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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 is the idea Qwilleran comes up with as an article for the writing contest?

2. Who is the flamboyant next door neighbor in the apartment house?

3. How is Russell Patch's story different from Miss Duckworth's?

4. Whose name does Miss Duckworth supply to Qwilleran?

5. why does Iris wake Qwilleran the morning after their dinner in the Cobbs's apartment?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author use conversation at the auction to introduce the main complications of the plot?

2. After feeding the cats, what disappoints Qwilleran?

3. What questions are raised in the mind of the reader when the Mackintosh Coat of Arms is introduced?

4. Discuss Mary Duxbury aka Mary Duckworth as a character.

5. How does Qwilleran learn more about Mary Duckworth?

6. What have the policemen concluded about Andy's death?

7. How is the cab driver's conversation with Qwilleran on the way to Junktown a foreshadowing of the novel?

8. Describe how Qwilleran comes up with the idea of writing a feature called "Christmas in Junktown."

9. Discuss the common theme of a series of novels that includes "The Cat Who Turned On and Off".

10. Explain the deciding factor for Qwilleran to take the apartment.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "A Comparison Between a Newspaper Reporter and a Crime Detective". Include in your essay (1) what they have in common, (2) how they are different, and (3) which, in your opinion, is more interesting to read about--the professional or the amateur.

Essay Topic 2

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "Why I Would (or Would Not) Recommend this Novel to Others". This paper should be written as a review of the book concluding with your recommendation to other readers.

Essay Topic 3

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "Why I Thought [another character] Was the Murderer". Braun cleverly intersperses enough red herrings that almost any of the characters might have been the murderer. Pick out one other than Ben Nicolas and detail the mystery around that character that pointed to his or her possible guilt.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 807 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample