Noah Webster and His Contributions

What major work is Noah Webster best known for?

• A novel about colonial America

• A dictionary of the American language

• A textbook on biology

• A newspaper for children

According to the book, Webster believed the new nation needed an 'American language.' What did that mean for him?

• He wanted Americans to speak only Latin.

• He believed Americans should use words and idioms from many immigrant peoples.

• He thought Americans should adopt British spelling and vocabulary.

• He wanted to stop the teaching of foreign languages altogether.

Which of the following is not listed in the book as one of Webster’s accomplishments?

• He published New York City’s first daily newspaper.

• He created America’s first copyright law.

• He founded the first American space exploration agency.

• He helped develop a curriculum for American schools.

When did Noah Webster live? (Choose the correct range)

• 1600–1650

• 1758–1843

• 1850–1930

• 1900–1970

The book mentions Webster’s work as an educator. Which groups did he particularly advocate having access to education?

• Only wealthy white males

• Slaves, females, adult learners — basically all citizens

• Only children from urban areas

• Only the children of teachers

What language- or lexicographic goal did Webster have for American English?

• To keep it exactly the same as British English

• To abolish dictionaries altogether

• To reflect the living, spoken language of America

• To make English the only language in America

In addition to lexicography and education, Webster also studied and wrote about which of the following?

• Disease and sanitation

• Rocket science

• Contemporary computer programming

• Oceanic navigation

What was one of the earliest textbooks Webster wrote that became extremely popular?

• The American Daily Journal

• The Blue-Backed Speller (The American Spelling Book)

• Webster’s Guide to Ocean Currents

• The Webster Encyclopedia of Plants

Which of the following statements best describes the style and content of Shea’s book about Webster?

• It is a long, dense academic treatise meant for graduate students.

• It is a picture book biography for young readers with informative sidebars, timeline, and colorful illustrations.

• It is a fictional story that completely changes historical facts for entertainment.

• It is purely a spelling workbook with no biography.

According to the book, why is Webster described as a 'weaver of words'?

• Because he literally wove words into fabric tapestries.

• Because he brought together many threads (curriculum, language, publications) to shape American English and education.

• Because he only worked with weaving machines and textiles.

• Because he liked to spin yarns in his spare time.