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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To what do some surmise Serling's military experience was the beginning?
(a) His lifelong battle with CBS.
(b) His lifelong battle with nightmares and depression.
(c) His interest in war.
(d) His interest in science fiction.

2. What story revolves around a man serving a 50-year sentence for murder on an isolated asteroid?
(a) The Time Element.
(b) Two.
(c) Playhouse 90.
(d) The Lonely.

3. Fortunately for Serling, ____________________ was still a relatively new medium.
(a) Radio.
(b) Advertising.
(c) Film.
(d) Television.

4. How might Rod Serling be described?
(a) Attractive and articulate.
(b) Shy and quiet.
(c) Unhappy and depressed.
(d) Nervous and angry.

5. What would eventually become synonymous with "The Twilight Zone?"
(a) Each script having a surprise ending.
(b) Each script was weird.
(c) Each script was scary.
(d) Each script was expensive.

6. The position enabled Serling to gain a reputation as what?
(a) An unusual scriptwriter.
(b) A mediocre scriptwriter.
(c) A comedic scriptwriter.
(d) A solid and talented scriptwriter.

7. Serling eventually became involved in writing scripts for what?
(a) The radio.
(b) Movies.
(c) Television.
(d) Commercials.

8. How does this character strike a deal with the Devil?
(a) By trading his soul to be the most handsome man alive.
(b) By trading his soul to be the best baseball player.
(c) By trading his soul for wealth.
(d) By trading his soul for immortality.

9. How does Houghton feel about joining Serling's team?
(a) Content.
(b) Upset.
(c) Nervous.
(d) Enthusiastic.

10. In 1953, when Serling's work appeared on television, how did the critics respond?
(a) There was very little response.
(b) Negatively.
(c) They raved over his work.
(d) They thought his work was mediocre.

11. Who is Martin Sloan?
(a) A 36-year-old successful banker.
(b) A 36-year-old president of a corporation.
(c) A 36-year-old movie executive.
(d) A 36-year-old vice president of an ad agency.

12. When did the Serlings move to Binghamton, New York?
(a) Shortly before Rod's birth.
(b) Shortly after Rod's birth.
(c) Shortly after Rod's first birthday.
(d) Shortly before Rod's first birthday.

13. Who was the Serlings' other son?
(a) Roger.
(b) Richard.
(c) Robert.
(d) Thomas.

14. What does Jenson do about his recurring dream?
(a) He visits a psychiatrist.
(b) He visits his mother.
(c) He tries to forget it.
(d) He visits a priest.

15. How did some refer to Houghton?
(a) As one of the best writers around.
(b) As a good manager.
(c) As a good acting coach.
(d) As one of the best producers around.

Short Answer Questions

1. After completing basic training, Sterling was sent in to combat where?

2. After the move, Rod went to work as a staff writer for whom?

3. Serling was encouraged to do what?

4. Where was the filming of "The Lonely" completed?

5. Since "The Time Element" had already appeared on the "Desilu Playhouse," what was Serling required to do?

(see the answer keys)

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