Understanding the Salem Witch Trials

What was the consequence of insisting on innocence during the Salem Witch Trials?

• Exile from the village

• A fair trial

• Likely execution

• Immediate release

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Who were the first to exhibit strange behaviors that led to the witchcraft accusations?

• Sarah Good and Sarah Osbourne

• Two unnamed village elders

• Betty Parris and Abigail Williams

• Tituba and her daughter

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

What was a common characteristic of those first accused of witchcraft?

• Leadership positions in the church

• Wealth and influence

• Outsider status in the community

• Previous accusations of witchcraft

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What did the physician diagnose Betty Parris and Abigail Williams with?

• An unknown disease

• An evil hand

• Hallucinations

• Childhood hysteria

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What type of evidence was accepted in the witch trials?

• Written confessions only

• Physical evidence

• Testimonies of good character

• Spectral evidence

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

How did the authorities encourage confessions?

• By guaranteeing a place in heaven

• By offering money

• By promising land

• By threatening with execution

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What was the fate of Sarah Good?

• She escaped

• She was released

• She died in prison

• She was executed

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What role did Tituba play in the trials?

• She was a judge

• She defended the accused

• She confessed to witchcraft and accused others

• She was a victim who never confessed

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What was the outcome for those who confessed to witchcraft?

• They were all executed

• They were exiled

• They were often released

• They were tortured for more information

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

What eventually led to the suspension of the trials?

• A lack of evidence

• Public outcry

• The governor's wife was accused

• The winter ended

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9