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. Which of the following themes does NOT characterize the political history of Anglo-Saxon England in the first half of the ninth century?

2. With whom did the Vikings make peace in 872?

3. Where did the Vikings go in 872?

4. Why did Asser never attempt to circulate his book?

5. How did Asser learn of the various texts mentioned in his work?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does most of what we know about Alfred come from?

2. What happened to the kingdom of Wessex during King Alfred's reign? What happened as a result?

3. Why was Asser's Life of King Alfred never intended to be circulated?

4. List at least three events in Alfred's youth that probably influenced him.

5. What three themes characterize the political history of Anglo-Saxon England in the first half of the ninth century?

6. What did one historian theorize about Asser's Life of King Alfred?

7. Why was Alfred sent to Rome? What happened while he was there?

8. What was the audience Asser intended for his Life of King Alfred?

9. What role did education play in Alfred's life during his reign?

10. What happened in 886 when the Viking army started attacking again?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are appendices? What are the purposes of the appendices in Alfred the Great? What do they add to the book? How would the book be different if they were not there?

Essay Topic 2

What is writing style? Why is it important? Identify style elements Asser used in his Life of King Alfred.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of Alfred's family in his life and reign. Be sure to discuss his father and siblings, as well as his children.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 780 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample