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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 does Poirot find odd about Princess Dragomiroff's maid?

2. What is Princess Dragomiroff's first name?

3. What is odd about the label on the Countess' luggage?

4. How does the Countess react to having her luggage searched?

5. What does Mrs. Hubbard insist on showing to the investigators?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Princess try to explain the monogram on the handkerchief.

2. How did Colonel Arbuthnot react to Poirot's inquiry about the pipe cleaner?

3. Why does Poirot believe some of the clues have been faked?

4. How does Poirot think the outcome would have changed if the police had been involved?

5. What other thing did the Princess lie about to Poirot?

6. Why did Miss Debenham lie about her former position?

7. Where does Poirot find the missing uniform?

8. What item does Poirot expect to find in Hildegard Schmidt's luggage?

9. How does Poirot manage to get the Count and Countess alone?

10. Which of Poirot's questions trips up Miss Debenham?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Early in the story, Ratchett told Poirot that he had enemies that might wish him harm. Ratchett never explained. How did Ratchett know that he might become a victim? What was the purpose of sending Ratchett the letter found on the train? Was it psychological revenge? State your opinions.

Essay Topic 2

The snowstorm had a big impact on the murderers' plans. Explain how the storm changed the path of the crime as well as the ensuing investigation. Explore how the crime might have taken place if the train had not been stranded. Would you have insisted on going ahead with the plan even though there was a bigger danger of being caught? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Dr. Constantine had a low opinion of Foscarelli. The doctor thought that Foscarelli could easily be responsible for the murder due to his nationality. What were Dr. Constantine's reasons for making such a statement? Do you think that the reputation of the Italians is justified? Is the prejudice still practiced today?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 479 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample