Thomas Paine Answers

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1
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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
2
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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.
3

In paragraph three of Common Sense, why does Paine use the phrases "precariousness of human affairs," "while we have it in our power," and "time and chance"?

A
to evoke in colonists a fear of fighting against a world superpower
B
to evoke in colonists the need for urgency in their quest for independence
C
to instill in colonists a desire to take up arms against their oppressor
D
to instill in colonists a respect for peaceful negotiations
5

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."
8

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.
9

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.

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