Vocabulary from Context

In “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!” which statement best describes Patrick Henry's viewpoint about the war with the British?

• Henry thinks waiting for the British to understand is better than war.

• Henry believes discussion is more powerful than combat.

• Henry thinks they have exhausted all their options and it’s time to fight.

• Henry believes they need more time to prepare for war.

Mr. President: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve.

Which statement best describes Patrick Henry's use of pathos in this excerpt?

• He stirs emotion by complimenting the listeners’ loyalty to their country.

• He explains why his opinion is more accurate than that of his opposition.

• He builds his reputation by presenting himself as one who respects his colleagues.

• He establishes his authority by listing his expertise and qualifications.

Which statement most accurately describes Frederick Douglass's viewpoint in “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” about celebrating the Fourth of July?

• He thinks it is a day when all Americans should celebrate their freedoms.

• He believes it is wrong to celebrate while slavery still exists in America.

• He thinks American slave owners should allow their slaves to celebrate.

• He believes it is a day when people should celebrate the Declaration of Independence.

Fellow-citizens; above your national, tumultuous joy, I hear the mournful wail of millions! whose chains, heavy and grievous yesterday, are, to-day, rendered more intolerable by the jubilee shouts that reach them. If I do forget, if I do not faithfully remember those bleeding children of sorrow this day, “may my right hand forget her cunning, and may my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth!” To forget them, to pass lightly over their wrongs, and to chime in with the popular theme, would be treason most scandalous and shocking, and would make me a reproach before God and the world. My subject, then fellow-citizens, is AMERICAN SLAVERY.

Which statement best describes Douglass's purpose?

• to celebrate the promise of freedom and liberty on the Fourth of July

• to embarrass and ridicule his audience for their celebrations

• to call attention to the shame and horrors of American slavery

• to remember those who are still enslaved

The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight that brought life and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth [of] July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.

How does Douglass use parallelism in this excerpt?

• to reinforce his authority and establish his credibility as someone knowledgeable about slavery

• to provide his listeners with important background information about slavery in America

• to create contrast by highlighting the differences between his experiences and his audience's experiences

• to present compelling evidence for his claim that the Fourth of July should not be celebrated as a day of freedom