Quiz: Some Thoughts Concerning Education

10 questions drawn at random. Score 80% for a silver medal.

1. 1. Whose way of raising children does Locke offer as the model for a gentleman’s son’s health?

   Farmers and yeomen The ancient Persians described by Xenophon The French nobility and their tutors The families of London physicians
2. 2. For which single fault does Locke think children should be beaten?

   Childish noise and play Mistakes in Latin grammar Obstinacy or rebellion Forgetting rules of manners
3. 3. Why does Locke think the usual age for travel is the worst?

   They are needed at home to manage the estate Their tongues are too old by then to learn foreign accents only Young men then think themselves too old to be governed but are too young to govern themselves Foreign universities will not admit them at that age
4. 4. Why does Locke want a history of the Bible studied before natural philosophy?

   Because matter so occupies the senses that it may exclude belief in spirits Because the Flood explains all the phenomena of geology Because natural philosophy is forbidden to the young by the Church Because Bible history teaches Latin more easily
5. 5. What proportion of men does Locke say are what they are because of their education?

   One in ten Nine parts in ten About half All without exception
6. 6. What four things does Locke say every gentleman desires for his son, besides the estate he leaves him?

   Virtue, wisdom, breeding and learning Piety, courage, eloquence and wit Health, honour, wealth and learning Virtue, Latin, dancing and travel
7. 7. What game does Locke describe for teaching children to read?

   Lettered dice, the winner throwing the most words Hopscotch squares marked with letters A spelling race for sweets A card game in which each card shows a picture with its name beneath
8. 8. Where does Locke place the foundation of all virtue?

   In a sound knowledge of the classical authors Denying one’s desires as reason directs In a good temper given by nature at birth In a lively fear of the rod and of disgrace
9. 9. Whom does Locke praise for giving one another a fair, silent hearing until a speaker has quite finished?

   The Portuguese gentry The French court at Versailles The American Indians The judges of England at the assizes
10. 10. What argument does Locke give that Latin and Greek need not be taught by beating?

    Children learn dancing, fencing, French and Italian without whipping The Romans never beat their children Latin is easier than French Grammar schools in Holland have already abolished the rod for Latin and Greek