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.

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