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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did Smith choose to transfer to Engine Co. 82?
(a) It was the busiest engine company in the city.
(b) He wanted to make more money.
(c) He wanted a quieter place to serve.
(d) He wanted to serve the South Bronx.

2. While responding to an apartment fire on Simpson Street in Chapter 7, what did the firefighters see two teenagers carrying down the stairs?
(a) A television and toaster oven.
(b) A radio and toaster oven.
(c) A radio and television.
(d) A television and phonograph.

3. What actor was interviewed in the Playboy issue, read by Smith in Chapter 7?
(a) Donald Sutherland.
(b) Marlon Brando.
(c) Elliott Gould.
(d) Jack Nicholson.

4. Why were conditions in the fire station cold in April?
(a) Because the station's heating system was broken.
(b) Because there was a hole in the roof of the station.
(c) Because budget cuts caused the firefighters to forgo the use of the heating system.
(d) Because a garage door had been open and broken for months

5. What job did Smith take when he quit high school?
(a) Delivering for a Chinese restaurant.
(b) Delivering flowers.
(c) Driving a cab.
(d) Delivering food.

6. Why were the firefighters frustrated about budget issues?
(a) Layoffs were expected.
(b) Salaries were being cut.
(c) The budget was being cut.
(d) The firefighters themselves have always had to pay for basic station needs.

7. To which classical literary figure does Smith refer when describing the wounds on the young girl assaulted by her stepfather in Chapter 9?
(a) Medusa.
(b) Medea.
(c) Electra.
(d) Gaia.

8. What did the woman do to the man whose Intervale Avenue apartment burned in Chapter 7?
(a) She threw a lamp at him.
(b) She pointed a gun at him.
(c) She went after him with a machete.
(d) She went after him with a knife.

9. Why was Smith upset about the path Tina de Vega took in life?
(a) He was angry with her for throwing her life away.
(b) He felt that nobody ever reached out to her.
(c) He worried that he could have done something to help her.
(d) He believes she should have left the South Bronx.

10. How old was Tina when Smith first met her?
(a) Eighteen.
(b) Seventeen.
(c) Fourteen.
(d) Ten.

11. Why were the teens carrying the items out of the Simpson Street apartment building?
(a) They were carrying them out of their own apartment for safety.
(b) They stole them from another resident.
(c) They were carrying them out for another resident.
(d) They had bought them from another resident.

12. After years of "carrying death in my hands," what did Smith see firefighting as lacking?
(a) Glamor.
(b) High pay.
(c) Security.
(d) Stability.

13. Where did the firemen's training occur?
(a) Staten Island.
(b) Ellis Island.
(c) Long Island.
(d) Welfare Island.

14. How did being interviewed by Cynthia affect Smith's mood in Chapter 9?
(a) He was depressed because he saw nothing but heartache for Cynthia.
(b) He was encouraged that there were decent, hardworking kids in South Bronx.
(c) He was not affected at all.
(d) He was confused about the future of local children.

15. Why did Smith's mother hide the television under a bedspread?
(a) She did not want her children watching TV.
(b) She was afraid the TV would be stolen.
(c) The TV was broken.
(d) Welfare recipients were not allowed to have TVs or phones.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Smith see in Fireman Billy-o as he held the baby who died in the fire?

2. Why were the five adults and two children unable to escape the burning building?

3. How must firefighters find the rewards in their profession?

4. How was the bleeding woman who ran into the station for help injured in Chapter 9?

5. What did Smith foresee when he first applied to become a firefighter?

(see the answer keys)

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