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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 is Walter nervous with Lola in the room?
(a) She is very outspoken
(b) He is uncomfortable considering the plan to kill her father
(c) She is very attractive
(d) She is too young to be involved

2. What does Walter do after he jumps off the train?
(a) Phones a friend to come get him
(b) Drives away in his car
(c) Stops at a bar for a drink
(d) Crouches between two sets of tracks

3. Why does Walter say they cannot disable Mr. Nirdlinger's car for the accident?
(a) Walter does not want to leave fingerprints
(b) The plan involves Walter using the car
(c) Walter does not want to arouse any suspicions
(d) Walter does not know how to do that

4. What does Walter try to anticipate?
(a) Getting a new job
(b) Marrying Phyllis
(c) Where he and Phyllis will live
(d) How the authorities will investigate the crime

5. Who else does Walter call to ask about his rate book?
(a) His golfing buddy, Jim
(b) His cleaning lady, Alice
(c) His best friend, Gordon
(d) His secretary, Nettie

Short Answer Questions

1. What beverage does Phyllis offer Walter?

2. What does Walter burn in the fireplace when he returns home?

3. Which method do Walter and Phyllis decide for the murder?

4. What does Walter do on the day of Mr. Nirdlinger's scheduled departure?

5. Who has Phyllis selected as a witness?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scenario where Walter kills Mr. Nirdlinger.

2. Describe the final challenge Walter and Phyllis face in completing their facade?

3. What activities does Walter follow to begin to set up his alibi on the day the murder is to take place?

4. What does Walter do when he returns home after the murder?

5. How do Walter and Phyllis' strained emotions exhibit with each other after the murder?

6. What do Walter and Phyllis do to make sure Walter is not inspected too closely by anyone at the train station?

7. What are the reasons that Walter would agree to help Phyllis kill her husband?

8. What is the next step in Walter and Phyllis' plan after the murder?

9. From what point of view is this story told?

10. Why does Walter make three visits to Mr. Nirdlinger?

(see the answer keys)

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