11th Grade ELA – Pre-test Assessment 4 Copy

1. Question

Part A

In paragraph 1, Henry says of the colonists, “. . . we have prostrated ourselves before the throne . . . .” In this context, what does it mean to prostrate oneself?

A. To put oneself in a humble and submissive position
B. To use up one’s physical and mental resources
C. To waste one’s time in a hopeless cause
D. To put oneself in an advantageous situation

2. Question

Part B

What points does Henry seek to make in saying that the colonists have prostrated themselves before the throne? Select two correct answers.

A. They continue to behave as if they are subjects of the king.
B. Their efforts have attracted the sympathy of the king.
C. They would be better advised to stand up to the king.
D. Their actions have caused a division between the king and parliament.
E. Their actions are testing the king’s patience.
F. They are unknowingly imitating the king’s behavior.

3. Question

Part A

What is Henry’s overall purpose in his speech?

A. To urge caution
B. To warn of danger
C. To incite action
D. To reveal information

4. Question

Part B

Which quotation from paragraph 1 most directly supports the answer to Part A?

A. “‘Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition, comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land? Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation?’”
B. “‘I ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies?’”
C. “‘Sir, we have done every thing that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned—we have remonstrated—we have supplicated—we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and parliament.’”
D. “‘If we wish to be free—if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending—if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon, until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained—we must fight!— I repeat it, sir, we must fight!!’”

5. Question

Part A

Which two statements best describe Henry’s views about those who continue to strive for reconciliation with the British?

A. They demonstrate admirable loyalty toward the king.
B. They have ignored the truth about Britain’s intentions toward the colonists.
C. They are victims of the king’s lies.
D. They make the colonists more vulnerable to British tyranny.
E. They consider themselves morally superior to those who advocate fighting.
F. They are pursuing an alternative course toward the same goal.

6. Question

Part B

Select two quotations from Henry’s speech that most directly support the answers to Part A.

A. “‘Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love?’” (paragraph 1)
B. “‘Have we any thing new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable . . . .’” (paragraph 1)
C. “‘Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation.’” (paragraph 1)
D. “‘Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us, hand and foot?’” (paragraph 2)
E. “‘There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.’” (paragraph 2)
F. “‘Our chains are forged. Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston!’” (paragraph 2)