RI1, RI6, and Vocab Review

Excerpt:
"To say that government is necessary to the people, but government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil."

Question:
In this passage, what word best captures Paine’s attitude toward government?

• A) Beneficial

• B) Essential

• C) Unjust

• D) Tolerable

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Excerpt:
"And as the world is too populous to be governed by one monarch, it is time that the colonies should be united in a single and independent government."

Question:
What is the central idea of this excerpt?

• A) The colonies should remain under British rule.

• B) Monarchies are the most effective form of government.

• C) The colonies must unite and form an independent government.

• D) The world is not ready for a new form of government.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Excerpt:
"Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil."

What tone does Paine use in this excerpt when discussing government?

• A) Optimistic

• B) Neutral

• C) Critical

• D) Supportive

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Excerpt:
"Some writers have been so daring as to assert that ‘England has no right to govern America.' But I boldly affirm that England has no right to govern America."

Question:
How does Paine’s repetition of this statement affect his argument?

• A) It weakens his argument by making it repetitive.

• B) It emphasizes the urgency and strength of his belief

• C) It indicates his uncertainty about the topic.

• D) It introduces doubt into his argument.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Excerpt:
"To talk of friendship with them is to talk of a person who should be the enemy of all mankind."

Question:
Which central idea is being developed in this excerpt, and how does it build on Paine's argument in the broader text?

• A) The colonies have no need for England and should not foster any illusions of cooperation.

• B) England is a natural ally to the colonies, and there is no reason to fight against them.

• C) A focus on the potential benefits of independence weakens the colonies' resolve.

• D) England’s role as a global power makes it necessary for the colonies to submit to its authority.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Excerpt:
"Monarchy and hereditary succession have laid the world in blood and ashes."

Question:
How does the phrase "laid the world in blood and ashes" function in this context, and what is its figurative meaning?

• A) It represents the violence and destruction caused by monarchies and their practices.

• B) It refers to the creation of a peaceful and stable world under monarchy.

• C) It suggests that monarchies are a necessary foundation for societal progress.

• D) It indicates that monarchies have led to the restoration of the world to its original state.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Excerpt:
"The business of government is properly to promote the common good; the business of monarchy is to perpetuate itself."

Question:
What is the connotation of "perpetuate" in this context, and how does it reflect Paine’s view of monarchy?

• A) "Perpetuate" suggests that monarchy fosters progress, which is beneficial for society.

• B) "Perpetuate" suggests that monarchy seeks only to maintain its own power, which is harmful to the people.

• C) "Perpetuate" implies that monarchy is a neutral force in governance.

• D) "Perpetuate" implies that monarchy serves to improve the lives of the people.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Excerpt:
"Wherefore, having established this right of government, let us proceed to construct our institutions upon that foundation."

Question:
How does Paine’s call to action in this passage contribute to his purpose in Common Sense?

• A) It underscores his belief in the importance of maintaining the status quo.

• B) It emphasizes the need for the colonies to break free from British control and form their own government.

• C) It encourages the colonies to accept British authority in exchange for peace.

• D) It suggests that the colonies should engage in further dialogue with Britain before deciding on independence.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6