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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What duty is the police officer performing in the opening of the story?
(a) Enforcing the city's curfew.
(b) Enforcing the city's noise ordinance.
(c) Searching for a wanted criminal.
(d) Checking doors to make sure they are locked.

2. Where does the plainclothes officer pretending to be Jimmy tell Bob that he works?
(a) He works for the city of New York.
(b) He is a police officer.
(c) He is in business downtown.
(d) He owns a nearby restaurant.

3. What is the clearest purpose of describing the plainclothes officer as "submerged in his overcoat" (621)?
(a) Establishing atmosphere.
(b) Amplifying conflict.
(c) Providing foreshadowing.
(d) Developing characterization.

4. What is the name of the restaurant that used to be in the spot where the man is waiting?
(a) Bill Diamond's.
(b) "Big Joe" Brady's.
(c) "Diamond Jim" Brady's.
(d) Bill Broozy's.

5. What can logically be inferred about Bob and Jimmy's friendship?
(a) They are related by blood.
(b) It began when they were quite young.
(c) They met in college.
(d) It meant more to Bob than to Jimmy.

6. What does Bob mean when he describes Jimmy as a "plodder" (620)?
(a) Jimmy is loyal but can also be stubborn.
(b) Jimmy is a steady person but not creative or quick.
(c) Jimmy is a kind person but not very bright.
(d) Jimmy is ethical but can also be judgmental.

7. How does the plainclothes officer get Bob to walk with him?
(a) He says that he lives nearby and they can go have a drink at his apartment.
(b) He arrests him.
(c) He tells him they will go somewhere close by and talk about old times.
(d) He shows him the note from Jimmy.

8. On page 621, how does the plainclothes officer refer to his meeting with Bob?
(a) As "ironic."
(b) As "fate."
(c) As "unbelievable."
(d) As "a relief."

9. Why did Bob leave New York?
(a) He hoped to make money in the West.
(b) He was wanted by the police.
(c) He fell in love with a girl from Chicago.
(d) He and Jimmy got into a fight.

10. What does Bob do while he waits for Jimmy?
(a) Smokes his cigar.
(b) Hums a song.
(c) Counts his money.
(d) Polishes his scarfpin.

11. What is it reasonable to infer is the officer's motive in listening to Bob "with interest" (621)?
(a) Bob is an interesting speaker.
(b) The officer is pretending to be Jimmy.
(c) The officer is a curious person.
(d) Bob might reveal evidence.

12. What is logical to infer about the officer asking about Bob's identity "doubtfully" (621)?
(a) He does not fully trust Jimmy Wells.
(b) He wants to seem like he is not already sure of Bob's identity.
(c) He is not sure that he and Jimmy are doing the right thing.
(d) He is an insecure and hesitant person.

13. What is the purpose of mentioning that everyone who passes Bob has their coat collar turned up?
(a) It underscores that New York is an unfriendly place.
(b) It explains why Bob does not see Jimmy clearly.
(c) It implies that most people have something to hide.
(d) It makes the plainclothes' officer's choice to do the same thing seem less suspicious.

14. On page 621, Bob uses the slang word "bully." What does this word mean in the context of the story?
(a) A great person, usually a male friend.
(b) Excellent, wonderful.
(c) Someone who uses force to get their way.
(d) Someone cruel and threatening.

15. What is the significance of Jimmy knowing how long ago the restaurant closed?
(a) It characterizes him as an observant police officer.
(b) It creates dramatic irony.
(c) It foreshadows his identity.
(d) It confirms Bob's characterization of him as a lover of New York City.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Jimmy notice about the pin of Bob's scarf?

2. What detail reveals Bob's emotions when he discovers that Jimmy has betrayed him?

3. What reason does the waiting man give the police officer for his presence?

4. What regret does the plainclothes officer express while he is pretending to be Jimmy?

5. Why are there so few people on the streets?

(see the answer keys)

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