minister to drive the evil spirits from his soul.
(d) A college scholarship so he won't have to live on the prairie.

8. What are Mary's first words to Abe when he arrives after a two-year absence?
(a) "You should be ashamed of yourself, Mr. Lincoln."
(b) "I'm glad to see you again, Mr. Lincoln."
(c) "Mr. Lincoln, you are not my idea of a good man."
(d) "I always knew you would return to me, Abe."

9. What is Mary Todd Lincoln's response to her husband's suggestion that she go home?
(a) She becomes hysterical and says her husband hates her.
(b) She laughs and insists she's staying until the bitter end.
(c) She turns silently and leaves the room.
(d) She bursts into tears and slaps him.

10. What do the red flags mean in the map of states in Lincoln's campaign headquarters?
(a) Red states are undecided.
(b) Red states are sure bets for Lincoln.
(c) Red states are Communist.
(d) Red states are experiencing a measles epidemic.

11. Where does Seth Gale intend to settle his family?
(a) Oregon.
(b) Nevada.
(c) New Mexico.
(d) Texas.

12. What is the name of President-elect Lincoln's bodyguard?
(a) Gilooly.
(b) Kavanagh.
(c) O'Reilly.
(d) Hodgson.

13. What is the essential element Lincoln's party is seeking in a presidential candidate when they ask him to run?
(a) The ability to get elected.
(b) An anti-slavery attitude.
(c) A willingness to raise taxes.
(d) A strong military policy.

14. After 18 years of marriage to Lincoln, what is it that Mary Todd is bitter about?
(a) Lincoln still isn't politically ambitious enough to suit her.
(b) Lincoln habitually puts his muddy boots on expensive furnishings.
(c) Lincoln chain smokes all over the house.
(d) Lincoln spends too much time reading and not enough attention to her.

15. What does Seth Gale suggest might happen if slavery spreads West to new states and territories?
(a) He thinks the Mexicans will attack if slavery spreads.
(b) He says settlers will be satisfied, regardless of the state of slavery.
(c) He predicts settlers will raise an army and declare war.
(d) He says settlers might form another country or move to Canada.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Lincoln describe Douglas' verbal skills?

2. Who is the moderator of the debate between Lincoln and Douglas?

3. How does Mary Todd describe her part in the break-up of the engagement to Lincoln?

4. Seth Gale tells Abe he's feeling "pretty scared" about his son's health. What does Lincoln tell him?

5. What legal case established that slaves should be considered property?

(see the answer keys)

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