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 book are most men satisfied by reading or having read to them?

2. What kind of bird does an old man tell Thoreau used to frequent the pond?

3. What does Thoreau follow all the way into town?

4. Who does Thoreau help toward the north star?

5. What man-made device can Thoreau hear from his window?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Thoreau despise the railway?

2. How does Thoreau compare the people in the village to muskrats?

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

4. What effect did Thoreau's isolation have on his social life?

5. What suggestions does Thoreau make to improve the state of culture in Concord?

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

7. How does Thoreau describe the development of his relationship with the forest and Walden Pond?

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

9. Why does Thoreau admire the French Canadian woodchopper?

10. How does Thoreau feel about walking home from town late at night in the dark?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about an aspect of Global Warming. How is it caused? What are the potential consequences? What can be done to change this process?

Essay Topic 2

If you tried to carry out Thoreau's experiment today, would it be possible? Why or why not? Write an essay explaining how our modern society can prevent us from living such a simplified lifestyle. Be sure to include any modern inventions that would actually assist a minimalist lifestyle.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay explaining the individual's responsibility for philanthropy and charity. Be sure to address the following:

1 - Is humankind basically selfish or altruistic?

2 - What responsibilities are required of charitable organizations?

3 - Any charitable causes about which you feel strongly.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 867 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample