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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. When Miss Strangeworth is walking "daintily" along Main Street, (417), how is she walking?
(a) Quickly, briskly, as if she is in a hurry.
(b) Boldly, as if she is in charge of her surroundings.
(c) Slowly, in an unsteady and careful manner.
(d) Delicately, with small steps; in a charming way.

2. Who planted the roses outside Miss Strangeworth's house?
(a) Her mother.
(b) Miss Strangeworth.
(c) Her great-grandmother.
(d) Her grandmother.

3. What color paper does Miss Strangeworth choose for the note to Don Crane about his baby daughter?
(a) Green.
(b) Blue.
(c) Pink.
(d) Yellow.

4. Why does Miss Strangeworth think that she has a right to eavesdrop on Linda Stewart at the post office?
(a) She means to help Linda with her troubles.
(b) She knows Linda's parents well.
(c) It is "her" town and she needs to know if "her" people are in trouble.
(d) It is a public place.

5. What is the longest time that Miss Strangeworth has been away from her town?
(a) One month.
(b) One day.
(c) She has never left it.
(d) One week.

Short Answer Questions

1. What mood is evoked by the detail about Miss Strangeworth's table being capable of expanding to seat 22?

2. Why does Miss Strangeworth fail to notice the important detail about her letters?

3. What does Helen Crane say she is worried that her daughter should be doing more?

4. Miss Strangeworth thinks that children mocking her would be "reprehensible" (426). What would their mocking be, in her opinion?

5. Why does Miss Strangeworth refer to the Cranes' baby as "her highness" (421)?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Explain how Miss Strangeworth's need to do things perfectly is shown in how she writes her letters.

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

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

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

8. Which writing utensils does Miss Strangeworth have available, and which one does she choose for her anonymous notes?

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

10. Who is Linda Stewart, and why has she been so upset?

(see the answer keys)

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