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. When a man is able to discard __________, according to the book, he will be able to discover his own sense of contentment.

2. ___________ takes away the responsibility of providing for the family and it gives to man the idea leisure time as well, according to the book.

3. Man's obligation is to live under ________in all of his actions, according to this part of the book.

4. When the family is __________ in society and not connected to others, then it can be truly happy, according to the book.

5. What does man think of when he has more free time in which to think about his life, according to the book?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the essential aspects of life that are not for sale, according to this section of the book?

2. What happens to Plutarch, but it allows him to live a life of a philosopher?

3. What is the question that arises from the story of the man on the boat, according to Ruskin?

4. What does Dorothy Day explain the difference between when she contributes to the book?

5. What is the desired goal of having less if the goal is not to be destitute?

6. What is the societal status of St. Francis of Assisi before he begins his work as a monk?

7. How is the poor man separated from the destitute man, according to the book?

8. What does James say that society does when it sees a person who is poor and downtrodden?

9. Who is Lady of Pecunia and what does she represent in society?

10. What does Horace Gregory describe money as being, according to his section in the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The book states quite succinctly that no man is without his work, even when he is not gainfully employed.

Part 1: How do you define the idea of work?

Part 2: Why do you think that man is always at work, even when he is not getting paid to do it?

Part 3: Do you believe that you need to get paid for an activity in order for it to be called work?

Essay Topic 2

The idea of poverty is one that can scare people as well as make them curious to find out more.

Part 1: How do you define what is poverty and what is not poverty?

Part 2: What do you think happens in order to make a person a part of the poorer society?

Part 3: Why do you think poverty is often looked at as a negative thing?

Essay Topic 3

The key to a satisfying life, according to the book, is to live a life of balance.

Part 1: How might you begin to define the idea of balance?

Part 2: Do you think it's possible to live a life that is completely balanced?

Part 3: Why do you think a balanced life is the best way to live your life? Or do you disagree?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 719 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample