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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. Why does Mrs. Connelly write a letter to the "Evening Standard?"

2. What does Sheba speak to Barbara about in her studio after their dinner?

3. While at the Indian restaurant, what does Steven order to drink?

4. After their conversation about his behavior with Jackie, what does Steven do?

5. What does Barbara wish to speak to Sheba about at the end of Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Pabblem wish to see Barbara at the beginning of Chapter 4?

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

3. What changes seem to come over Sheba when she ignores Steven for a week in Chapter 5?

4. Why does Barbara state that she is telling Sheba's story?

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

6. Why does Barbara think Sheba is first interested in getting Steven into her pottery class?

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

8. In Chapter 6, why does Barbara give the last Friday in March a gold star?

9. How does Sheba convince herself that she is innocent in the beginning of the affair?

10. What does Sheba first think of Steven when he comes to see her with his sketchbooks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine and analyze loneliness as a theme and motivating factor in "Notes on a Scandal."

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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