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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 do people in town assume it means when someone writes on blue paper?
(a) They could not afford the more expensive cream-colored paper.
(b) They are irritated at the person they are writing to.
(c) They are trying to show off.
(d) They are almost out of paper.

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

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

4. 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.

5. What does Helen Crane say she is worried that her daughter should be doing more?
(a) Babbling and making speech sounds.
(b) Looking around at the world.
(c) Eating.
(d) Trying to move around.

Short Answer Questions

1. Linda suggests that since no one in town seems to care about her and Dave, they should not bother to help anyone else. When Dave decides to help anyway, what does it demonstrate?

2. What color paper does Miss Strangeworth choose for the note to Don Crane about his baby daughter?

3. When Miss Strangeworth looks out the window after the story ends, what will she see?

4. Miss Strangeworth thinks about the Cranes "indulgently" (421). How does she think about them?

5. What is the best definition of "proverbial" in the sentence "Miss Strangeworth's hats were proverbial in the town" (426)?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the green letter at the end of the story say, and what does it imply?

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

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

4. What is ironic about Miss Strangeworth's thoughts as she notices that various townspeople seem distressed?

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

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. What is ironic about Dave Harris being the one to find and deliver Miss Strangeworth's dropped letter?

9. Describe the significance of the paper that Miss Strangeworth chooses for her anonymous notes.

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

(see the answer keys)

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