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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. Franklin believes that an innocent ______ is more worthy than a vicious prince.

2. Which of the following did Franklin consider to be the most important virtue?

3. What did Jack eat?

4. In Franklin's opinion, what is the last organ to stop when a man dies?

5. How many towns contend for Homer?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why has the almanack been able to stand the test of time?

2. How does one tend to treat another differently when there is wealth involved?

3. Franklin's first quote about lawyers uses a metaphor that has to do with what animals and what activity? How does Franklin feel about lawyers?

4. Franklin has many views regarding the value and length of a person's life. What does the author say?

5. What part of the almanack may be difficult for people of today to understand?

6. How is a lie different than the truth in its steadfastness?

7. What is the advice given by Franklin regarding the making and keeping of promises?

8. Franklin scolds people with lazy bones. What is the admonishment?

9. What is the wisdom contained on Page 7 regarding the way a man eats?

10. What exactly is the almanack and what does it contain?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Franklin takes after classic parables by presenting stories, poems, or rhymes in corner to impact wisdom or a moral view. Do you think these references were influenced more by the Bible or traditional folk lore? How many do you think were created by Franklin? Choose at least three from the almanack. Examine each story and determine the point and moral of each story. Write your own stories using unique characters that encompass the same values and/or morals.

Essay Topic 2

The first edition of Poor Richard's Almanack in the form of pamphlets appeared in 1732. Although many of the sayings still hold true today, much of the language no longer applies. This is due in part to the time in which the almanacks were written as well as a combination of the Queen's and King's language. Colloquialisms are another barrier the modern reader must overcome. Discuss the colloquialisms often used by Franklin, variations on spelling and how they may make meanings unclear or difficult for the modern American reader. How might some of the sayings be adapted for today? Would you use colloquialisms or avoid them?

Essay Topic 3

Franklin likes to talk about being industrious. The author clearly believes this as he showed a great deal of industriousness throughout his life. Make a list of all of Franklin's inventions. Choose at least five and write an essay on each. Which was the most difficult to invent? Why? Which was the most important? Which are still in use today? Which do you use on a regular basis?

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