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 suggests that the deaths might be due to which of the following?

2. Whose tomb was being excavated at the time of the deaths?

3. The Prime Minister was scheduled to drive to which location after leaving London?

4. Poirot sent the would-be evidence from the couple's room to which location?

5. What does the god symbolize to the Egyptians?

Short Essay Questions

1. What actually happened to the Prime Minister? Who was responsible?

2. What is unusual about Poirot's initial thoughts on the case?

3. Poirot verifies the deaths with Dr. Ames, physician at the tomb's excavation. What were the causes of death?

4. What seems to be the most difficult part of the trip for Poirot?

5. Where did the maid go when she left the room with the chambermaid inside?

6. Captain Hastings and Poirot decide to take a short trip to get a change of scenery. Where do they go and what is the first thing they do upon arrival?

7. What was Poirot's conclusion about the theft and who committed the crime?

8. What happens to cause the woman a great deal of emotional distress?

9. What happens in the opening scene of the story? Who visits Poirot?

10. Who approaches Poirot and Hastings while they are talking about peace negotiations? Who is the main character in the discussion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Inspector Japp is always attempting to keep up with Poirot or even exceed the Belgian detective's crime solving skills. Unfortunately, Japp is always at least one step behind Poirot. Compare and contrast Inspector Japp and Hercule Poirot, their skill set, and successes in solving crimes.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 776 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample