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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 is Sheba irritated with Steven at the end of Chapter 10?

2. Where does Richard want to purchase real estate?

3. Why does Sheba not break off the relationship in Chapter 10?

4. Why does Pabblem want to see Sheba in Chapter 15?

5. Why does Bangs admit to wanting to see Barbara?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Barbara so upset with Sheba at the end of Chapter 12 when Sheba leaves to go see Steven?

2. Why is Barbara depressed at the beginning of Chapter 13?

3. Why is Barbara so terrified to tell Sheba the truth about her conversation with Bangs, and what does she tell her instead?

4. Why does Barbara feel that she cannot yet truly count on Sheba as a friend in Chapter 10?

5. Describe the incident at the restaurant on the way home from picking Polly up from Brighton.

6. What advice does Barbara give to Sheba when Sheba is hysterical over being called into Pabblem's office at the beginning of Chapter 15? Why does she give this advice?

7. Describe the dynamic of Barbara and Jennifer's past friendship.

8. Describe the confrontation between Sheba, Richard, and Mrs. Connelly in Chapter 15.

9. Sheba locks herself in her room for forty-eight hours after finding Barbara's manuscript. Why do you think Sheba feels so betrayed?

10. Why is Barbara angry when she leaves the fireworks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Whose story is "Notes on a Scandal?" Is it Sheba's, or Barbara's? Use details from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Barbara's view of Steven and Sheba's affair with the media's view (as portrayed by Barbara). How do they view the affair differently? On whom do they each lay the blame?

(see the answer keys)

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