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. For what does Thoreau feel sympathy?

2. Thoreau states that fewer people came to see him at Walden Pond on...

3. What are the necessities of life?

4. "As long as possible live free and..."

5. What does Thoreau like to have between himself and a conversation partner?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Thoreau despise the railway?

2. What story does Thoreau tell to illustrate his point?

3. Why does Thoreau state that his midnight fishing excursions were memorable and valuable?

4. Why does Thoreau believe that Huckleberries lose their flavor before they go to market?

5. How does Thoreau bond with the old fisherman?

6. What does Thoreau think is a 'surprising and memorable experience,' and why?

7. Why does Thoreau decide to live such an isolated life at Walden Pond?

8. Why does Thoreau believe that people should read the classics?

9. What effect does Thoreau claim nature has on man?

10. What kind of 'music' does Thoreau make while hoeing the bean-field?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay explaining the pros and cons of living an isolated life. In what situations is it considered beneficial to be solitary, such as during meditation? In what situations is being isolated considered a punishment, such as during solitary confinement? Why does solitude have such different effects in certain situations?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 885 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample