View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Sheba teaching?

2. During the foreword, what does Barbara say that she believes most led to Sheba and Richard's break-up?

3. Instead of being seen as a pure villain, Barbara is concerned that Sheba is seen as what by the public?

4. How does Barbara first notice Sheba's beauty?

5. What is Richard's profession?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Barbara's preparations for dinner at Sheba's. How is Barbara feeling? What does she do to prepare?

2. What does Steven's note to Sheba say, and what are her thoughts about it?

3. Describe Sheba's appearance when Barbara first sees her.

4. Compare and contrast Barbara's view of the affair in Chapter 7 with Sheba's view.

5. Describe Barbara's overall attitude towards Pabblem.

6. Why is Barbara so irritated when Sheba acts as though she were a victim in the situation?

7. Describe Barbara's overall mood throughout Chapter 4.

8. Are Sheba and Steven enjoying the 'dangerous' aspect of their affair? Do you believe that they are enjoying the possibility of being caught?

9. What does Steven do in Homework Club that is upsetting to Sheba?

10. What changes seem to come over Sheba when she ignores Steven for a week in Chapter 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Barbara states early on in "Notes on a Scandal" that her friendships are rarely balanced; one person tends to take the lead. Who leads in Barbara and Sheba's friendship? Who has the control? How is the power in this friendship determined, and how does each person seem to benefit from the friendship?

Essay Topic 2

What role does revenge play in "Notes on a Scandal"? Consider the different characters in the novel. Who is acting out of revenge, and for what?

Essay Topic 3

Sheba is not only a teacher in "Notes on a Scandal," but is also a lover, a mother, a wife, and a friend. Discuss and evaluate the various roles Sheba plays throughout the novel. How do her actions and beliefs differ in each role? Does she purposely seek out one role over another? Does one role fit her personality better than the others? Cite examples from the novel to support your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 906 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample