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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. The sniper's face is described as "ascetic" (96). What does this imply about the sniper?
(a) He is not fully aware of the damage that the war will do.
(b) He has conflicting emotions about the act of killing.
(c) He does not have the same ability to empathize as most people do.
(d) He is able to discipline himself and sacrifice for his beliefs.

2. What does the sniper do when he realizes that his enemy is dead?
(a) Calmly begins packing his things up.
(b) Cries out joyfully.
(c) Drops to his knees.
(d) Vomits.

3. After he calms down, what does the sniper decide to do next?
(a) Rest for a few minutes before he tries to move.
(b) Get off the rooftop and check on the identity of his enemy.
(c) Get off the rooftop and report to his commander.
(d) Bandage his wound more carefully before he tries to move.

4. In what city does "The Sniper" take place?
(a) Belfast.
(b) Dublin.
(c) Cork.
(d) Galway.

5. How many people does the sniper kill before he can get a clear shot at the enemy sniper?
(a) 1.
(b) 2.
(c) 0.
(d) 3.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the context in which it is used in "The Sniper," how is "draught" (96) pronounced?

2. What does the sniper take a risk to do after he finishes eating?

3. Once his enemy has died, the sniper begins to "gibber" (98). What is he doing?

4. As a result of taking a risk in order to see his dead enemy's body, what happens to the sniper?

5. What word (or a variation of it) is repeated several times after the sniper is shot?

Short Essay Questions

1. What problem is created by the sniper's wound?

2. Describe the wound that the sniper suffers.

3. Who does the sniper kill while he is still waiting to kill the enemy sniper, and why does he kill them?

4. In the sentence "Almost immediately, a bullet flattened itself against the parapet of the roof," (96), what is being personified and what purpose does the personification of the bullet serve?

5. When the reader first encounters the sniper, what is he doing, and why?

6. What are the two contrasting descriptions of the sniper given when he is first introduced?

7. How does the sniper fool his enemy?

8. What striking contrast is there in the description that opens the story with the description that closes the first paragraph?

9. Who are the Republicans at war with, and what does this opposition believe?

10. What causes the sniper to suddenly lose his enthusiasm for the battle?

(see the answer keys)

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