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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Volume 2: Of the Street-Jews.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What did some of the boys do to earn tips while serving as crossing sweeps?
(a) Hang out wash.
(b) Saddle horses.
(c) Help a chimney sweep take his equipment up on the roof.
(d) Run alongside buses and entertain the passengers.

2. Why did some young costers commit petty crimes?
(a) They were angry at the government.
(b) To make a name for themselves.
(c) For the thrill of it.
(d) For a place to sleep and food to eat.

3. What did a publisher who Mayhew knew do for the boy who talked to Mayhew?
(a) Adopted him.
(b) Give him odd jobs occasionally.
(c) Sent him to America.
(d) Helped him get an apprenticeship.

4. What kind of education did most costermongers have?
(a) They have to go up to sixth grade in public school.
(b) Many could read, write and speak a foreign language.
(c) Most went through eight years of public school.
(d) Very little or none.

5. What did a lodging manager do when a child brought in a stolen item for rent?
(a) Called the constable.
(b) Gave the child half of what it was worth.
(c) Gave the child a small fraction of its value and pawned it.
(d) Let the child stay for the night in exchange for the item.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did coster runaway children usually support themselves?

2. What type of modern store did costermongers fill in 1800s London?

3. What does Mayhew say the Jewish traders seldom were?

4. What would very occasionally happen to a dependable crossing sweep?

5. Who often became chimney sweepers?

(see the answer key)

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