American Literature A FINAL

In which sentence is the modifier used correctly?

Given the meaning of the root -lib-, what is the meaning of liberation in this sentence?

Following our hamster’s accidental liberation, we put all of the cats outside.

Literary Analysis and Reading Skills Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
My father was a St. Bernard, my mother was a collie, but I am a Presbyterian. This is what my mother told me, I do not know these nice distinctions myself. To me they are only fine large words meaning nothing. My mother had a fondness for such; she liked to say them, and see other dogs look surprised and envious, as wondering how she got so much education. But, indeed, it was not real education; it was only show: she got the words by listening in the dining-room and drawing-room when there was company, and by going with the children to Sunday-school and listening there; and whenever she heard a large word she said it over to herself many times, and so was able to keep it until there was a dogmatic gathering in the neighborhood, then she would get it off, and surprise and distress them all, from pocket-pup to mastiff, which rewarded her for all her trouble.
from “A Dog’s Tale” by Mark Twain

Which word best describes the tone of this selection?

RL3 Read the selection. Then, answer the question that follows.

In this excerpt, the author is writing about the trials and hanging of several citizens accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts, in the latter part of the seventeenth century.
All through the summer the accusations, the arrests, the trials, came thick and fast till the jails were crowded. Nor were those now accused friendless old beldames like Sarah Good. They included Captain John Alden . . . who saved himself by breaking jail, and the wealthy and prominent Englishes, who saved themselves by flight. The most disgraceful scenes occurred at the trial of the saintly Rebecca Nurse. Thirtynine citizens of Salem were brave enough to sign a petition for her, and the jury brought in a verdict of “not guilty.” The mob in the sweating courtroom immediately began to cry out, and the presiding judge as much as told the jury to reverse their verdict. They did so, to the mob’s delight. Then the governor pardoned her. And “certain gentlemen of Salem”—and perhaps the mob—persuaded him into reversing his pardon. She was hanged on Gallows Hill on July 19 with Sarah Good, Sarah Wilds, Elizabeth Howe, and Susanna Martin.
from We Aren’t Superstitious by Stephen Vincent Benét

Which of these would be most likely to help you appreciate the events that the author describes?

RL2 Read the selection. Then, answer the question that follows.

Do not weep, maiden, for war is kind.
Because your lover threw wild hands toward the sky
And the affrighted steed ran on alone,
Do not weep.
War is kind.

from “War Is Kind” by Stephen Crane

Which of these describes the effect of the poet’s diction in this selection?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
At the end of the sixteenth century, most people in England still believed that Earth was the center of the universe. They thought that the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn traveled around Earth in perfect harmony, creating what they called the “music of the spheres.” The planets and their positions were also supposed to have direct influence on a person’s fate and personality. Melancholy, or sad, personalities were thought to occur when a person was out of tune with the universe.
People believed that the moon and planets controlled everything from luck to weather. They planted and harvested their crops based on the cycles of the moon. To keep his flock safe, a shepherd might consult an astrologer to learn if the positions of the planets indicated that a bad storm was on the way.
Superstitions were very common. In a grove of trees, the sound of wind rustling the leaves might be attributed to a forest nymph with magic powers. Similarly, people might credit the gurgling sounds of a bubbling creek to a choir of water sprites. Many people stuffed leaves into the keyholes of their doors to prevent evil spirits from entering their homes, but when babies were due, people often kept their homes unlocked in order to ensure a healthy and safe birth.

