Patrick Henry's "Speech in the Virginia Convention"

Which of the following best describes a central idea of the text?

• Hope is the only comfort people can turn to in times of revolution and change.
• Patrick Henry believed that one cannot know the future, one can only anticipate its potential.
• Patrick Henry believed that the colonies should fight the British for freedom as peace and reconciliation had been rejected.
• The Virginia House of Burgesses had always believed that conflict with Great Britain was the only possible way to achieve freedom.

Which of the following best describes how Henry uses persuasive language in paragraph 3?

• Henry exaggerates facts to argue that the British intend to attack soon and regain control of the colonies.
• Henry repeats the same sentence throughout in order to convince his audience that the British are untrustworthy.
• Henry uses rhetorical questions and answers to argue how futile trusting the British and continuing to try to make peace.
• Henry compares the British's behavior towards other colonies that pleaded for independence with their behavior towards the American colonies.

According to Henry, what alternatives did the colonists already try in their appeal to Great Britain?

• They tried scaring the British with minor insurrections and conflicts.
• They pledged eternal loyalty to the crown in the hopes of gaining British favor.
• They tried petitioning, arguing, and pleading with the British ministry and crown.
• They appealed to common British citizens for public support of their cause for independence.

According to Henry, what are the "means" the colonies have to defeat the British? (Paragraph 5)

• Knowledge of the land
• Plentiful natural resources
• Proof that the British have mistreated them
• People wiling to fight, allies, and a just cause

In the text, Henry appeals to ethos (ethics) by demonstrating his character and credibility. Which of the following statements best establishes Henry's trustworthiness?

• "It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we had to God and our country." (Paragraph 1)
• "I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience." (Paragraph 3)
• "I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission?" (Paragraph 3)
• "An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts, is all that is left us!" (Paragraph 4)

Why will Henry speak freely as he addresses the House?

• He lacks respect toward the Virginia House of Burgesses.
• He fears how his country will respond to his opinions.
• He will offend his country and God if he holds back.
• He has lost patience with his country.

According to Henry, which of the following best describes the British ministry's motives?

• To re-establish their power and control of the colonies.
• To compensate the colonies for unfair taxation.
• To create compromise with the colonies.
• To negotiate peace with the colonies.

Henry believes that the colonies...

• Should reconsider fighting, as war will not earn them freedom.
• Should send representatives to negotiate with Great Britain.
• Need to fight because the time for peaceful appeals is over.
• Need to reconsider whether fighting is the correct strategic decision.

What does Henry urge his fellow countrymen to do?

• Abolish slavery and promote equality of all.
• Join in the important fight against the British.
• Unify the colonies in order to promote peace.
• Sacrifice their lives to makes peace with the British.