Murder on the Orient Express | 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 - Part 1: Chapters 1, 2 and 3

1. What prompts the military officer to stay in Poirot's company at the train station?

2. What is so odd about Miss Debenham's association with Colonel Arbuthnot?

3. What is Miss Debenham's initial reaction to Poirot?

4. What causes the delay on the train?

5. What is Ratchett's purpose for wanting protection from Poirot?

6. What is Poirot's reaction to Ratchett?

Short Essay Question - Part 1: Chapters 4 and 5

7. Why does the train...
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