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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. How many people live in the village?
(a) Just under 1,000.
(b) 3,446.
(c) Less than 100.
(d) About 300.

2. What does Mr. Summers do as soon as he is sworn in?
(a) Bows low and receives the crown.
(b) Leads the invocation.
(c) Puts his hand on the black box three times.
(d) Faces and greets the villagers.

3. What does Jackson suggest about civic prominence in the character of Mr. Summers.
(a) That everyone is equal regardless of wealth.
(b) That Summers has no real power in the village.
(c) That wealth is the standard for importance.
(d) That age is the criterion for civic leadership.

4. Is everyone present as the lottery ceremony begins?
(a) No, one woman comes running up late.
(b) No, one entire family is missing.
(c) Yes, they do not start until all are there.
(d) Yes, it is a crime to be late for the lottery.

5. Who tells the boys what to do on the morning of the lottery?
(a) The village council.
(b) Their mothers.
(c) No one, they all know their responsibility.
(d) Their fathers.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why are the children running around that morning?

2. What finally happens with Tessie?

3. In the story, what idea does Shirley Jackson carefully avoid?

4. How do they list the villagers before the lottery begins?

5. What is Tessie doing in the center of the circle of her friends, neighbors, and family?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the setting of THE LOTTERY say about the citizens of the village.

2. Who is the second citizen of the village and what is his function in the lottery?

3. Why is Mr. Summers always in charge of the lottery every year?

4. What happens as the stoning begins?

5. How does Jackson make the scene seem like a normal village fair?

6. Whose name was the first to be called up for the lottery?

7. What time of the year is the lottery being held?

8. As Mr. Summers turns to face the gathered villagers, what disturbance occurs?

9. Why is everything so organized in the village for the lottery?

10. Describe the men as they assemble for the lottery.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 624 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample