Thomas Paine Answers

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3

Read the excerpt from Common Sense.“In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense.” What is the purpose of the words “simple,” plain,” and “common”?

A
to persuade readers of his point of view
B
to encourage only serious readers to continue
C
to demonstrate his impressive intellect
D
to appeal to as large an audience as possible
4

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I.“’Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.”Which best describes the purpose of this excerpt?

A
to explain Paine’s moral justification for the war
B
to inspire colonists to join the fight for independence
C
to encourage colonists to consider a peaceful solution
D
to emphasize the hardships that come with fighting for a cause
5

Read the excerpt from Common Sense.“To talk of friendship with those in whom our reason forbids us to have faith . . . is madness and folly.”Paine uses the words “madness and folly” to emphasize that the colonists

A
are not allowed to have a positive relationship with Britain.
B
must continue to try to build a relationship with the king.
C
are unwise in attempting to achieve a positive relationship with Britain.
D
must be careful in their dealings with the king because he has gone mad.
6

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I. "I call not upon a few but upon all—not on this state or that state, but on every state—up and help us. . . . Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and repulse it."Paine's purpose in issuing this plea is to

A
draw attention to the differences that exist among colonists from different states.
B
unite the colonists in support of continuing the fight for independence.
C
encourage the colonists to wait for better times in the spring.
D
warn the colonists of the danger of a British attack during the winter months.
7

Which excerpt from The Crisis, Number I contains a simile?

A
"These are the times that try men's souls."
B
"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered."
C
"What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly."
D
"It is dearness only that gives everything its value."
10

Read the excerpt from Common Sense.“There are injuries which nature cannot forgive; she would cease to be nature if she did.”Paine uses this language to show that

A
the king deserves punishment for his behavior toward the colonies.
B
the king’s oppressive actions against the colonies are inexcusable.
C
the colonists will mend their relationship with the king if he promises them independence.
D
the colonies will eventually heal from the wounds inflicted by the king.
12

Which excerpt from Common Sense contains an example of hyperbole?

A
"A government of our own is our natural right."
B
"Ye that tell us of harmony and reconciliation, can you restore to us the time that is past?"
C
"Ye that dare oppose not only the tyranny but the tyrant, stand forth!"
D
"Every spot of the Old World is overrun with oppression."
13

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I."My own line of reasoning is to myself as straight and clear as a ray of light."Paine most likely uses this language to convince his audience that

A
he is completely confident in his reasoning.
B
his reasoning is supported by many others.
C
his reasoning is influenced by the laws of nature.
D
their reasoning is flawed if they disagree with him.
14

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I.“’Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.”Which best describes the purpose of this excerpt?

A
to explain Paine’s moral justification for the war
B
to inspire colonists to join the fight for independence
C
to encourage colonists to consider a peaceful solution
D
to emphasize the hardships that come with fighting for a cause
15

Read the excerpt from Common Sense.“There are injuries which nature cannot forgive; she would cease to be nature if she did.”Paine uses this language to show that

A
the king deserves punishment for his behavior toward the colonies.
B
the king’s oppressive actions against the colonies are inexcusable.
C
the colonists will mend their relationship with the king if he promises them independence.
D
the colonies will eventually heal from the wounds inflicted by the king.
16

Read the excerpt from Thomas Paine’s "Common Sense."Every day wears out the little remains of kindred between us and them, and can there be any reason to hope, that as the relationship expires, the affection will increase, or that we shall agree better, when we have ten times more and greater concerns to quarrel over than ever?Paine’s use of phrases such as “little remains,” “relationship expires,” and “quarrel over” suggest that his purpose is to

A
repair the relationship between Britain and the colonies
B
inspire the colonies to progress without British support
C
evoke a war between Britain and the colonies
D
address British issues within the colonies
17

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I."Not all the treasures of the world, so far as I believe, could have induced me to support an offensive war, for I think it murder; but if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me or those that are in it and to 'bind me in all cases whatsoever' to his absolute will, am I to suffer it?"In this excerpt, Paine is attempting to convince readers that they

A
must support the war to protect their financial interests.
B
could potentially benefit from the spoils of the war.
C
will blame themselves for not supporting the war.
D
have righteous reasons to justify supporting the war.
18

Read the excerpt from Common Sense.“In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense.” What is the purpose of the words “simple,” plain,” and “common”?

A
to persuade readers of his point of view
B
to encourage only serious readers to continue
C
to demonstrate his impressive intellect
D
to appeal to as large an audience as possible
19

Read the excerpt from Common Sense."Ye that oppose independence now, ye know not what ye do; ye are opening a door to eternal tyranny by keeping vacant the seat of government."Paine repeats the word “ye” in order to

A
grab the attention of colonists who may not understand the urgency of his cause.
B
encourage readers to take up arms against colonists who agree with the king.
C
ask the king directly to allow the colonies to be represented in Parliament.
D
scold the colonists for their refusal to fight for an important cause.

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