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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Tonya, who suffers from endless nightmares and is certain that her attackers are after her, insist on?

2. How long does it take Sheriff Ozzie Walls to obtain arrest warrants for Billy Ray Cobb and Pete Willard?

3. Following the preliminary hearing for Billy Ray Cobb and Pete Willard, who hides in the county courthouse after closing at 4:30 p.m. on Friday?

4. After being threatened by Marsharfsky, Jake does what?

5. How old is Tonya?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does K.T. "Cat" Bruster's view of truth and justice compare with Carl Lee's?

2. What observations on the part of Jake's secretary irritate him to the point he advises her to keep quiet or quit?

3. What sort of a lawman is Sheriff Ozzie Walls?

4. What does the reader learn in the dialogue between Carl Lee Hailey and Jake Brigance in Chapter 4?

5. What illegal methods does Ozzie employ to gain information from the suspected bomber?

6. What transpires between Carl Lee and Deputy Looney while the latter is still hospitalized, and how does Jake respond?

7. What does the reader learn about the Ford County District Attorney in Chapter 7?

8. What sort of relationship exists between Sheriff Ozzie Walls and Jake Brigance?

9. What are some Jake's unethical practices?

10. What do readers learn about Jake Brigance in Chapter 8?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Freddie Cobb arrives at the Ku Klux Klan meeting in Nettles County, he attempts to gain their help in retaliation for his brother's murder. How do Klan members view Billy Ray's murder? How will they accomplish this? What is the outcome of their peaceful demonstration outside the Clanton Courthouse? Examine the KKK's actions in this story, as well as the consequences.

Essay Topic 2

What type of home do Jake Brigance and his family reside in? Why is it unique? How is Jake able to afford it, given that he also drives a Saab, the only one in the county? Why did Jake select this home? Consider these questions to examine Jake's character.

Essay Topic 3

John Grisham is noted for his mastering the writing style with roller coaster peaks and valleys between and within chapters. He also includes sudden twists and turns with brief, intermittent recoveries. Examine how his style in "A Time to Kill," and include examples from the text.

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