Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Book Quiz

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Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Book Quiz - Quiz

Have you ever read the book "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story"? How much did you like this book? Let's test it out with the quiz given below. If you score more than 70% on this quiz, it means you really liked it and still remember its characters, incidences, and terminologies. Sounds cool, right? Ben Carson's "Gifted Hands" is an inspirational biography of Ben that tells how an inner-city kid with poor grades becomes the director of pediatric neurosurgery at a well-reputed Hospital. Let's get motivated with the quiz below.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Where would Ben's mother really go when she said she was "going away for a few days" and left Ben and Curtis with the neighbor or their aunt?

    • A.

      On vacation

    • B.

      To college

    • C.

      To Detroit

    • D.

      To a mental institution

    Correct Answer
    D. To a mental institution
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "to a mental institution." This suggests that Ben's mother may have been struggling with mental health issues and needed to seek treatment or support in a specialized facility. This explanation is supported by the fact that she left Ben and Curtis with someone else, indicating that she may not have been able to care for them while dealing with her own mental health concerns.

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  • 2. 

    Ben had all of the following experiences when he was 8 years old EXCEPT?

    • A.

      His first religious experience

    • B.

      The most spectacular Christmas of his life

    • C.

      A certificate award for being the top student in the school

    • D.

      A trip to Boston to live with his aunt

    Correct Answer
    C. A certificate award for being the top student in the school
    Explanation
    Ben had all of the experiences mentioned except for receiving a certificate award for being the top student in the school. This means that Ben did not receive any recognition or award for his academic performance. However, he did have the most spectacular Christmas of his life, his first religious experience, and a trip to Boston to live with his aunt.

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  • 3. 

    Ben Carson decided he wanted to be a doctor after hearing a story about a ________?

    • A.

      Conjoined twin

    • B.

      Surgeon

    • C.

      Missionary

    • D.

      Precipice

    Correct Answer
    C. Missionary
    Explanation
    Ben Carson decided he wanted to be a doctor after hearing a story about a missionary. This suggests that the story had a significant impact on him and inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. Missionaries often work in challenging and underserved areas, providing medical care to those in need, which may have resonated with Carson's desire to make a difference in people's lives through healthcare.

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  • 4. 

    What can you infer about how Ben's mother felt about education?

    • A.

      That D's are passing grades and good enough

    • B.

      That you can do without it if you teach yourself

    • C.

      That it is not needed because she only went to the 3rd grade

    • D.

      That school is important

    Correct Answer
    D. That school is important
    Explanation
    Based on the given answer, it can be inferred that Ben's mother values education and believes that school is important. This implies that she likely sees the benefits and importance of formal education in a person's life.

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  • 5. 

    What was the "religious experience" that Ben had?

    • A.

      He caught the holy ghost after hearing the story

    • B.

      He had a vision of being touched by an angel

    • C.

      He heard the story and passed out

    • D.

      He had an emotional experience, a feeling that he was in the story

    Correct Answer
    D. He had an emotional experience, a feeling that he was in the story
    Explanation
    Ben had a religious experience where he felt emotionally connected to the story. This suggests that he had a deep and personal response to the religious content, feeling as though he was directly involved in the narrative. This emotional connection could have evoked strong feelings of faith, spirituality, or a sense of divine presence.

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  • 6. 

    Ben changed his mind about being a missionary but never ________ from his plan to be a doctor

    • A.

      Dilapidated

    • B.

      Persisted

    • C.

      Deviated

    • D.

      Pivotal

    Correct Answer
    C. Deviated
    Explanation
    Ben changed his mind about being a missionary but never deviated from his plan to be a doctor. This means that even though Ben decided against becoming a missionary, he remained committed to his goal of becoming a doctor and did not waver or stray from that path.

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  • 7. 

    After hearing the story about the missionary doctor, Ben and his brother Curtis decided to _______?

    • A.

      Play with his chemistry set

    • B.

      Find their father

    • C.

      Fit in with the other kids

    • D.

      Get baptized

    Correct Answer
    D. Get baptized
    Explanation
    After hearing the story about the missionary doctor, Ben and his brother Curtis decided to get baptized. This suggests that they were inspired by the missionary's story and wanted to follow in their footsteps by committing themselves to their faith through baptism. It shows that they were deeply moved and felt a strong connection to the missionary's work, leading them to make this spiritual decision.

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  • 8. 

    At his 5th grade Elementary school Ben started to believe the stereotype that ______.

    • A.

      You have to have fancy clothes and look good

    • B.

      Black people are not as smart as whites

    • C.

      You have to fit in with the cool crowd

    • D.

      Private schools are better than public schools

    Correct Answer
    B. Black people are not as smart as whites
  • 9. 

    The students in Ben's 5th grade math class used to tease him about ______.

    • A.

      His old clothes

    • B.

      Wearing glasses

    • C.

      Being poor

    • D.

      Getting the lowest grades in the class

    Correct Answer
    D. Getting the lowest grades in the class
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "getting the lowest grades in the class." This is suggested because the question states that the students used to tease Ben about something, and out of the given options, getting the lowest grades in the class is the most likely reason for teasing.

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  • 10. 

    When Ben was in the 5th grade he thought it was inevitable that he would fail but his perception of himself changed when he saw that he could succeed? What does the word INEVITABLE mean in this sentence?

    • A.

      Put together beforehand

    • B.

      Opinion

    • C.

      Definite; unavoidable

    • D.

      The edge

    Correct Answer
    C. Definite; unavoidable
    Explanation
    The word "inevitable" in this sentence means that Ben believed it was certain and unavoidable that he would fail. However, his perception of himself changed when he realized that he could actually succeed.

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  • 11. 

    What information does Ben’s mother drill into him and Curtis after observing the people at her job?

    • A.

      How to be accepted by others

    • B.

      How to read

    • C.

      How to do their times tables

    • D.

      What wealthy people do and how they behave

    Correct Answer
    D. What wealthy people do and how they behave
    Explanation
    Ben's mother drills into him and Curtis the information about what wealthy people do and how they behave. This suggests that Ben's mother wants them to learn the habits and behaviors of wealthy individuals, possibly with the intention of emulating them or using this knowledge to achieve success in their own lives.

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  • 12. 

    Which of these was NOT a part of Mrs. Carson's plan to help Ben and Curtis excel in school?

    • A.

      Her reading their book reports

    • B.

      Memorizing times tables

    • C.

      Limiting TV

    • D.

      Going to the library

    Correct Answer
    A. Her reading their book reports
    Explanation
    Mrs. Carson's plan to help Ben and Curtis excel in school included various strategies, such as memorizing times tables, limiting TV, and going to the library. However, reading their book reports was not mentioned as a part of her plan.

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  • 13. 

    Ben improved his grade from an F to a D and his mother _____.

    • A.

      Said she was proud that he had done his best

    • B.

      Punished him by turning off the TV

    • C.

      Called the school counselor

    • D.

      Told him that he can't settle for barely passing and made a plan for him to do better

    Correct Answer
    D. Told him that he can't settle for barely passing and made a plan for him to do better
    Explanation
    Ben's mother's response suggests that she recognizes his improvement from an F to a D but wants him to strive for better. By telling him that he can't settle for barely passing and making a plan for him to do better, she is encouraging him to continue working hard and aiming for higher grades. This response shows that she values his academic success and wants him to reach his full potential.

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  • 14. 

    How did Ben feel when he improved from an F to a D?

    • A.

      Bad and disappointed in himself

    • B.

      Good and hopeful

    • C.

      Sad and defeated

    • D.

      Mad at his teacher for giving him a bad grade

    Correct Answer
    B. Good and hopeful
    Explanation
    When Ben improved from an F to a D, he most likely felt good and hopeful. This improvement indicates progress and suggests that he is moving in the right direction. Although a D is not a perfect grade, it shows that he has made some improvement and may feel optimistic about further progress in the future.

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  • 15. 

    Which of these is an EXternal motivation that helped Ben to improve?

    • A.

      He felt good when his grades went up

    • B.

      He liked the idea of being the top student

    • C.

      He was proud of himself

    • D.

      His mother made him study

    Correct Answer
    D. His mother made him study
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "his mother made him study" because it suggests that an external factor, in this case, Ben's mother, played a role in motivating him to improve. This implies that Ben's improvement was not solely driven by his own internal motivation or desire to succeed, but rather due to external pressure or influence from his mother.

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  • 16. 

    How did Ben protect his mother from the racist attacks that he encountered?

    • A.

      He learned to fight

    • B.

      He became angry

    • C.

      He did not tell her about it

    • D.

      He bought a knife

    Correct Answer
    C. He did not tell her about it
    Explanation
    Ben protected his mother from the racist attacks he encountered by not telling her about it. This can be seen as a form of emotional protection, as he likely didn't want to burden or worry her with the details of the attacks. By keeping the information to himself, he shielded his mother from the hurtful experiences he faced, allowing her to remain unaware and potentially preserving her peace of mind.

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  • 17. 

    pivotal point in Ben's life is when he genuinely became a devout christian. PIVOTAL means__?

    • A.

      Crucial

    • B.

      Really; truly

    • C.

      Devoted

    • D.

      Complicated

    Correct Answer
    A. Crucial
    Explanation
    The word "pivotal" refers to something that is crucial or of vital importance. In the context of the sentence, it means that becoming a devout Christian was a significant and transformative moment in Ben's life.

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  • 18. 

    When Ben went to middle school in the 1960's using sarcasm to insult someone was called ____?

    • A.

      Roasting

    • B.

      Fighting words

    • C.

      Capping

    • D.

      Ranking

    Correct Answer
    C. Capping
  • 19. 

    Who was the woman who influenced Ben's mother to become a Seventh Day Adventist?

    • A.

      Mrs. Williamson

    • B.

      Sondra Carson

    • C.

      Mary Thomas

    • D.

      Theresa Binder

    Correct Answer
    C. Mary Thomas
    Explanation
    Mary Thomas is the correct answer because she influenced Ben's mother to become a Seventh Day Adventist.

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  • 20. 

    What did Ben try to hide from the other children when went to the grocery store?

    • A.

      The fact that he was poor

    • B.

      His old clothes

    • C.

      The fact that he was smart

    • D.

      The fact that he was grounded and could not come outside

    Correct Answer
    A. The fact that he was poor
    Explanation
    Ben tried to hide the fact that he was poor from the other children when he went to the grocery store.

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  • 21. 

    What two positive factors lead to Carson’s rise to the top of his class?

    • A.

      Clothes and shoes

    • B.

      Eyeglasses and his mom

    • C.

      Tutoring and the library

    • D.

      Money and friends

    Correct Answer
    B. Eyeglasses and his mom
    Explanation
    Carson's rise to the top of his class can be attributed to two positive factors: eyeglasses and his mom. Eyeglasses suggest that Carson may have had vision problems that were corrected with the help of eyeglasses, enabling him to see clearly and perform better academically. Additionally, his mom's involvement implies that she played a supportive role in his education, possibly providing guidance, encouragement, and resources that contributed to his success.

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  • 22. 

    Ben's brother Curtis was targeted to be put into vocational classes for all of the following reasons EXCEPT?

    • A.

      Stereotypes about his race

    • B.

      Low expectations from the school counselor

    • C.

      His bad behavior

    • D.

      His failing grades

    Correct Answer
    C. His bad behavior
    Explanation
    Curtis' bad behavior is not a reason for him to be targeted for vocational classes. The other options provide valid reasons: stereotypes about his race, low expectations from the school counselor, and his failing grades. These factors may contribute to the decision to place him in vocational classes, but his behavior is not mentioned as a reason.

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  • 23. 

    Which of these statements describes Ben's mother's reaction to the counselor's decision to put Curtis into vocational classes?

    • A.

      Once school authorities set the schedule she did not feel like she had the power to change it

    • B.

      She was not a person who would allow the system to dictate her life

    • C.

      She felt that teachers knew what was best for Curtis since she could not read

    • D.

      She believed in Curtis but felt that it was best that he take vocational classes

    Correct Answer
    B. She was not a person who would allow the system to dictate her life
    Explanation
    The correct answer suggests that Ben's mother was a strong-willed individual who did not let the system control her life. This implies that she would not easily accept the decision made by the counselor to put Curtis into vocational classes without questioning or challenging it.

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  • 24. 

    If Curtis had stayed on a vocational track, he most likely who have gone to _____ right after high school.

    • A.

      Jail

    • B.

      College

    • C.

      Medical school

    • D.

      Work

    Correct Answer
    D. Work
    Explanation
    If Curtis had stayed on a vocational track, he most likely would have gone to work right after high school. Vocational tracks are designed to provide students with specific skills and training for a particular trade or occupation, preparing them to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. While college, medical school, and other higher education options are possible, the primary goal of vocational education is direct entry into a skilled job.

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  • 25. 

    What did Ben's mother "brainwash" him and Ben into believing?

    • A.

      That there would always be racist people who could prevent them from succeeding

    • B.

      That it was good enough to improve a little bit as long as you're doing better

    • C.

      That there are certain things you just can't do

    • D.

      That they were going to be extremely good and highly successful at whatever they attempted

    Correct Answer
    D. That they were going to be extremely good and highly successful at whatever they attempted
    Explanation
    Ben's mother "brainwashed" him and Ben into believing that they were going to be extremely good and highly successful at whatever they attempted. This suggests that Ben's mother instilled in them a strong sense of confidence and belief in their abilities, fostering a mindset of striving for excellence and achievement.

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  • 26. 

    Which word below describes the tenement building Ben lived in with his aunt while in Boston?

    • A.

      Prefab

    • B.

      Lucrative

    • C.

      Escarpment

    • D.

      Dilapidated

    Correct Answer
    D. Dilapidated
    Explanation
    The word "dilapidated" means in a state of disrepair or ruin, and it accurately describes the tenement building Ben lived in with his aunt while in Boston. This suggests that the building was in a poor condition, falling apart, and in need of repairs.

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  • 27. 

    Which personality type best describes Ben's mother?

    • A.

      Type A - hardworking, goal oriented, demanding the best

    • B.

      Type B - relaxed, laid back, creative

    • C.

      Type C - shy, does not stand up for herself, a loner

    • D.

      Type D - thinks life is not fair, gives up easily, depressed

    Correct Answer
    A. Type A - hardworking, goal oriented, demanding the best
    Explanation
    Ben's mother can be described as a Type A personality because she is hardworking, goal-oriented, and demands the best. This suggests that she is motivated, driven, and has high standards for herself and those around her. She likely sets ambitious goals and works diligently to achieve them, which can contribute to her success in various aspects of life.

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  • 28. 

    In contrast to Ben's father who was materialistic, Ben's mother was _______ and saved money.

    • A.

      Subsidy

    • B.

      Ostracized

    • C.

      Frugal

    • D.

      Sophisticated

    Correct Answer
    C. Frugal
    Explanation
    Ben's mother is described as "frugal" because she saved money. Being frugal means being careful with money and avoiding unnecessary expenses. This is in contrast to Ben's father, who was materialistic, suggesting that he spent money freely.

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  • 29. 

    When Ben's mother got married she had a ______?

    • A.

      Conjoined twin

    • B.

      College degree

    • C.

      House of her own

    • D.

      3rd grade education

    Correct Answer
    D. 3rd grade education
    Explanation
    Ben's mother had a 3rd grade education when she got married. This means that she completed schooling up until the 3rd grade level. It indicates that she did not receive a higher level of education such as a high school diploma or a college degree.

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  • 30. 

    Why does Ben Carson's mother get married at such a young age?

    • A.

      Her parents made her

    • B.

      She was in love

    • C.

      She had 23 siblings and problems at home

    • D.

      She wanted to go back to school

    Correct Answer
    C. She had 23 siblings and problems at home
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "she had 23 siblings and problems at home." This suggests that Ben Carson's mother may have gotten married at a young age as a way to escape the difficulties and challenges she faced within her large family and troubled home environment.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Sep 01, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Oct 16, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    IrvinRead
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