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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Margaret get angry with Frank and make him take Galvin's food to the kiln for free?
(a) Frank sold the food.
(b) Frank ate Galvin's food before he got to the kiln.
(c) Frank dropped the food and it wasn't good anymore.
(d) Frank went to the cinema instead of taking the food.

2. Why does Angela think Mr. Timoney lost his cleaning woman?
(a) Mr. Timoney did not pay her well enough.
(b) She was in love with another man.
(c) She went to work for Mrs. Finucane.
(d) He had tried to convert her to Buddhism.

3. What does Tommy Flynn say happened to Margaret's body?
(a) The body disappeared from the morgue.
(b) Malachy sold her body for drink money.
(c) Margaret was given a proper Catholic burial.
(d) The body was cremated.

4. Who is Frank excited to see when he is hospitalized the second time?
(a) Mikey.
(b) Nurse Rita.
(c) Dr. O'Connor.
(d) Seamus.

5. What is Peter's punishment when he gets into trouble with his money?
(a) He is locked in the coal hole with the rats.
(b) He is grounded.
(c) He has to work extra hours for his mother.
(d) He cannot have supper for two days.

Short Answer Questions

1. For what does Peter Dooley charge Frank?

2. Why does Malachy believe he lost his job?

3. In Chapter 7, what does Malachy make his children promise when he gets them out of bed late at night after drinking?

4. Why do Philomena, Delia, Mrs. Leibowitz, and Minnie write to Angela's mother?

5. Why does Mr. Downes return to Ireland?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Frank so reluctant to take dance lessons in Chapter 5, and why is his mother so insistent that he take them?

2. In Chapter 2, why do you think the officials at the St. Vincent de Paul Society are hesitant to help the McCourts?

3. Why is Mikey not considered a "proper" Catholic?

4. Nora Molloy is often institutionalized in the asylum. How does she feel about these hospitalizations? How are Nora's plight and Angela's plight similar?

5. Chapter 1 begins the pattern of Malachy losing his jobs. To what extent do you believe he is responsible for this pattern? Is he a victim of fate, or do his actions cause these negative consequences?

6. Describe the scene in town on Fridays in Chapter 3 when work is finished. What is the overall atmosphere? How are Angela's feelings different than those of the other women in town?

7. Compare and contrast the character of Fintain with Frank.

8. Why does the man at the IRA office refuse Malachy and his family bus fare home in Chapter 2?

9. Describe Paddy Clohessy's life as seen in Chapter 4. Do you think he is better or worse off than Frank?

10. Discuss Malachy's attitude towards work in Chapter 3.

(see the answer keys)

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