According to the passage, what do nymphs and sprites have in common?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
At the end of the sixteenth century, most people in England still believed that Earth was the center of the universe. They thought that the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn traveled around Earth in perfect harmony, creating what they called the “music of the spheres.” The planets and their positions were also supposed to have direct influence on a person’s fate and personality. Melancholy, or sad, personalities were thought to occur when a person was out of tune with the universe.
People believed that the moon and planets controlled everything from luck to weather. They planted and harvested their crops based on the cycles of the moon. To keep his flock safe, a shepherd might consult an astrologer to learn if the positions of the planets indicated that a bad storm was on the way.
Superstitions were very common. In a grove of trees, the sound of wind rustling the leaves might be attributed to a forest nymph with magic powers. Similarly, people might credit the gurgling sounds of a bubbling creek to a choir of water sprites. Many people stuffed leaves into the keyholes of their doors to prevent evil spirits from entering their homes, but when babies were due, people often kept their homes unlocked in order to ensure a healthy and safe birth.

Based on information in the selection, what is an astrologer?

Literary Analysis and Reading Skills Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
My father was a St. Bernard, my mother was a collie, but I am a Presbyterian. This is what my mother told me, I do not know these nice distinctions myself. To me they are only fine large words meaning nothing. My mother had a fondness for such; she liked to say them, and see other dogs look surprised and envious, as wondering how she got so much education. But, indeed, it was not real education; it was only show: she got the words by listening in the dining-room and drawing-room when there was company, and by going with the children to Sunday-school and listening there; and whenever she heard a large word she said it over to herself many times, and so was able to keep it until there was a dogmatic gathering in the neighborhood, then she would get it off, and surprise and distress them all, from pocket-pup to mastiff, which rewarded her for all her trouble.
from “A Dog’s Tale” by Mark Twain

Why does the author write from the point of view of a dog in this selection?

Which sentence contains a verb that correctly uses the subjunctive mood?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
At the end of the sixteenth century, most people in England still believed that Earth was the center of the universe. They thought that the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn traveled around Earth in perfect harmony, creating what they called the “music of the spheres.” The planets and their positions were also supposed to have direct influence on a person’s fate and personality. Melancholy, or sad, personalities were thought to occur when a person was out of tune with the universe.
People believed that the moon and planets controlled everything from luck to weather. They planted and harvested their crops based on the cycles of the moon. To keep his flock safe, a shepherd might consult an astrologer to learn if the positions of the planets indicated that a bad storm was on the way.
Superstitions were very common. In a grove of trees, the sound of wind rustling the leaves might be attributed to a forest nymph with magic powers. Similarly, people might credit the gurgling sounds of a bubbling creek to a choir of water sprites. Many people stuffed leaves into the keyholes of their doors to prevent evil spirits from entering their homes, but when babies were due, people often kept their homes unlocked in order to ensure a healthy and safe birth

What is the best definition for melancholy personality?

In which sentence should as if replace like?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Most people recognize the red rose as a symbol of romantic love, but few people realize that flowers and herbs have been used for centuries to convey many different emotions. The Victorians even published books on what they called the “language of flowers.” Various plants helped them to express feelings that otherwise seemed too passionate to be conveyed through direct statements. The nuances of this “language” are now mostly forgotten, but some remain. For example, people often give bouquets of white roses to convey messages of honesty or virtue, while yellow roses stand for friendship. Lilies often appear in wedding arrangements and bridal bouquets because these flowers suggest purity and innocence. Someone might place a bouquet of rosemary on the grave of a loved one to send the message I will always remember you. Similarly, if someone sends you a bouquet of pansies, the message is I’m thinking of you.
Historically, the way people presented flowers to each other also conveyed definite messages. A hopeful suitor might present to his loved one a rosebud with leaves and thorns, conveying the message I fear, but I hope. However, if the loved one returned a similar rosebud stem first, the message would be discouraging. This time, it would be You must neither fear nor hope. In other words, the answer would be No thanks!

Which type of flower traditionally represents friendship?

