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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 was the purpose of the break in?

2. What was the suspect's first name?

3. A special item was purchased to ensure the safety of the item during the trip. Who supplied the safety item?

4. Who confesses to the murder of Mr. Maltraverse?

5. What distinguishing feature/possession did the alleged murderer have?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who visits Hastings in Poirot's absence? What is strange about the encounter?

2. Why is Poirot sent to investigate the rental of an unusually cheap flat?

3. Who is the character that approaches Poirot and Hastings in the beginning of the story? How is the woman described?

4. What strikes Poirot as peculiar regarding the new tenants?

5. What happens when the police attempt to find the housekeeper? What is Poirot's conclusion?

6. What happens when Hastings and Havering reach Hunter's Lodge? What story is told to Hastings?

7. What item is in the possession of Lady Yardly and how does it relate to Miss Marvell's item?

8. Who was the victim of the crime? Where did the crime take place?

9. Who finds out about the cheap flat? Who supplies the information? Who is it rented to? Where is it located?

10. At Marsdon Manor Poirot meets Captain Black, a friend of Mr. and Mrs. Maltraverse. What does Poirot learn from Captain Black in regards to Maltraverse's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Agatha Christie is fond of creating alter egos and false identities for her characters. From a writer's point of view, what would be the purpose of this technique? Is it possible for the reader to unravel the mystery using the clues given by Christie and Poirot? Explain. Create a detailed alter ego for yourself as it might appear in one of Christie's mysteries.

Essay Topic 2

Scotland Yard plays a prominent part in the majority of Agatha Christie's mysteries. Choose one of the following activities in relation to Scotland Yard: Research and write a 1000 word essay on the history and purpose of Scotland Yard. Also include a list of some of the mysteries Scotland Yard appears in and how it played a part in the solving of the mystery. The second choice is to investigate at least five top cases investigated by Scotland Yard, the details, and how the specialized knowledge of the famed police force was used in solving the crimes.

Essay Topic 3

In many mysteries, blackmail is a common theme. What is blackmail? How does blackmail compare to extortion? Give examples of each. In which ways was blackmail used throughout "Poirot Investigates?" How was Poirot able to uncover the scheme and who was behind it? What might have happened if Poirot had not been able to uncover the truth about the blackmail plot? List at least three examples of blackmail used throughout Christie's stories. Give details, purpose and resolution.

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This section contains 837 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample