Test: Short Story
20-2
I
II
Please scan the entire test before beginning.
Please choose the best answer and record it on this test.
I
Theory
1
The statement…
"SOMEWHERE, SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS TO SOMEONE"
…contains major elements of the short story, specifically:
a
b
c
d
e
setting, conflict, plot, character
introduction, rising action, climax, conclusion
atmosphere, characterization, theme, symbol
device, narrative, fiction, plot
all of the above
2
“It was a dark and stormy night”
A
B
C
D
E
creates mood
has characterization
contains an element of setting
a and b
a and c
Label the plot outline. Choose from the following:
A
B
C
D
E
Introduction/Exposition
Climax/Turning point
Rising action
Resolution/Conclusion
Initial incident
3 ______
4 ______
5 ______
6 ______
7 ______
Name:__________________ ____/24
II
The Guest
8
Who is, the “Guest”?
A
B
C
D
the doctor
a young woman
God
death
9
The purpose of The Guest is to
A
B
C
D
make the reader ponder the larger purposes of life
the have the reader philosophize about human destiny
to create pity in the reader for a man that has lost his love
to entertain the reader with a riddle
10
What motive is given for what the young man did at the end of the story?
A
B
C
D
he learned that he had only a month to live and wanted the best meal, even if he could not afford it
he saw his father outside the restaurant window and ran out to meet him
he had met the doctor before, and wanted to know him better
he had been dumped by a woman
11
When did the young man say the guest would arrive?
A
B
C
D
in a hour or so
the next day
when the coffee arrived
soon
12
What is the (specific) setting?
A
B
C
D
London, in a café, in the afternoon
London, in a fancy restaurant, in the evening
Egypt, in a street café at morning
Paris, in a streetcar, at dusk
III
Gentlemen, Your Verdict
13
The initial incident of GYV is
A
B
C
D
the calling of the first witness in the courtroom
when the mine damaged the submarine
when the Commander pours out drinks for his men
when the men fall to the floor
14
The story answers the ethical question: whether
a
b
c
d
e
war time submarines contained enough safety measures
dead men can be put on trial
single people have lesser value in society than married people with families
leaders are justified in sacrificing the lives of some to save others
a and d
15
Michael Bruce’s decision about this question is
A
B
C
D
No. Submarines were the most vulnerable of war craft
Yes. The moral actions of commanders could be judged even after they were dead.
Yes. Single people have less responsibility than those who raise families
Yes. When there is absolutely no other recourse, a leader is justified in sacrificing lives to save lives
16
Michael Bruce’s opinion about the moral question raised in his story is most evident in his
A
B
C
D
use of nautical language
characterization of the Commander
placement of the action in the courtroom
use of foreshadowing
17
Why did the captain drink poison after his report?
a
b
c
d
the author wanted to show him to be a courageous, ethical leader
he wanted to avoid a court marshaled
he was depressed that he had killed so many men
a and b
18
Who did the captain pick to survive?
A
B
C
D
the best engineer
married men with families
the smartest and most courageous among them
none of the above
19
The author’s position on the question of the story is
A
B
C
D
that a leader should sacrifice men to save a few.
that out of fairness a captain should let everyone die
that alcohol should never be kept on board a ship
that poor leaders should never be allowed to gain in rank
20
What was in the cups of 15 men?
A
B
C
D
orange juice
alcohol and poison
poison
Kool aid
21
What did one of the men accidentally call the Captain during the trial? What does this tell you about
the relationship between the captain and his men?
A
B
C
D
“Dude”; the men didn’t respect the captain
“Old man”; the men both respected and loved the Captain
“That ass”; the men hated their captain
none of the above
IV
List three Reading Comprehension Strategies that we have covered in class. Indicate for each strategy
whether it is used before reading (B), during reading (D) or after reading (A). (3 marks ½ each)
1
_____________________________________________________________________________ B D A
2
_____________________________________________________________________________ B D A
3
_____________________________________________________________________________ B D A