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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. Who is waiting for James when he returns from rounds?

2. After dinner, what does Mr. Ackroyd tell James about Mr. Ferrars' death?

3. Why doesn't James trust Caroline with information?

4. Who comes out from behind a tree and surprises Flora?

5. What item was moved at the crime scene?

Short Essay Questions

1. Based on the information given in Chapter Two, describe the village.

2. What is found missing from Mr. Ackroyd's room, in Chapter Ten, and who is discussed as someone who may have taken it?

3. In Chapter One, what is Caroline's theory about Mrs. Ferrars' death and the death of Mr. Ferrars a year ago?

4. Why do James and Poirot disagree about the evidence against Ralph and whether or not Ralph is the killer?

5. What did Mr. Ackroyd say to James, in Chapter Two, that James knew to be untrue and why did James know that?

6. In what ways does Flora act suspicious, in Chapter Nine?

7. What is the Intelligence Corps and what role does it play, in Chapter One?

8. What two important clues were found by Poirot and James, at the end of Chapter Eight, and where were they found?

9. Describe examples of some of the interesting information that Mr. Poirot supplies to James about Mr. Ackroyd and Ralph.

10. Describe the murder weapon. What was it, where did it come from, and where was it usually kept?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Dr. James Sheppard. What were your first impressions of him? Did those impressions change as you read the book? If so, in what ways and what triggered those changes?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Flora in detail. What are her motivations throughout the story? What are her feelings when Mr. Ackroyd is murdered? How does she feel about Ralph?

Essay Topic 3

Explain what you learned throughout the book about James as a man. When, if ever, did you notice a change in him or realize that he was the true killer before Poirot confronted him? Do you feel that James ultimately made the right decision by deciding to commit suicide? Explain why you think he made the decision and why you agree or disagree with it.

(see the answer keys)

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