Read the selection. Then, answer the question that follows.
There are many theatrical traditions that actors observe. For example, they never wish each other “good luck” before a performance. Instead, they tell each other to “break a leg.” Actors are fairly superstitious, so they have learned that they should not whistle inside a theater. Most important of all, actors know that they should never utter the word Macbeth, the title and lead character of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
During productions of Macbeth, everyone in the cast and crew refers to the work as “the Scottish play” or merely “the play.” They call the character of Macbeth “the king,” and Lady Macbeth is always “the queen.” It is also considered bad form to quote from the play or to use any sets, costumes, or props that were part of a previous production of it. Outsiders might perceive of these traditions as ridiculous or petty, but actors continue their rigid adherence to the rules. In fact, anyone who breaks one of the rules must leave the theater, spin around three times, spit, and then ask permission to come back inside. If permission isn’t granted, a new actor is hired to take that actor’s role. This “silent treatment” is serious business, and it has been going on since 1606, when the you-know-which Shakespearean tragedy was first produced!

What is the most probable reason that the author uses the phrase the you-know-which Shakespearean tragedy in the final sentence?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Thus, some tall tree that long hath stood
The glory of its native wood,
By storms destroyed, or length of years,
Demands the tribute of our tears.
from “On the Death of Dr. Benjamin
Franklin” by Philip Morin Freneau

What conclusion can you draw about the speaker’s feelings toward Benjamin Franklin?

Read the selection. Then, answer the question that follows.
There are many theatrical traditions that actors observe. For example, they never wish each other “good luck” before a performance. Instead, they tell each other to “break a leg.” Actors are fairly superstitious, so they have learned that they should not whistle inside a theater. Most important of all, actors know that they should never utter the word Macbeth, the title and lead character of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
During productions of Macbeth, everyone in the cast and crew refers to the work as “the Scottish play” or merely “the play.” They call the character of Macbeth “the king,” and Lady Macbeth is always “the queen.” It is also considered bad form to quote from the play or to use any sets, costumes, or props that were part of a previous production of it. Outsiders might perceive of these traditions as ridiculous or petty, but actors continue their rigid adherence to the rules. In fact, anyone who breaks one of the rules must leave the theater, spin around three times, spit, and then ask permission to come back inside. If permission isn’t granted, a new actor is hired to take that actor’s role. This “silent treatment” is serious business, and it has been going on since 1606, when the you-know-which Shakespearean tragedy was first produced!

What do actors often say to each other to wish each other “good luck”?

Which sentence contains a verb in the present perfect tense?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Most people recognize the red rose as a symbol of romantic love, but few people realize that flowers and herbs have been used for centuries to convey many different emotions. The Victorians even published books on what they called the “language of flowers.” Various plants helped them to express feelings that otherwise seemed too passionate to be conveyed through direct statements. The nuances of this “language” are now mostly forgotten, but some remain. For example, people often give bouquets of white roses to convey messages of honesty or virtue, while yellow roses stand for friendship. Lilies often appear in wedding arrangements and bridal bouquets because these flowers suggest purity and innocence. Someone might place a bouquet of rosemary on the grave of a loved one to send the message I will always remember you. Similarly, if someone sends you a bouquet of pansies, the message is I’m thinking of you.
Historically, the way people presented flowers to each other also conveyed definite messages. A hopeful suitor might present to his loved one a rosebud with leaves and thorns, conveying the message I fear, but I hope. However, if the loved one returned a similar rosebud stem first, the message would be discouraging. This time, it would be You must neither fear nor hope. In other words, the answer would be No thanks!

To many people, what does a red rose symbolize?

C2
"The Crucible" is an allegorical tale that relates most strongly to which contemporary event for Arthur Miller?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Thus, some tall tree that long hath stood
The glory of its native wood,
By storms destroyed, or length of years,
Demands the tribute of our tears.
from “On the Death of Dr. Benjamin
Franklin” by Philip Morin Freneau

What figure of speech does the following sentence contain?
The flower lifted its droopy head and drank eagerly.

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
At the end of the sixteenth century, most people in England still believed that Earth was the center of the universe. They thought that the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn traveled around Earth in perfect harmony, creating what they called the “music of the spheres.” The planets and their positions were also supposed to have direct influence on a person’s fate and personality. Melancholy, or sad, personalities were thought to occur when a person was out of tune with the universe.
People believed that the moon and planets controlled everything from luck to weather. They planted and harvested their crops based on the cycles of the moon. To keep his flock safe, a shepherd might consult an astrologer to learn if the positions of the planets indicated that a bad storm was on the way.
Superstitions were very common. In a grove of trees, the sound of wind rustling the leaves might be attributed to a forest nymph with magic powers. Similarly, people might credit the gurgling sounds of a bubbling creek to a choir of water sprites. Many people stuffed leaves into the keyholes of their doors to prevent evil spirits from entering their homes, but when babies were due, people often kept their homes unlocked in order to ensure a healthy and safe birth.

What did people believe created the “music of the spheres”?

RL2 Read the selection. Then, answer the question that follows.

Do not weep, maiden, for war is kind.
Because your lover threw wild hands toward the sky
And the affrighted steed ran on alone,
Do not weep.
War is kind.

from “War Is Kind” by Stephen Crane

Which of these is the best paraphrase of this selection?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Most people recognize the red rose as a symbol of romantic love, but few people realize that flowers and herbs have been used for centuries to convey many different emotions. The Victorians even published books on what they called the “language of flowers.” Various plants helped them to express feelings that otherwise seemed too passionate to be conveyed through direct statements. The nuances of this “language” are now mostly forgotten, but some remain. For example, people often give bouquets of white roses to convey messages of honesty or virtue, while yellow roses stand for friendship. Lilies often appear in wedding arrangements and bridal bouquets because these flowers suggest purity and innocence. Someone might place a bouquet of rosemary on the grave of a loved one to send the message I will always remember you. Similarly, if someone sends you a bouquet of pansies, the message is I’m thinking of you.
Historically, the way people presented flowers to each other also conveyed definite messages. A hopeful suitor might present to his loved one a rosebud with leaves and thorns, conveying the message I fear, but I hope. However, if the loved one returned a similar rosebud stem first, the message would be discouraging. This time, it would be You must neither fear nor hope. In other words, the answer would be No thanks!

Which plant is the symbol of happy and longstanding memories?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Most people recognize the red rose as a symbol of romantic love, but few people realize that flowers and herbs have been used for centuries to convey many different emotions. The Victorians even published books on what they called the “language of flowers.” Various plants helped them to express feelings that otherwise seemed too passionate to be conveyed through direct statements. The nuances of this “language” are now mostly forgotten, but some remain. For example, people often give bouquets of white roses to convey messages of honesty or virtue, while yellow roses stand for friendship. Lilies often appear in wedding arrangements and bridal bouquets because these flowers suggest purity and innocence. Someone might place a bouquet of rosemary on the grave of a loved one to send the message I will always remember you. Similarly, if someone sends you a bouquet of pansies, the message is I’m thinking of you.
Historically, the way people presented flowers to each other also conveyed definite messages. A hopeful suitor might present to his loved one a rosebud with leaves and thorns, conveying the message I fear, but I hope. However, if the loved one returned a similar rosebud stem first, the message would be discouraging. This time, it would be You must neither fear nor hope. In other words, the answer would be No thanks!

According to the selection, how might someone use flowers to discourage a suitor from pursuing a relationship?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Most people recognize the red rose as a symbol of romantic love, but few people realize that flowers and herbs have been used for centuries to convey many different emotions. The Victorians even published books on what they called the “language of flowers.” Various plants helped them to express feelings that otherwise seemed too passionate to be conveyed through direct statements. The nuances of this “language” are now mostly forgotten, but some remain. For example, people often give bouquets of white roses to convey messages of honesty or virtue, while yellow roses stand for friendship. Lilies often appear in wedding arrangements and bridal bouquets because these flowers suggest purity and innocence. Someone might place a bouquet of rosemary on the grave of a loved one to send the message I will always remember you. Similarly, if someone sends you a bouquet of pansies, the message is I’m thinking of you.
Historically, the way people presented flowers to each other also conveyed definite messages. A hopeful suitor might present to his loved one a rosebud with leaves and thorns, conveying the message I fear, but I hope. However, if the loved one returned a similar rosebud stem first, the message would be discouraging. This time, it would be You must neither fear nor hope. In other words, the answer would be No thanks!

Why might a hopeful suitor want to send his loved one the message I fear, but I hope?

C2
Which of the following is a characteristic of a metaphor?

Read the selection. Then, answer the question that follows.
There are many theatrical traditions that actors observe. For example, they never wish each other “good luck” before a performance. Instead, they tell each other to “break a leg.” Actors are fairly superstitious, so they have learned that they should not whistle inside a theater. Most important of all, actors know that they should never utter the word Macbeth, the title and lead character of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
During productions of Macbeth, everyone in the cast and crew refers to the work as “the Scottish play” or merely “the play.” They call the character of Macbeth “the king,” and Lady Macbeth is always “the queen.” It is also considered bad form to quote from the play or to use any sets, costumes, or props that were part of a previous production of it. Outsiders might perceive of these traditions as ridiculous or petty, but actors continue their rigid adherence to the rules. In fact, anyone who breaks one of the rules must leave the theater, spin around three times, spit, and then ask permission to come back inside. If permission isn’t granted, a new actor is hired to take that actor’s role. This “silent treatment” is serious business, and it has been going on since 1606, when the you-know-which Shakespearean tragedy was first produced!

Who is Macbeth?

C2
Which of the following describes a literary form in which authors give an account of their lives in their own words?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Thus, some tall tree that long hath stood
The glory of its native wood,
By storms destroyed, or length of years,
Demands the tribute of our tears.
from “On the Death of Dr. Benjamin
Franklin” by Philip Morin Freneau

The sentence below is an example of which of the following?
He that lies down with Dogs, shall rise up with fleas.

In which sentence is affect used correctly?

Read the selection. Then, answer the question that follows.
There are many theatrical traditions that actors observe. For example, they never wish each other “good luck” before a performance. Instead, they tell each other to “break a leg.” Actors are fairly superstitious, so they have learned that they should not whistle inside a theater. Most important of all, actors know that they should never utter the word Macbeth, the title and lead character of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
During productions of Macbeth, everyone in the cast and crew refers to the work as “the Scottish play” or merely “the play.” They call the character of Macbeth “the king,” and Lady Macbeth is always “the queen.” It is also considered bad form to quote from the play or to use any sets, costumes, or props that were part of a previous production of it. Outsiders might perceive of these traditions as ridiculous or petty, but actors continue their rigid adherence to the rules. In fact, anyone who breaks one of the rules must leave the theater, spin around three times, spit, and then ask permission to come back inside. If permission isn’t granted, a new actor is hired to take that actor’s role. This “silent treatment” is serious business, and it has been going on since 1606, when the you-know-which Shakespearean tragedy was first produced!

What is the most probable reason that actors refer to Macbeth as “the Scottish play”?

RL2 Read the selection. Then, answer the question that follows.

Do not weep, maiden, for war is kind.
Because your lover threw wild hands toward the sky
And the affrighted steed ran on alone,
Do not weep.
War is kind.

from “War Is Kind” by Stephen Crane

Based on the line “War is kind,” what can you infer about the speaker in this selection?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Most people recognize the red rose as a symbol of romantic love, but few people realize that flowers and herbs have been used for centuries to convey many different emotions. The Victorians even published books on what they called the “language of flowers.” Various plants helped them to express feelings that otherwise seemed too passionate to be conveyed through direct statements. The nuances of this “language” are now mostly forgotten, but some remain. For example, people often give bouquets of white roses to convey messages of honesty or virtue, while yellow roses stand for friendship. Lilies often appear in wedding arrangements and bridal bouquets because these flowers suggest purity and innocence. Someone might place a bouquet of rosemary on the grave of a loved one to send the message I will always remember you. Similarly, if someone sends you a bouquet of pansies, the message is I’m thinking of you.
Historically, the way people presented flowers to each other also conveyed definite messages. A hopeful suitor might present to his loved one a rosebud with leaves and thorns, conveying the message I fear, but I hope. However, if the loved one returned a similar rosebud stem first, the message would be discouraging. This time, it would be You must neither fear nor hope. In other words, the answer would be No thanks!

Which of the following is the most probable reason a man might send a woman some pansies?

Which sentence contains correct subject and verb agreement?

Read the selection. Then, answer the question that follows.
There are many theatrical traditions that actors observe. For example, they never wish each other “good luck” before a performance. Instead, they tell each other to “break a leg.” Actors are fairly superstitious, so they have learned that they should not whistle inside a theater. Most important of all, actors know that they should never utter the word Macbeth, the title and lead character of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
During productions of Macbeth, everyone in the cast and crew refers to the work as “the Scottish play” or merely “the play.” They call the character of Macbeth “the king,” and Lady Macbeth is always “the queen.” It is also considered bad form to quote from the play or to use any sets, costumes, or props that were part of a previous production of it. Outsiders might perceive of these traditions as ridiculous or petty, but actors continue their rigid adherence to the rules. In fact, anyone who breaks one of the rules must leave the theater, spin around three times, spit, and then ask permission to come back inside. If permission isn’t granted, a new actor is hired to take that actor’s role. This “silent treatment” is serious business, and it has been going on since 1606, when the you-know-which Shakespearean tragedy was first produced!

According to the selection, what is rarely used in a production of Macbeth?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Most people recognize the red rose as a symbol of romantic love, but few people realize that flowers and herbs have been used for centuries to convey many different emotions. The Victorians even published books on what they called the “language of flowers.” Various plants helped them to express feelings that otherwise seemed too passionate to be conveyed through direct statements. The nuances of this “language” are now mostly forgotten, but some remain. For example, people often give bouquets of white roses to convey messages of honesty or virtue, while yellow roses stand for friendship. Lilies often appear in wedding arrangements and bridal bouquets because these flowers suggest purity and innocence. Someone might place a bouquet of rosemary on the grave of a loved one to send the message I will always remember you. Similarly, if someone sends you a bouquet of pansies, the message is I’m thinking of you.
Historically, the way people presented flowers to each other also conveyed definite messages. A hopeful suitor might present to his loved one a rosebud with leaves and thorns, conveying the message I fear, but I hope. However, if the loved one returned a similar rosebud stem first, the message would be discouraging. This time, it would be You must neither fear nor hope. In other words, the answer would be No thanks!

Why are lilies often used as wedding flowers?

C2
In literature, what is the term for an account of an amusing or interesting event?

In which sentence does the prefix dis- most likely mean “apart” rather than “not”?

Which sentence shows the correct use of whom?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
At the end of the sixteenth century, most people in England still believed that Earth was the center of the universe. They thought that the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn traveled around Earth in perfect harmony, creating what they called the “music of the spheres.” The planets and their positions were also supposed to have direct influence on a person’s fate and personality. Melancholy, or sad, personalities were thought to occur when a person was out of tune with the universe.
People believed that the moon and planets controlled everything from luck to weather. They planted and harvested their crops based on the cycles of the moon. To keep his flock safe, a shepherd might consult an astrologer to learn if the positions of the planets indicated that a bad storm was on the way.
Superstitions were very common. In a grove of trees, the sound of wind rustling the leaves might be attributed to a forest nymph with magic powers. Similarly, people might credit the gurgling sounds of a bubbling creek to a choir of water sprites. Many people stuffed leaves into the keyholes of their doors to prevent evil spirits from entering their homes, but when babies were due, people often kept their homes unlocked in order to ensure a healthy and safe birth.

