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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. What does Barbara think about the impact of the affair on Steven?

2. With whom does Barbara spend her Christmas holiday?

3. Where do Sheba and Steven go on one of their "proper" outings?

4. What is Steven drawing when Sheba first encounters him?

5. Why does Barbara start to bleed at Sheba's home when she arrives for dinner?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Barbara's preparations for dinner at Sheba's. How is Barbara feeling? What does she do to prepare?

2. According to Barbara, what sort of students attend St. George's?

3. Describe Sheba's appearance when Barbara first sees her.

4. What difficulties does Sheba have when she first begins teaching?

5. What does Barbara believe ultimately causes Richard and Sheba's breakup?

6. Why is Barbara concerned about the living situation that she and Sheba have at the beginning of the book?

7. Are Sheba and Steven enjoying the 'dangerous' aspect of their affair? Do you believe that they are enjoying the possibility of being caught?

8. What exactly does Sheba tell Barbara about her relationship with Steven after dinner? How does Barbara respond?

9. Compare and contrast Barbara's view of the affair in Chapter 7 with Sheba's view.

10. Describe Barbara's overall attitude towards Pabblem.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Socioeconomic class and status are brought up several times throughout "Notes on a Scandal." Barbara, the narrator, appears to be very interested in social class and makes many assumptions about people and their actions based on her knowledge of their social class. Discuss the role of socioeconomic status in "Notes on a Scandal," considering both the actual impact class status has versus the assumed impact.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 9, Barbara compares her relationship with Sheba to a marriage. In a detailed essay, analyze the reasons why Barbara feels this way. How is their relationship similar to a marriage? In what ways do Sheba and Barbara interact as spouses do?

Essay Topic 3

Sheba is not only a teacher in "Notes on a Scandal," but is also a lover, a mother, a wife, and a friend. Discuss and evaluate the various roles Sheba plays throughout the novel. How do her actions and beliefs differ in each role? Does she purposely seek out one role over another? Does one role fit her personality better than the others? Cite examples from the novel to support your arguments.

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