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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which stones are the most prized for use in the lottery?

2. Which man holds the winning paper?

3. What is Jackson's first element of surprise in the story?

4. What is Mrs. Hutchinson's behavior as she makes her way to her family?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why have they made the switch to paper slips this year?

2. Why does the first person called for the lists not appear?

3. What does Mrs. Delacroix do to participate in the stoning?

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

5. In naming the holidays observed by the village, how does Jackson hint at the macabre nature of the lottery?

6. Who participates in the subsequent activity?

7. How do the children react to their school holiday?

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

9. Mostly the townspeople seem to look forward to the lottery. What comment is Jackson making on human nature at this point?

10. What is different about this year's lottery?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write two or three paragraphs on the character of Mrs. Delacroix. Use your imagination to explain why she selected the largest stone she could find to throw at Tessie.

Essay Topic 2

Do some research and write a paper that briefly describes cultures that have held human sacrifices. Identify, if possible, their reasons for doing so.

Essay Topic 3

Write a paper comparing THE LOTTERY with the infamous Salem witch trials. What is the common psychological thread that runs through the people of the village and the citizens of Salem intent on removing witches?

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