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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Mrs. Smith believe the Martins must have interesting stories to tell?
(a) Because they are entertainers.
(b) Because they travel a great deal.
(c) They have had an adventurous day.
(d) Because the television is broken.

2. What is the Fire Chief's verbal answer to Mrs. Smith's request?
(a) He says he will sit on the divan.
(b) He says he will take off his helmet, but cannot sit.
(c) He denies knowing how to answer a door properly.
(d) He agress to pour the tea.

3. What does Mrs. Smith recommend giving the Watsons for a wedding present?
(a) A trip to London.
(b) A wooden spoon.
(c) A silver spoon.
(d) A silver salver.

4. Who missed dinner with the Smiths?
(a) Mr. and Mrs. Martin.
(b) Mr. and Mrs. Watson.
(c) Mr. Holmes.
(d) Mary.

5. Why does the Fire Chief need to leave the Smiths' house?
(a) He must ring other doorbells.
(b) He is expected in the kitchen.
(c) He is expecting a fire at the other end of the city.
(d) The tea is gone.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Mrs. Smith respond to the Fire Chief's embarrassing comment?

2. What conclusion do Mr. and Mrs. Martin reach at the end of their discussion?

3. According to Mrs. Martin, what did the third wife from the story "The Headcold" do while sitting on a hornet's nest?

4. According to the Fire Chief, who rang the doorbell the first two times?

5. What comment does Mr. Martin make about Mary's poem?

Short Essay Questions

1. What comedic coincidences exist in the play?

2. How did Mary spend her day before the Martins arrive?

3. Describe the protagonist and antagonist of the play.

4. Describe the story of "The Cock."

5. Describe Mrs. Martin.

6. Why are the Smiths angry with Mary when she announces the arrival of the Martins?

7. What is the point of the story, "The Headcold"?

8. What argument erupts over the doorbell?

9. What conflicts arise in the play and how are they resolved?

10. Describe the story of "The Snake and the Fox."

(see the answer keys)

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