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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. How did Poirot learn of the connection to Daisy Armstrong?

2. What does Poirot use to rule out suspects?

3. What was MacQueen's job with Ratchett?

4. Who investigates the noise?

5. Who is Princess Dragomiroff?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What causes the delay on the train?

3. What were MacQueen's thoughts about Ratchett?

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

5. What is Poirot's reaction to Ratchett?

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

7. Why did MacQueen go to see Ratchett that evening?

8. What is Ratchett's purpose for wanting protection from Poirot?

9. Why is Mrs. Hubbard nervous?

10. What items did Poirot collect for examination?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

First impressions play a large part in the story. When Miss Debenham saw Poirot she referred to the detective as "peculiar but harmless." Explain how Poirot would have assessed his first impression of Miss Debenham, Colonel Arbuthnot, and Cassetti/Ratchett.

How did Poirot happen to be on the same train as the victim? Was it by accident or was it planned? How did Poirot react when he realized that Colonel Arbuthnot and Miss Debenham were also on the train?

Essay Topic 2

Early in the story, Ratchett told Poirot that he had enemies that might wish him harm. Ratchett never explained. How did Ratchett know that he might become a victim? What was the purpose of sending Ratchett the letter found on the train? Was it psychological revenge? State your opinions.

Essay Topic 3

Mrs. Hubbard is one character that exhibits the most erratic behavior while Miss Debenham always seems to be cold and without emotion. Compare and contrast the personalities of the two women. Which characteristics were real and which were contrived? How were they perceived by Poirot?

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This section contains 470 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample