Master English with Fun Quizzes & Brain Teasers!
1. Short-response prompt (15 points)Read the following passage from Chapter 4 of The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, in which Crusoe describes how he removes items from the foundered ship:. . .[P]reparing the twelfth time to go on board, I found the wind began to rise. However, at low water, I went on board, and though I thought I had rummaged the cabin so effectually, as that nothing more could be found, yet I discovered a locker with drawers in it, in one of which I found two or three razors, and one pair of large scissors, with some ten or a dozen of good knives and forks; in another I found about thirty-six pounds value in money, some European coin, some Brazil, some pieces of eight, some gold, and some silver.I smiled to myself at the sight of this money. "O drug!" said I aloud, "what art thou good for? Thou art not worth to me, no, not the taking off the ground; one of those knives is worth all this heap: I have no manner of use for thee; e'en remain where thou art, and go to the bottom, as a creature whose life is not worth saving."In the passage, Crusoe compares money to a drug. Explain some ways in which money was like a drug to Crusoe before being shipwrecked. Then, analyze the tone of the passage, and explain how the comparison helps create that tone. Support your response with specific details from the passage.
2. Short-response prompt (15 points)Read the following passage from Chapter 16 of The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, in which Crusoe reflects on his relationship to the island and its inhabitants:My island was now peopled, and I thought myself very rich in subjects; and it was a merry reflection, which I frequently made, how like a king I looked. First of all, the whole country was my own property, so that I had an undoubted right of dominion. Secondly, my people were perfectly subjectedI was absolutely lord and lawgiverthey all owed their lives to me, and were ready to lay down their lives, if there had been occasion for it, for me. It was remarkable, too, I had but three subjects, and they were of three different religionsmy man Friday was a Protestant, his father was a Pagan and a cannibal, and the Spaniard was a Papist. However, I allowed liberty of conscience throughout my dominions.Explain Defoe's point of view on colonialism in the passage. Then analyze how the scene could be interpreted as satire to express that point of view. Be sure to use specific details from the passage in your response. Explain Defoe's point of view on colonialism in the passage. Then analyze how the scene could be interpreted as satire to express that point of view. Be sure to use specific details from the passage in your response.
How does the setting develop the theme of the passage? A. It shows that friendship requires cooperation. B. It shows that working hard guarantees success. C. It shows that competition can push people to grow. D. It shows that winning can get in the way of friendship.Archery RivalsEllie took pride in her archery skills. Among the 40 members of Greenville School's Archery Club, she was the only one who could hit a target 50 meters away.During the second term, a new student, Ripley, joined the archery club. On her first day, Ripley proved that she was just as good as Ellie. The instructor even believed that she could perform better than Ellie. Gradually, Ripley took over Ellie's position as the top archer of the school.Finally, the day of the state archery tournament arrived, and with the field crowded with spectators, Ripley stepped out to begin hitting her marks. As expected, she quickly climbed the scoreboards, with Ellie following closely behind. However, no one realized that Ellie had secretly been practicing for the final 50-meter round. When the final round was over, everyone was astonished. Ellie had struck a perfect bulls-eye on all five attempts. She was the state champion!Everyone rushed to congratulate Ellie on her victory. She walked over to her rival, who was standing alone in a corner. Ellie took Ripley's hand and thanked her. If it had not been for her, Ellie would have never trained so hard.Over the next several years, Ellie and Ripley continued their rivalry. But when they were not on the field, they were the best of friends.