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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 is the name of the other man who entrusted the character with the goods?

2. What was the relationship between the murdered man and the client?

3. Who speaks to the would-be client on Poirot's behalf?

4. What was the name of the couple that rented the cheap flat?

5. Who advised the woman to seek Poirot's help with the case?

Short Essay Questions

1. What event causes an uproar during the dinner at Marsdon Manor? Who informs the diners of the disturbance?

2. Who is the woman seen on the street by Poirot and his companion? Why is she known to Poirot?

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

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

5. Why were the Robinsons considered to be perfect as the new tenants?

6. What is the purpose of Mary Marvell's visit to Poirot? What does the woman bring to show Poirot?

7. What is the crux of the case the woman wants Poirot to investigate? Who and what are involved?

8. What has the woman so upset about one of her possessions? What are the consequences if Marvell does not comply?

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

10. Even though special precautions were taken, the bonds were stolen. What happened to the bonds?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan" police must conduct a crime scene investigation at the site of the theft of Mrs. Opalsen's necklace. Describe in detail how the investigation was carried out and how the police missed an important item. Compare and contrast the methods used in the story to modern day crime scene investigation techniques. What are the biggest advancements? Are there cases in which the "old school" ways are better? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

In "The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb," five characters die due to unusual circumstances. Investigate how each person died, the cause behind the death, and the purpose. How would one be able to tell how the person died? Compare and contrast methods used during Poirot's time to modern science in which toxicology and other forensic methods are used to determine cause of death and types of poisons used.

Essay Topic 3

The author often uses foreshadowing as a way to give the reader clues to the mystery. More obvious clues are given to the reader by Poirot. Examine the use of foreshadowing and why it is an important tool in writing, particularly when it concerns mysteries. Give examples and other ways in which foreshadowing might be used to help the reader solve the crime.

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This section contains 822 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample