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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. In Chapter 19, who did Otis Amber accuse of being responsible for the bombings?

2. Why was Grace's voice thick and slurred when she got to the second reading of the Will?

3. What did Judge Ford tell the heirs about the two million dollars?

4. At the time Sandy died and Turtle tried to discover the mystery heir, which were the only three heirs Otis Amber had not investigated?

5. Who was the only heir the Judge did not investigate?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Judge Ford so concerned about Crow in Chapter 22?

2. Why did the bomb squad seem indifferent to the fact that Turtle had been blasted by the latest bomb?

3. The second time the heirs signed the receipt for their invitation, they changed the description of the position they were signing as. Why was this?

4. Why was there to be no liquor served at Crow and Otis Amber's wedding?

5. After examining all her information for the newspaperman, who did Judge Ford believe must be protected from Westing's mischief and why did she think this?

6. Describe what event was occurring at the beginning of Chapter 16.

7. What realization did Judge Ford suddenly make that convinced her that Westing was still alive?

8. Beside the identity of Sam Westing, what other identities did Westing take?

9. What is meant by the expression, "to go on the wagon"?

10. What did Turtle suddenly realize about the winning clue in Chapter 26?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the traits of the mystery genre is a crime. There is not truly a crime committed in The Westing Game, so how can it still be considered a mystery? What makes it a mystery? Use examples from the book to defend your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Ellen Raskin has stated that the character she most identifies with from the novel is Angela. However, Turtle develops into being the main character. Why is Turtle the best choice to be the main character? Give examples from the book as to why Turtle makes the best main character. What about some of the other characters and their feelings about Westing? How would that make them not the most likely main character? Give examples from the novel about how Turtle feels about Westing in all his disguises.

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think Sam Westing devised the Westing game? What insight into his thoughts does the author give us as clues to his motives? What do you think about his motives? Do you approve of what he did, or not? Why or why not? Give examples from the book for your answers, including why you may or may not approve of his motives - i.e., how did what he do affect the various characters?

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