View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What causes the sniper to calm himself and get back to his job?
(a) He realizes that he needs medical attention.
(b) He remembers the cause he is fighting for.
(c) He sees that the sun is nearly up.
(d) He is nearly hit by his own bullet.

2. Once he is wounded, what is the sniper's first priority?
(a) He needs to get off the roof before dawn.
(b) He needs to find and kill the old woman.
(c) He needs to report to his field commander.
(d) He needs medical attention.

3. Where does the sniper get shot?
(a) In his arm.
(b) In his side.
(c) In his leg.
(d) In his hand.

4. What is the only description given of the old woman?
(a) She walks very slowly.
(b) Her head is covered in an old shawl.
(c) She has a thin smile.
(d) Her dress looks like it is brand new.

5. What is the risk that the sniper takes in order to check out his dead enemy's identity?
(a) He knows that the street may be mined.
(b) He has to pass by a group of civilians.
(c) The body is in the opposite direction from his route back to his commander.
(d) He crosses the street.

6. How are the sniper's eyes described?
(a) Intelligent and kind.
(b) Confused and frightened.
(c) Cold and fanatical.
(d) Angry and eager.

7. What does the sniper drop to the ground?
(a) His jacket.
(b) His revolver.
(c) His field glasses.
(d) His rifle.

8. In his distress, what does the sniper do with his revolver?
(a) Throws it down onto the rooftop.
(b) Shoots wildly with no clear target.
(c) Shoots his enemy's body a second time.
(d) Aims it at his own head.

9. What do the Republicans want?
(a) A divided Ireland, one part ruled by Ireland, one part ruled by Britain.
(b) A united Ireland under Irish rule.
(c) A united Ireland under joint rule between the British and the Irish.
(d) A united Ireland under British rule.

10. What complicates the sniper's final shot?
(a) His confusion and fear.
(b) The distance and his pain.
(c) His hunger and fatigue.
(d) The glare and noise.

11. The description of the car "panting" (96) suggests what about the situation?
(a) The fighting is animalistic.
(b) The soldiers are exhausted.
(c) The air is thick with smoke from the British artillery.
(d) The technology they have available is primitive.

12. What is the first physical sensation the sniper feels in the place where he has been shot?
(a) Warmth.
(b) Numbness, or absence.
(c) A sharp shock.
(d) Overwhelming pain.

13. What is the sniper drinking?
(a) Coffee.
(b) Tea.
(c) Milk.
(d) Whiskey.

14. What bridge is near the sniper's position?
(a) O'Connell.
(b) Nine Arches.
(c) Craigavon.
(d) Lifford.

15. Why does the sniper not immediately fire on the enemy car?
(a) There is a civilian in his line of fire.
(b) He is not sure which side the car belongs to, at first.
(c) He does not have a weapon that will penetrate its armor.
(d) He does not want to give away his position.

Short Answer Questions

1. The conflicting descriptions of the sniper that make him sound both young and mature are an example of what technique?

2. What nearby area of the city is under heavy fire?

3. What do the Free Staters want?

4. In the opening of the story, machine guns fire "spasmodically." How are they firing?

5. When he finally gets a clear shot at his enemy, what is the protagonist feeling?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 590 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample