Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography Quiz

What is Franklin's attitude towards writing about his life?

• He finds it a useful recollection.

• He thinks it is a waste of time.

• He believes it is too difficult.

• He feels it is unnecessary.

Answer explanation

Franklin views writing about his life as a valuable way to reflect on his experiences, indicating that he finds it a useful recollection rather than a waste of time or something unnecessary.

What does Franklin mean by "indulge" in the context of the text?

• To allow oneself to enjoy

• To avoid

• To criticize

• To forget

Answer explanation

In the context of the text, Franklin uses "indulge" to mean "to allow oneself to enjoy." This suggests a sense of permission to take pleasure in something, which aligns with the correct answer choice.

What does Franklin mean by "fair quarter"?

• Fair treatment

• A place to live

• A quarter of a year

• A financial term

Answer explanation

Franklin's use of "fair quarter" refers to fair treatment, emphasizing the importance of justice and equity in interactions, rather than a physical space, time period, or financial concept.

What does Franklin hope to achieve by writing his memoirs?

• To make his life recollection durable

• To gain fame

• To earn money

• To entertain his readers

Answer explanation

Franklin aims to make his life recollection durable by documenting his experiences, ensuring they are preserved for future generations rather than seeking fame, money, or merely entertaining his readers.

What profession did Benjamin Franklin's father initially want him to pursue?

• Lawyer

• Printer

• Sailor

• Teacher

Answer explanation

Benjamin Franklin's father initially wanted him to become a printer, as he recognized the importance of the printing trade. This choice influenced Franklin's later career as a successful printer and publisher.

What did Benjamin Franklin's father do to prevent his inclination towards the sea?

• Sent him to school

• Made him a printer

• Made him an apprentice

• Sent him to England

Answer explanation

Benjamin Franklin's father made him an apprentice to a printer to steer him away from his desire to go to sea, thus providing him with a different career path and skills.

What was the subject of the dispute between Franklin and Collins?

• Politics

• Religion

• Education of women

• Science

Answer explanation

The dispute between Franklin and Collins centered on the education of women, highlighting differing views on women's roles and access to education during their time.

Who were the authors of The Spectator?

• Joseph Addison and Richard Steele

• Charles Dickens and Mark Twain

• William Shakespeare and John Milton

• Jane Austen and Emily Brontë

Answer explanation

The Spectator was a daily publication founded in 1711, primarily authored by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele. They aimed to inform and entertain the public, making this choice the correct answer.

What was the author's condition when he first entered Philadelphia?

• Well-dressed and wealthy

• In his working dress and very hungry

• Accompanied by friends

• Lost and confused

Answer explanation

The author entered Philadelphia in a working dress and was very hungry, indicating he was not wealthy or well-dressed, nor accompanied by friends or lost.

What did the author have in his pockets when he arrived in Philadelphia?

• Gold coins

• A map and compass

• Shirts and stockings

• A letter of introduction

Answer explanation

The author arrived in Philadelphia with only shirts and stockings in his pockets, as he had little else. This detail highlights his humble beginnings and sets the stage for his journey.