What superstition led people to keep their homes unlocked?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
At the end of the sixteenth century, most people in England still believed that Earth was the center of the universe. They thought that the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn traveled around Earth in perfect harmony, creating what they called the “music of the spheres.” The planets and their positions were also supposed to have direct influence on a person’s fate and personality. Melancholy, or sad, personalities were thought to occur when a person was out of tune with the universe.
People believed that the moon and planets controlled everything from luck to weather. They planted and harvested their crops based on the cycles of the moon. To keep his flock safe, a shepherd might consult an astrologer to learn if the positions of the planets indicated that a bad storm was on the way.
Superstitions were very common. In a grove of trees, the sound of wind rustling the leaves might be attributed to a forest nymph with magic powers. Similarly, people might credit the gurgling sounds of a bubbling creek to a choir of water sprites. Many people stuffed leaves into the keyholes of their doors to prevent evil spirits from entering their homes, but when babies were due, people often kept their homes unlocked in order to ensure a healthy and safe birth.

What did people often do to protect themselves from evil spirits?

C2
What kind of government does Salem have in The Crucible?

Given the meaning of the root -litera-, what is the meaning of literate in this sentence?

Most villagers became literate after a year of Eduardo’s instruction.

Literary Analysis and Reading Skills Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
My father was a St. Bernard, my mother was a collie, but I am a Presbyterian. This is what my mother told me, I do not know these nice distinctions myself. To me they are only fine large words meaning nothing. My mother had a fondness for such; she liked to say them, and see other dogs look surprised and envious, as wondering how she got so much education. But, indeed, it was not real education; it was only show: she got the words by listening in the dining-room and drawing-room when there was company, and by going with the children to Sunday-school and listening there; and whenever she heard a large word she said it over to herself many times, and so was able to keep it until there was a dogmatic gathering in the neighborhood, then she would get it off, and surprise and distress them all, from pocket-pup to mastiff, which rewarded her for all her trouble.
from “A Dog’s Tale” by Mark Twain

Which term applies to the way in which readers form their own mental image of the dogs’ surprised reaction to the mother’s use of “fine large words”?

RL1

Read the selection. Then, answer the question that follows.

In this excerpt, the author is writing about the trials and hanging of several citizens accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts, in the latter part of the seventeenth century.
All through the summer the accusations, the arrests, the trials, came thick and fast till the jails were crowded. Nor were those now accused friendless old beldames like Sarah Good. They included Captain John Alden . . . who saved himself by breaking jail, and the wealthy and prominent Englishes, who saved themselves by flight. The most disgraceful scenes occurred at the trial of the saintly Rebecca Nurse. Thirtynine citizens of Salem were brave enough to sign a petition for her, and the jury brought in a verdict of “not guilty.” The mob in the sweating courtroom immediately began to cry out, and the presiding judge as much as told the jury to reverse their verdict. They did so, to the mob’s delight. Then the governor pardoned her. And “certain gentlemen of Salem”—and perhaps the mob—persuaded him into reversing his pardon. She was hanged on Gallows Hill on July 19 with Sarah Good, Sarah Wilds, Elizabeth Howe, and Susanna Martin.
from We Aren’t Superstitious by Stephen Vincent Benét

In this selection, what happened just after the jury reversed their “not guilty” verdict against Rebecca Nurse?

Read the selection. Then, answer the question that follows.
There are many theatrical traditions that actors observe. For example, they never wish each other “good luck” before a performance. Instead, they tell each other to “break a leg.” Actors are fairly superstitious, so they have learned that they should not whistle inside a theater. Most important of all, actors know that they should never utter the word Macbeth, the title and lead character of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
During productions of Macbeth, everyone in the cast and crew refers to the work as “the Scottish play” or merely “the play.” They call the character of Macbeth “the king,” and Lady Macbeth is always “the queen.” It is also considered bad form to quote from the play or to use any sets, costumes, or props that were part of a previous production of it. Outsiders might perceive of these traditions as ridiculous or petty, but actors continue their rigid adherence to the rules. In fact, anyone who breaks one of the rules must leave the theater, spin around three times, spit, and then ask permission to come back inside. If permission isn’t granted, a new actor is hired to take that actor’s role. This “silent treatment” is serious business, and it has been going on since 1606, when the you-know-which Shakespearean tragedy was first produced!

What is the most important reason why it would be a really bad idea for an actor to break the rules?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Most people recognize the red rose as a symbol of romantic love, but few people realize that flowers and herbs have been used for centuries to convey many different emotions. The Victorians even published books on what they called the “language of flowers.” Various plants helped them to express feelings that otherwise seemed too passionate to be conveyed through direct statements. The nuances of this “language” are now mostly forgotten, but some remain. For example, people often give bouquets of white roses to convey messages of honesty or virtue, while yellow roses stand for friendship. Lilies often appear in wedding arrangements and bridal bouquets because these flowers suggest purity and innocence. Someone might place a bouquet of rosemary on the grave of a loved one to send the message I will always remember you. Similarly, if someone sends you a bouquet of pansies, the message is I’m thinking of you.
Historically, the way people presented flowers to each other also conveyed definite messages. A hopeful suitor might present to his loved one a rosebud with leaves and thorns, conveying the message I fear, but I hope. However, if the loved one returned a similar rosebud stem first, the message would be discouraging. This time, it would be You must neither fear nor hope. In other words, the answer would be No thanks!

Why did people in the Victorian age use plants to express deep feelings and emotions?

RL5 What is the meaning of petty in the sentence:

Outsiders may consider these traditions ridiculous or petty?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
At the end of the sixteenth century, most people in England still believed that Earth was the center of the universe. They thought that the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn traveled around Earth in perfect harmony, creating what they called the “music of the spheres.” The planets and their positions were also supposed to have direct influence on a person’s fate and personality. Melancholy, or sad, personalities were thought to occur when a person was out of tune with the universe.
People believed that the moon and planets controlled everything from luck to weather. They planted and harvested their crops based on the cycles of the moon. To keep his flock safe, a shepherd might consult an astrologer to learn if the positions of the planets indicated that a bad storm was on the way.
Superstitions were very common. In a grove of trees, the sound of wind rustling the leaves might be attributed to a forest nymph with magic powers. Similarly, people might credit the gurgling sounds of a bubbling creek to a choir of water sprites. Many people stuffed leaves into the keyholes of their doors to prevent evil spirits from entering their homes, but when babies were due, people often kept their homes unlocked in order to ensure a healthy and safe birth.

Which statement accurately reflects what most people in England believed in the sixteenth century?

RL1

Read the selection. Then, answer the question that follows.

In this excerpt, the author is writing about the trials and hanging of several citizens accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts, in the latter part of the seventeenth century.
All through the summer the accusations, the arrests, the trials, came thick and fast till the jails were crowded. Nor were those now accused friendless old beldames like Sarah Good. They included Captain John Alden . . . who saved himself by breaking jail, and the wealthy and prominent Englishes, who saved themselves by flight. The most disgraceful scenes occurred at the trial of the saintly Rebecca Nurse. Thirtynine citizens of Salem were brave enough to sign a petition for her, and the jury brought in a verdict of “not guilty.” The mob in the sweating courtroom immediately began to cry out, and the presiding judge as much as told the jury to reverse their verdict. They did so, to the mob’s delight. Then the governor pardoned her. And “certain gentlemen of Salem”—and perhaps the mob—persuaded him into reversing his pardon. She was hanged on Gallows Hill on July 19 with Sarah Good, Sarah Wilds, Elizabeth Howe, and Susanna Martin.
from We Aren’t Superstitious by Stephen Vincent Benét

Which aspect of this selection might many students relate to their own experience?

Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Thus, some tall tree that long hath stood
The glory of its native wood,
By storms destroyed, or length of years,
Demands the tribute of our tears.
from “On the Death of Dr. Benjamin
Franklin” by Philip Morin Freneau

From what type of poem does this stanza come?