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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 the only person to admit to smoking a pipe?

2. In what season does the story take place?

3. What time was the crime supposedly committed?

4. What had Ratchett received prior to the trip?

5. What is the name of the luxury train?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ratchett's reaction when he realizes that Poirot is now his neighbor?

2. Why is M. Bouc concerned about Poirot's line of questioning with accounting Countess?

3. What is Miss Debenham's initial reaction to Poirot?

4. What causes the delay on the train?

5. What unusual item was worn by the lady in the corridor?

6. What is so odd about Miss Debenham's association with Colonel Arbuthnot?

7. Why is Mrs. Hubbard nervous?

8. What item was found that backed up Mrs. Hubbard's story?

9. Why does the train stop in Belgrade?

10. Why was Ratchett's response considered to be strange?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dr. Constantine had a low opinion of Foscarelli. The doctor thought that Foscarelli could easily be responsible for the murder due to his nationality. What were Dr. Constantine's reasons for making such a statement? Do you think that the reputation of the Italians is justified? Is the prejudice still practiced today?

Essay Topic 2

Pierre Michel turned out to be involved in the case although he was able to fool Poirot at first. What comments made by Bouc put Michel in a good light? Do you think that Michel's questionable intelligence was a factor? How was Michel tied to the case?

Essay Topic 3

The Countess Adrenyi was the second person to unveil her true identity. How did Poirot discover that the Countess' passport was a fake? What tipped Poirot off that the handkerchief belonged to the Countess? Did Poirot believe the Countess' claim that she had few memories of the Armstrong's household staff?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 452 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample