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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To what experience does Smith compare his work for the fire department in the Introduction?
(a) Espionage.
(b) Police work.
(c) Wartime.
(d) Diplomacy.

2. Which firefighter died shortly before the time Chapter 2 takes place?
(a) Mike Sullivan.
(b) Mike Carr.
(c) Bob Starr.
(d) Mike O'Brien.

3. What is the term Smith used to describe a challenging fire?
(a) A smoker.
(b) A worker.
(c) A capital "F" fire.
(d) A three-bagger.

4. Why did Smith's mother scold him before he left for work in Chapter 3?
(a) She wanted him to move closer to his job.
(b) She did not want him to be a firefighter.
(c) She argued with him about dinner.
(d) She believed the South Bronx was too dangerous to work in.

5. How long did Smith take off to recover from the throat damage he sustained during the Prospect Avenue fire in Chapter 3?
(a) Five days.
(b) One week.
(c) Two weeks.
(d) One month.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did the ladder company do to get to the source of the smoke at the Charlotte Street fire?

2. How did Smith view the Kelly Street fire after the culprit was found?

3. What do arsonists sometimes do when they leave the scene of a fire?

4. What did Fireman Big Van of Ladder 42 drink once he quit drinking beer?

5. Why did the plan not work out?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Smith's mother's attitude toward work reflect an old-fashioned way of viewing labor in New York City?

2. What was Firefighter Jim's reaction to news of the arrests of Vietnam War protesters in Chapter 3?

3. Why was Smith reminded of the sun when he entered the burning room on Forest Avenue in Chapter 5?

4. What did the South Bronx neighbors do in an attempt to stop malicious false alarms from the Hoe Avenue alarm box and was it effective?

5. Why did some of the men defend Chief Marks despite the fact that he was known for yelling at the firefighters?

6. How was Firefighter Mike Carr killed?

7. As the fire truck responded to the call on Wilkens Avenue in Chapter 3, what experience did Smith flash back to?

8. How does Smith describe the fire marshals sent to investigate the Intervale Avenue fire?

9. Why were the firefighters remaining at the scene of the fire on Forest Avenue (in Chapter 5) unsure of the names of the injured firemen?

10. During a raging fire, Smith imagines neighbors serving coffee and food to the firefighters. Why does he think this is an impossibility in New York City?

(see the answer keys)

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