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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. Where does Peebles live?

2. During the thief's escape he runs into the ____.

3. What type of champagne does Stone serve?

4. Where does Stone conduct his stake-out?

5. Calder had often been compared to which classic Hollywood star?

Short Essay Questions

1. Examine the meeting between Amanda and Bill Eggers.

2. Who is Stone Barrington? What is his role in the story to date?

3. What is Stone's advice to Hickcock? What is Hickcock's reaction?

4. Who is Allan Peebles? Why does he become an important figure in the story?

5. Discuss the reason for the meeting between Stone and Dick Hickcock. What is Stone's reaction?

6. Describe the meeting between Stone, Eggers and Glynnis Hickcock. What is Stone's response?

7. Discuss some of the questions Stone asks Amanda regarding the case.

8. Detail the meeting between Stone and Tiff. What does Tiff offer as a clue?

9. Explain the scene between Stone and Amanda during their trip to Connecticut. What agreement does the couple make?

10. Discuss the break-in of the second upscale apartment. What items are taken?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Out of the blue, Dino announces that he and Mary Ann are going to buy an apartment in Manhattan. Explain the scenario. What is Stone's reaction? Is this a sudden thing, or have Dino and Mary Ann considered the move for a long time? Who is Mary Ann's father and how will he help with the purchase? What is Dino's relationship to the Bianchis? How might the family business and the money raised for the apartment interfere with Dino's police work? Does any of this concern Dino? What is Stone's opinion? What do you think will happen next?

Essay Topic 2

Reputation is a touchy subject in places like New York and Los Angeles, particularly when dissected by someone like Amanda Dart or Allan Peebles. Examine Amanda's reputation and its importance. Why is Amanda's reputation important in New York? Also examine Allan Peebles' role. Why is Peebles' reputation important in Los Angeles? Are the two friends, enemies, colleagues or strangers? Are they competitors? Explain. How could their jobs backfire on them if others gathered inside information on their personal lives? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Write your own murder mystery based on "DIRT". Use Stone Barrington as the lead character. Supply complete storyboards. Include character information, plot, synopsis, etc. Explain your inspiration.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,016 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample