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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 kind of glue does Matilda put in her father's hat to stick it his head?

2. What does the author say Matilda's parents think of her as?

3. What book does the librarian suggest Matilda reads as her first adult book?

4. What kind of jackets does Matilda's father like wearing?

5. What is the title of the only book in Matilda's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Miss Trunchbull state about her own childhood?

2. What does Dahl say parents usually think of their children?

3. How do teacher get their revenge on parents?

4. What reasons are there for Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood's dislike of his daughter?

5. What is Mrs. Wormwood's views on little girls?

6. How does Mr. Wormwood react at work when he realizes he can't remove his hat?

7. Why is Mr. Wormwood so proud of his hair?

8. How does Miss Honey feel when she leaves Matilda's parents?

9. Why does Miss Trunchbull say she has such respect for Matilda's father?

10. How does Miss Trunchbull react when she sees a little girl with pigtails?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why has the book "Matilda" been so popular with children? Why do children seem to relate to the story so well?

Essay Topic 2

What statement does the author make about adulthood? Could any problems from communicating such a point of view in a children's book?

Essay Topic 3

Look at the structure of the book.

How does the author use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

Discuss elements of the narrative structure; exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the book's themes?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 655 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample