TEST PREP: TEST 1 – Early American Literature
Part 1 – Objectives – 9/11 – 70%
This portion of the test will include three styles of questions:
 Multiple Choice
 Matching
 Short Answer
These questions will examine your knowledge of the text as well as your knowledge of concepts discussed in class. Short
Answer style questions require a combination of learned material and original thought. Always back up your answers with
specific examples from your reading whenever possible. Also remember that all responses to Short Answer style questions
should be written legibly using complete sentences.
As you prepare your study materials, revisit:
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Notes you have taken in class from PowerPoints and group discussion
Notes you have taken while reading
Discussion questions handout
Homework assignments
Works of Literature that will be covered:
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“The Earth on Turtle’s Back”
“When Grizzlies Walked Upright”
“The Navajo Origin Legend”
“The Iroquois Constitution”
“A Journey Through Texas” – de Vaca
“A Journal of the First Voyage to America” –
Columbus
 “The General History of Virginia” – Smith
 “Of Plymouth Plantation” – Bradford
 The Narrative of the Captivity and the
Restoration
of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson – Rowlandson
 “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” –
Edwards
 “Huswifery” – Taylor
 “To My Dear and Loving Husband” – Bradstreet
Part 2 – Essay – 9/12 – 30%
Choose one of the following questions to respond to in an essay of at least 5 paragraphs. You must include a solid
introduction with thesis statement, as well as a well thought out conclusion. Please take time to organize your essay before
you begin writing. You will have the bulk of class on Friday to complete this essay. Because of this, I expect you to take your
time, plan out your thoughts, and include plenty of specific examples from the text. See me prior to test day if you have any
questions.
1. Discuss the differences in purpose and style between the accounts of two of the explorers (de Vaca, Columbus, Smith,
and Bradford). In addition, juxtapose their experiences in a new land.
2. Compare and contrast two of the origin myths we have read in class. Be specific in your comparisons. Include plenty of
examples.
3. Based on the puritan authors you have read (Bradford, Edwards, Rowlandson, Taylor, Bradstreet), discuss how the
Puritans characterize God and how they see themselves in relation to God. How do they give us insight into the Puritan
worldview?