View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the purpose of including the details about how many people Miss Strangeworth talks to on her trip to the grocery store?
(a) It shows that the townspeople like and trust her.
(b) It shows that Miss Strangeworth is a helpful and kind neighbor.
(c) It shows that Miss Strangeworth is nosy.
(d) It shows that the townspeople all need something from Miss Strangeworth.

2. Which one of her neighbors does Miss Strangeworth chat with while she is checking out at the grocery store?
(a) Linda Stewart.
(b) Martha Harper.
(c) Don Crane.
(d) Dave Harris.

3. Miss Strangeworth thinks about the Cranes "indulgently" (421). How does she think about them?
(a) In the surprised way that an adult looks at a child that has done something strange.
(b) In the forgiving but irritated way that an adult looks at a misbehaving child.
(c) With the kindness that a person shows to someone who needs a little extra generosity or lenience.
(d) With the scorn that people show towards those who eat, drink, or do other things to excess.

4. 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) She has clearly been crying.
(d) Her hair does not look as neat as usual.

5. According to a town legend, what was Strangeworth House once mistaken for?
(a) A museum.
(b) A school.
(c) A police station.
(d) A library.

Short Answer Questions

1. What has Miss Strangeworth written to Mr. Lewis in one of her letters?

2. What word is repeatedly used to describe the day on which the story opens?

3. 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?

4. What business did Miss Strangeworth's grandfather run?

5. Why did Miss Strangeworth stop calling Tommy Lewis "Tommy" and start calling him "Mr. Lewis"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Describe the setting of the story "The Possibility of Evil."

9. Which writing utensils does Miss Strangeworth have available, and which one does she choose 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)

This section contains 1,134 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample