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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Orwell describe the ideal murderer, in a murder story?
(a) Arrogant.
(b) Eccentric.
(c) Calculating.
(d) Pitiable.

2. What does Orwell refer to as the era of great murder mystery literature?
(a) "Renaissance."
(b) "Golden Age."
(c) "Elizabethan period."
(d) "Dark Ages."

3. What conclusion does Orwell reach about the prices of the commodities he compares in Chapter 15?
(a) For the price of a year's worth of alcohol and cigarettes, one could purchase a respectable collection of books.
(b) Alcohol is more expensive than food, but well worth it.
(c) The only way to afford books is to cut out other luxuries, such as movies and records.
(d) Books are more expensive than food and clothing, and Orwell doesn't understand why.

4. Chapter 12 begins with a description of the life cycle of what animal?
(a) Toad.
(b) Gnat.
(c) Rabbit.
(d) Squirrel.

5. According to Orwell, spring is more noticeable for people in what areas?
(a) Suburban.
(b) Urban.
(c) Rural and urban.
(d) Rural.

6. Which title, named in Chapter 16, is also the subject of Chapter 18?
(a) "King Solomon's Mines".
(b) "Uncle Tom's Cabin".
(c) "Penrod".
(d) "Helen's Babies".

7. What does Orwell say about children's books, in Chapter 18?
(a) They are ineffective at teaching values and morals.
(b) They have adult themes that are too advanced for children.
(c) They are too complicated for most children.
(d) They give one a "false map" of the world.

8. What does "Helen's Babies" say about America, according to Orwell?
(a) It is a characterization of only one class in American society.
(b) It characterizes America much more tamely than older literature.
(c) It portrays Americans as immature and selfish.
(d) It portrays America inaccurately.

9. Orwell compares "Helen's Babies" with the works of what other author?
(a) Jules Verne.
(b) Orson Scott Wells.
(c) Ernest Hemingway.
(d) Mark Twain.

10. What is the most famous poem written by the poet mentioned in Chapter 17?
(a) "Old Mother Hubbard".
(b) "The Owl and the Pussycat".
(c) "Hey Diddle Diddle".
(d) "The Cat's In the Cradle".

11. What does Orwell compare athletes to?
(a) Soldiers.
(b) Chess pieces.
(c) Machines.
(d) Automobiles.

12. According to Orwell, why might athletes try to cheat?
(a) They don't always understand the rules.
(b) They feel they are being discriminated against.
(c) They are afraid of losing their contracts.
(d) They think it is the only way they will win.

13. Orwell refers to the art of which countries to prove that those who work outdoors are interested in nature?
(a) Egypt and Spain.
(b) America and England.
(c) Spain and France.
(d) China and Japan.

14. According to Orwell, what is not a popular subject in his essays?
(a) Christmas.
(b) Spring.
(c) Animals.
(d) Politics.

15. What event does Orwell cite as evidence for his argument about sports?
(a) The riots at the 1936 Olympic Games.
(b) The peace treaty that was signed after the 1922 Olympic Games.
(c) The killing of a tennis star by a crazed fan.
(d) The money that has been donated to charity by sports stars.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Orwell feel about Jack the Ripper?

2. What term does Orwell use to describe modern sports?

3. Orwell remarks that no one ever plants what type of tree?

4. According to Orwell, when is the best time to read a good murder mystery?

5. According to Orwell, what are the feelings between two teams in a sporting event?

(see the answer keys)

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