51 pages 1 hour read

Henry David Thoreau

Civil Disobedience

Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1849

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Exam Questions

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-work review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. Based on your inference from the text, how would Thoreau have reacted to the growth of social welfare tax systems in the mid-20th century?

A)   He would have wholeheartedly embraced the consolidation of federal power.

B)    He would have supported the increase in social welfare taxes.

C)    He would have preferred a military leadership.

D)   He would have disagreed with a stronger, central government.

2. Which of the following best describes Thoreau’s opinion on the Mexican War?

A)    He trusts that it is the will of the American people.

B)    He is concerned that it will affect the U.S.’s relationship with France.

C)    He believes that a few politicians are using the government as a tool.

D)   He is apathetic about war and violence administered by the government.

3. According to Thoreau, the United States government exhibits which quality in relation to individuals who try to abuse its power?

A)    Pliability

B)    Steadfastness

C)    Perseverance

D)   Effervescence

4. Which of the following historical contexts does Thoreau allude to throughout the essay?

A)    Emancipation

B)    The War of 1812

C)    The Gilded Age

D)   The antebellum era

5. Which of the following best summarizes Thoreau’s opinion on voting?

A)    It is a crucial component of a functioning democracy.

B)    It is an act of apathy that has very little effect on changing the government.

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