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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. What detail is included to show that Miss Chandler is upset about something?
(a) She has clearly been crying.
(b) She looks as if she has not slept well.
(c) Her hair does not look as neat as usual.
(d) She seems distracted and is a little rude.

2. What letter does Miss Strangeworth think about writing to the school board?
(a) One that asks how the chemistry teacher can afford such a fancy car.
(b) One that accuses the librarian of stealing from the library fund.
(c) One that accuses the principal of having an affair with a secretary.
(d) One that accuses a student of drinking during the school day.

3. Why does Miss Strangeworth fail to notice the important detail about her letters?
(a) One of the younger children bumps into her.
(b) She is busy thinking about sending a letter to Dave Harris's father.
(c) Linda Stewart begins sobbing again.
(d) She notices that a car has turned down the street and is getting close.

4. How old is Miss Strangeworth?
(a) 71.
(b) 81.
(c) 91.
(d) 61.

5. What kind of flowers does Miss Strangeworth send to the church for the celebration of the new minister's arrival?
(a) Gladiolus.
(b) Poppies.
(c) Roses.
(d) Carnations.

Short Answer Questions

1. The narrator says that Miss Strangeworth's letters "dealt with the more negotiable stuff of suspicion" (424). What is this saying about suspicion?

2. Who is the original owner of Miss Strangeworth's house?

3. What does Miss Strangeworth seem to think her family's place in the world is?

4. What is the longest time that Miss Strangeworth has been away from her town?

5. What literary technique is used when Miss Strangeworth asks Helen if she has upset her husband by pointing out that the baby is " six months old and hasn't yet begun to learn to dance"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Miss Strangeworth write to Mrs. Harper, and what is she implying?

2. Describe Miss Strangeworth's relationship with Tommy Lewis.

3. Describe the exterior of Miss Strangeworth's house.

4. What is ironic about Miss Strangeworth's criticisms of Helen and Don Crane's parenting?

5. Describe Miss Strangeworth's feelings about her roses.

6. What details does Jackson provide about the interior of Miss Strangeworth's house to show the pride the family has always taken in the house?

7. What evidence is there in the story that Miss Strangeworth is well-known and respected in the town?

8. Describe the main character of "The Possibility of Evil."

9. What does Miss Strangeworth write to Mrs. Foster about her upcoming surgery, and what is she implying?

10. What worry does Helen Crane express about her baby daughter, and how does Miss Strangeworth respond to her concerns?

(see the answer keys)

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