In Our Time | Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - "On the Quai at Smyrna"

1. What are the circumstances of the "On the Quai at Smyrna" story?

2. Who is the narrator of the story and why is he in Turkey?

3. What is a quai and what is its significance to the story?

4. What is the most atrocious thing the officer has witnessed during this war and evacuation?

Short Essay Question - Chapter 1

5. Describe the format of this book.

6. What is the topic of the Memoir for Chapter 1?