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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 was wrong with Smith's mother?

2. Who was Nancy's boyfriend?

3. Why was Agent Dewey unable to sleep while working on the Clutter case?

4. Which term best describes the evidence upon which the case could be built after Dewey first took over the investigation?

5. Where is the small drugstore that is described in part one of In Cold Blood?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was troubling about two of Smith's siblings?

2. Why did Hickock make a shiv in jail, and what did he hope to do with it?

3. Why did Smith say he cut Mr. Clutter's throat?

4. Describe some events describing why Smith's childhood was difficult and unfortunate.

5. What role did Dewey think the newly acquired life insurance policy had on the murder?

6. How did Barbara feel about her brother?

7. Who found the Clutters after they had been murdered, and what led to this discovery?

8. Who wrote down the license plate number of the stolen car Smith and Hickock were driving, a 1956 Chevrolet?

9. Explain at least two things that happened to Dewey which some might think would be positive events in an investigation, but in this case lead nowhere.

10. Explain some of the details of Smith's dream.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay describing how the author's attempts to increase the reader's sympathy for Smith. Be sure to include both details specifically from the text and personal responses to the author's words to support your essay.

Essay Topic 2

What was the most important event in this book? Explain and justify your choice with specific details from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Describe how events in the story could be equated with the mentality of a lynch mob. Be sure to use supporting details from the text in your description.

(see the answer keys)

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