8b Liberty and Equality Reading Assessment

How does Douglass explain the difference between slavery in the city and slavery in the country? Select TWO answer choices.

• City slaves are fed and clothed better than country slaves

• Life is different in the country versus the city

• Slaveholders in the city are worried about their neighbors versus the country slaveholders

• Douglass describe the difference using the story about Henrietta and Mary to show how life was like.

What does this phrase indicate about Mrs. Auld before she got married? "...had been dependent upon her own industry for a living."

• She had needed to work to support herself.

• She had worked in multiple industries to earn a living.

• She had relied on the support of an industry that helped needy women.

• She was used to living a free and independent lifestyle.

But, alas! this kind heart had but a short time to remain such. The fatal poison of irresponsible power was already in her hands, and soon commenced its infernal work. That cheerful eye, under the influence of slavery, soon became red with rage; that voice, made all of sweet accord, changed to one of harsh and horrid discord; and that angelic face gave place to that of a demon.

How does the figurative language describing how Douglass feel about Mrs. Auld, describe his tone toward how she changed?

• not surprised when she changed.

• did not believe she had really changed.

• relieved when she changed.

• disappointed when she changed.

My new mistress proved to be all she appeared when I first met her at the door,—a woman of the kindest heart and finest feelings. She had never had a slave under her control previously to myself, and prior to her marriage she had been dependent upon her own industry for a living. She was by trade a weaver; and by constant application to her business, she had been in a good degree preserved from the blighting and dehumanizing effects of slavery. I was utterly astonished at her goodness. I scarcely knew how to behave towards her. She was entirely unlike any other white woman I had ever seen. I could not approach her as I was accustomed to approach other white ladies. My early instruction was all out of place. The crouching servility, usually so acceptable a quality in a slave, did not answer when manifested toward her. Her favor was not gained by it; she seemed to be disturbed by it. She did not deem it impudent or unmannerly for a slave to look her in the face. The meanest slave was put fully at ease in her presence, and none left without feeling better for having seen her. Her face was made of heavenly smiles, and her voice of tranquil music.

What's the Main Idea of this excerpt?

• Frederick Douglass’s new mistress was a mysterious woman whose intentions were confusing to him.

• Frederick Douglass’s new mistress was a weaver who worked hard to support herself without the help of slaves.

• Frederick Douglass’s new mistress was kind when he first met her because she had not been a slaveholder before.

• Frederick Douglass’s new mistress was kind when he first met her, but this quickly changed.

“ The fatal poison of irresponsible power was already in her hands, and soon commenced its infernal work.”

Which choice BEST describes what role this sentence serves in the paragraph?

• The sentence uses figurative language to explain what caused Mrs. Auld to change.

• The sentence uses figurative language to contrast Mrs. Auld’s appearance and behavior before and after becoming a slaveholder.

• The sentence uses descriptive language to describe how Mrs. Auld would physically harm the slaves.

• The sentence uses literal language to explain that Mrs. Auld was secretly poisoned, which changed her behavior.

Which character traits would an actor playing the role of Mrs. Auld need to be able to convey in order to show how she changes over time? Choose the TWO answers that apply.

• Kindness

• Confusion

• Intelligence

• Cruelty

In paragraph 3, Mr. Auld says that if you give a slave “an inch, he will take an ell.” What does he mean by this statement?

• If you give a slave some personal space, he will be much more comfortable and productive.

• If you listen to a slave’s concerns, he will respect you more.

• If you show a slave that you are afraid of him, he will take advantage of you.

• If you give a slave a small amount of power or freedom, he will demand a lot more.

“Whilst I was saddened by the thought of losing the aid of my kind mistress, I was gladdened by the invaluable instruction which, by the merest accident, I had gained from my master.” Which choice BEST describes how the sentence helps to develop paragraph’s claim?

• This sentence explains exactly what Frederick Douglass learned from Mr. Auld.

• This sentence compares the lessons Frederick Douglass learned from Mrs. Auld to the lesson he learned from Mr. Auld.

• This sentence explains that, without meaning to, Mr. Auld taught Frederick Douglass something very important.

• This sentence describes how Frederick Douglass’s life changed after he learned a valuable lesson from Mr. Auld.

“ Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

From the way the sentence is constructed, the reader can determine that Lincoln used the word “fathers” to mean

• the ancestors of the audience listening to his speech.

• the people who created the government of the United States of America.

• priests and other religious leaders.

• the oldest members of society.

Read this sentence from the beginning of the speech: “ Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

Which choice BEST describes what role this sentence serves in Lincoln’s speech?

• The sentence reminds the audience of how old the country is.

• The sentence reminds the audience why the country was created.

• The sentence helps emphasize how strong the country used to be.

• The sentence helps develop the idea that speeches are not as important as acts.