The reading is followed by several questions about it. There are four possible answers (A, B, C
)) for each question. Choose the best answer.
Benjamin Franklin
Few people can embody the spirit of early America as much as Benjamin Franklin. He lived thr
lmost the whole of the eighteenth century, being born six years after it began, and dying ten years be
t ended. In this time he saw the American colonies grow from tiny settlements into a nation, and he
contributed much to the development of the new state.
At the age of 17 Franklin ran away to Philadelphia. He had already received some training
rinter's apprentice, and this helped him seven years later, with his first publication, the Pennsy
Gazette. He also received a contract to do government printing work, which helped him to rise fr
poor background to become a successful entrepreneur. Some of his experience in business was sha
is famous Poor Richard's Almanak, which established his reputation throughout the American colo
mother of his works, the Autobiography, which was written toward the end of his life, he shows th
uiet common sense.
Q
He was deeply interested in science and natural history, and his experiments with electri
htning led directly to the invention of the lightning rod. He was also interested in impro
nditions of his fellow men. He was involved in a number of projects in his native Philadelphia,
e setting up of a library, a university, a philosophical society, and because he was a pragmati
e prevention service. In 1753 he became Postmaster-General of the colonies. Through this expe
gan to develop the idea that the colonies of North America should be a single nation. Later, h
ndon to try to persuade the British government to change the conditions, especially the taxes
of the
the American colonists into rebellion.
Whatever Benjamin Franklin's personal feelings about the rebellion of the American
-ked hard to make it succeed. As ambassador to France, he encouraged the French to h
hington. After the war he attended the American constitutional congress. This w
ribution, for he died later that year. He is still fondly remembered by Americans as one of
e United States.
hat is a good description for this text?
autobiography of Benjamin Franklin..
e works of Benjamin Franklin.
hien
en was Benjamin Franklin born2
B. 1794
6
B. The life of Benjamin Franklin
D. Franklin and American Independence.
ich of these happened first?
nklin trains as a printer.
American colonies rebel.
t was Poor Richard's Almanak about?
C. 1717.
YFU
D. 1706
B. Franklin runs away to Philadelphia.
D. Franklin starts his first publication.
B. How to succeed in business.
D. The text does not say.
klin's reputation.
to do government printing.
ich countries did Franklin live?
nd and France.
op and America.
the text below and think of the word which best fits each space. Use only o
lo at the beginning (0)
B. Philadelphia and England.
D. England, America and France.