View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Poirot reminisces about his old friend, whose name is?

2. What major discovery do James and Poirot make about Charles Kent?

3. Poirot thinks Kent may be what?

4. Poirot suggests that, rather than be arrested, James does what?

5. Raymond admits that his secret is what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is learned about Charles Kent, the stranger James met, in Chapter Eighteen, that would make him seem like a suspect?

2. In Chapter Twenty-six, what does Poirot tell James is the only reason he never considered James as a suspect?

3. In Chapter Nineteen, explain why Poirot suggests to the Inspector that he hold Charles Kent longer?

4. At the meeting, how do Flora and Mrs. Ackroyd react to Poirot's announcement that Ursula and Ralph are married?

5. What does Poirot ask Caroline to do, in Chapter Fourteen, and what is the result?

6. In Chapter Twenty-one, what does Poirot ask James to do, regarding people at Fernly Park?

7. Who do James and Caroline invite over, in Chapter Sixteen, and why?

8. What is the story of Ursula and Ralph?

9. In Chapter Twenty, Poirot and James go to see Miss Russell because Poirot wants to confront her about what?

10. Why do the police call, near the end of Chapter Seventeen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

In what ways is Ralph made to look guilty throughout the book in the eyes of most of the characters? Why is Poirot not convinced? Cite examples to support both opinions.

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)

This section contains 646 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample