Reading: History Quiz

32. Smith’s main purpose in the passage is to

• accuse fellow abolitionists of overlooking the contributions that women have made to the movement.

• argue that the causes of abolition and women’s rights are continuations of the spirit of the American Revolution.

• make the case that women’s rights are meaningless while slavery exists.

• encourage women to see their participation in the abolitionist cause as just and important.

33. Which statement provides the best description of a technique that Smith uses throughout the passage to advance her main point?

• She presents claims in the form of rhetorical questions that mostly have implicit negative answers.

• She criticizes her opponents by quoting self-contradictory remarks they have made.

• She illustrates each of her central ideas with an emotionally powerful anecdote.

• She emphasizes the reasonableness of her views by presenting them as though they are universally held.

34. How does Smith develop her argument about slavery as a “political question” (line 3) over the course of the passage?

• She claims the designation is an outdated one and then offers alternative definitions

• She dismisses the designation as too narrow but then demonstrates its relevance to her audience.

• She contends that the designation has become trite and then invites her audience to revitalize it.

• She describes the meaning the designation has for men and then challenges women to embrace it.

35. Which choice best summarizes the first paragraph?

• Smith explains a conventional viewpoint and presents evidence supporting it.

• Smith rejects a claim and elaborates on her reasons for doing so.

• Smith introduces her subject and provides historical background for understanding it.

• Smith identifies a problem and proposes steps to remedy it.

36. In the passage, Smith argues that it is possible for women to engage in which activity?

• Acting according to humanitarian principles while preserving their femininity

• Adhering to personal morality while being politically neutra

• Contributing to their family’s financial security while meeting social expectations

• Resisting calls for war while still opposing slavery

37. Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• Lines 26-33 (“May... rescue”)

• Lines 42-47 (“And when... subject”)

• Lines 51-54 (“Surely... happiness”)

• Lines 77-82 (“Our... laws”)

38. According to Smith, the US Constitution requires which action on the part of the Northern free states if slaves were to revolt?

• The Northern states would have to sever ties with the slave states.

• The Northern states would have to give shelter to refugees from the slave states.

• The Northern states would have to help the slave states fight the slaves’ rebellion.

• The Northern states would have to provide financial assistance to the rebelling slaves.

39. In context, what is the main effect of Smith’s use of the word “tyrant” in lines 40 and 83?

• It identifies a specific individual as oppressive

• It highlights the threat of aggression from abroad.

• It critiques the limited roles for women in antislavery movements.

• It emphasizes the unjustness of slavery.

40. As used in line 52, “slumbering” most nearly means

• lethargic

• drowsy

• dormant

• unconscious.

41. In the passage, Smith most strongly suggests that slavery affects the United States by

• lowering the country’s reputation in the international community.

• leading many women to disavow their allegiance to the country

• causing violent conflicts in many areas of the country.

• weakening the authority of the country’s government.