View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Mr. Summers do as soon as he is sworn in?

2. How does Jackson suggest that tradition may be questioned?

3. What is the tone as the story begins?

4. Is Mr. Summers exempt from the lottery?

5. Who helps hold the box to keep it steady?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some other town functions that Mr. Summers presides over?

2. What request do Mr. Summers and Mr. Graves make of the villagers and who volunteers?

3. After Mrs. Dunbar has spoken up, what does Mr. Summers ask about the Watsons?

4. What happens next after it is settled that Bill Hutchinson holds the paper with the black dot?

5. Until she is knocked unconscious, what does Tessie keep trying to do?

6. What do the boys do to prepare for the lottery.

7. What kind of lists are required for the conduct of the lottery?

8. This time, who comes forward to draw slips of paper from the box?

9. What does Mr. Adams discuss with Old man Warner?

10. As Mr. Summers turns to face the gathered villagers, what disturbance occurs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Expand on the character of Mr. Summers in THE LOTTERY. Describe how you imagine his business dealings in detail and his political control over the village.

Essay Topic 2

Write a paper on what you believe Shirley Jackson is satirizing in THE LOTTERY. Explain whether you think there is a religious undertone to the story.

Essay Topic 3

Write a paper on how well written short stories hold the interest of the reader including the fact that they can be read in one sitting.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 575 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample