questions

1. Name: ____________________________________________________________
Emerson’s “Self-Reliance” text-dependent questions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 11-12 reading and content, choosing flexibly
from a range of strategies.
_________ 1. Reread the following sentence from the first paragraph:
“Speak your latent conviction, and it shall be the universal; sense; for the inmost in due time becomes the
outmost,--”
In the context, the word “latent” most nearly means
a. concealed
b. disclosed
c. dismissed
d. sentimental
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.2
Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one
another to provide a complex analysis; provide an objective summary of the text.
_________ 2. What advice does Emerson give for speaking one’s mind?
a. formulate your opinions before speaking
b. find out what others think before you speak
c. speak your mind honestly each day
d. be consistent in your opinions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
_________ 3. The figurative language in paragraph three (line 2) is used to represent
a. society’s misplaced worship of money
b. the dedicated, unified mindset that helps a society succeed
c. society’s unwise focus on safety and conformity
d. a vision of an ideal society in which all members are of equal importance
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
_________ 4. In paragraph three, Emerson calls conformity a “virtue” in order to
a. emphasize the positive rewards that come from practicing conformity
b. mock the misguided value which society places on conformity
c. illustrate the power of society to influence ethical decisions
d. connect the behavior of conformity with positive connotations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze how an
author uses and refines the meaning of a key term or terms over the course of a text (e.g., how Madison defines faction in Fe deralist No. 10).
_________ 5. In the last sentences of the third paragraph, “It” and “its” refers back to
a. virtue

2. b. society
c. conformity
d. liberty
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.3
Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific individuals, ideas, or events interact and deve lop over the course of the
text.
_________ 6. In the last paragraph, Emerson alludes to historical figures like Socrates, Luther, Pythgoras and Jesus
in order to
a. establish credibility for his main argument in this portion of the text
b. provide examples of great thinkers who died for what they believed in
c. argue that all people who are misunderstood are likely to be great
d. demonstrate that the only way to be great is to follow an existing tradition
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze how an
author uses and refines the meaning of a key term or terms over the course of a text
_________ 7. The speaker’s overall tone can best be described as
a. passionate and aloof
b. critical and indignant
c. arrogant and lofty
d. fervent and encouraging
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.2
Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one
another to provide a complex analysis; provide an objective summary of the text.
_________ 8. The passage as a whole may be seen as
a. a harsh rant against society
b. an encouraging anecdote about self-reliance
c. a brave plea for open-minded tolerance
d. an impassioned argument for self-trust