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Reading Comprehension Quiz (Abigail and John Adams, “Letters”)

Reading Comprehension Quiz

Abigail and John Adams, “Letters”

Read “Letters” and check your comprehension by answering the following questions. Click the submit button when finished.

Question 8.25 Based on Abigail’s observations, what was life like during the occupation of Boston?

1. Based on Abigail’s observations, what was life like during the occupation of Boston?

Terrifying; people were routinely rounded up and killed.

Uneven; some of the houses were abused while others were left more or less intact.

Uneventful; the British soldiers were polite and gentlemanly through and through.

Tedious; she was bored because she had to stay home the whole time.

Question 8.26 Comparing the two letters, how could the tones best be described?

2. Comparing the two letters, how could the tones best be described?

familiar

distant

illogical

judgmental

Question 8.27 In the last two paragraphs of Abigail’s letter, she asks that John “Remember the Ladies” and mentions that all men are tyrannical by nature. How could John’s response to these two ideas be described?

3. In the last two paragraphs of Abigail’s letter, she asks that John “Remember the Ladies” and mentions that all men are tyrannical by nature. How could John’s response to these two ideas be described?

angry

annoyed

amused

apathetic

Question 8.28 Why does John say that the men in the Continental Congress are not going to give more rights to women?

4. Why does John say that the men in the Continental Congress are not going to give more rights to women?

The slaves and children already were beginning to rebel.

Women pretty much already controlled the men.

Men would never give up power because the laws are mere theories anyway.

All of the above.

Question 8.29 As John answers each part of Abigail’s letter, how does his tone differ from hers?

5. As John answers each part of Abigail’s letter, how does his tone differ from hers?

John’s tone is formal at first, and then becomes playful.

John’s tone is arrogant and lofty at first, and then becomes apologetic.

John’s tone is more parental, as if he is writing to a child.

John’s tone is dismissive of his wife’s needs.

Question 8.30 In John’s fourth paragraph, he addresses the House in Queen Street and writes about the Solicitor General. Abigail has mentioned that his house was thoroughly plundered. What does John wish for her to understand about his feelings regarding the Solicitor General and his home?

6. In John’s fourth paragraph, he addresses the House in Queen Street and writes about the Solicitor General. Abigail has mentioned that his house was thoroughly plundered. What does John wish for her to understand about his feelings regarding the Solicitor General and his home?

He is happy they got cleaned out because they were a traitorous family.

He pities the family and understands the event as a warning about valuing things.

John wishes for vengeance on behalf of the Solicitor General’s family.

All of the above.

Question 8.31 Why does John say he does not write Abigail longer letters?

7. Why does John say he does not write Abigail longer letters?

He doesn’t like to write.

He doesn’t like to send letters to her.

He has too many things happening to write long letters.

His job forbids him from writing to her.

Question 8.32 Based on Abigail’s letter to John, how does she view the institution of marriage?

8. Based on Abigail’s letter to John, how does she view the institution of marriage?

She sees it as her duty to be subservient, but John also must be caring and respectful.

She thinks that the institution is broken, and the Continental Congress must fix it.

She does not understand it well enough, and she is asking for more clarification.

She and John were not yet married, and she was trying to assert some independence.