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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. On his way home, who does Qwilleran overhear having an argument?

2. What kind of car does Russell Patch drive?

3. Why is the area called Junktown?

4. Why is Qwilleran disappointed before dinner after returning from Nicolas's shop?

5. What does Qwilleran question Miss Duckworth about when she found the body of Glanz?

Short Essay Questions

1. What startling suggestion does Qwilleran offer Mary regarding Andy's death?

2. Describe how Qwilleran comes up with the idea of writing a feature called "Christmas in Junktown."

3. How is the cab driver's conversation with Qwilleran on the way to Junktown a foreshadowing of the novel?

4. What happens to prevent Iris from reading Qwilleran's palm?

5. Why does Iris come to Qwilleran's apartment early one morning?

6. What happens to Qwilleran as he leaves Ben Nicolas' shop?

7. Explain the development arising from the urgent barking of Mary's dog.

8. What questions are raised in the mind of the reader when the Mackintosh Coat of Arms is introduced?

9. Why does Iris not buy the police explanation of what happened?

10. Discuss Mary Duxbury aka Mary Duckworth as a character.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "How I Would Write a Murder Mystery". This is strictly an opinion piece in which you define how you would set up the murder, complicate the plot, and resolve the situation.

Essay Topic 2

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "A Comparison Between a Newspaper Reporter and a Crime Detective". Include in your essay (1) what they have in common, (2) how they are different, and (3) which, in your opinion, is more interesting to read about--the professional or the amateur.

Essay Topic 3

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "The Value of Mystery Novels as Escapism in Literature". Define escapism, point out how mystery stories put readers into situations they are unlikely to experience in real life, and compare mystery stories to word games and puzzles as a diversion.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 833 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample