The Lottery_Quiz

In the story, the lottery is put in the same category as “the square dances, the teenage club, the

Halloween program” and other “civic activities” (lines 38–40). Based on these ideas, how do you

expect the winner of the lottery to feel?

• bored

• curious

• fearful

• happy

Which statement best describes the history of the lottery in the village?

• It is a ritual unchanged since its beginnings.

• It is a tradition as old as the village itself.

• It is a recent plan to raise money for the village.

• It is a tradition unique to this particular village.

Which phrase best describes the mood the author tries to create in the story?

• dread and surprise

• excitement and happiness

• peace and anticipation

• sadness and boredom

When talking about people who suggest the lottery should be given up, Old Man Warner says, “Used

to be a saying about ‘Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon.’ First thing you know, we’d all be eating

stewed chickweed and acorns” (lines 197–199). What can you infer about the purpose of the lottery

from these lines?

• It provides money to support farmers.

• It tells farmers when to plant.

• It determines what crops should be planted.

• It helps ensure a good harvest.

Why does Mrs. Hutchinson say that the lottery drawing is unfair?

• Her family is excluded from the drawing.

• She arrives too late to draw a slip of paper.

• She knows the result of the lottery is bad.

• She wants her friend to have another chance.

What human trait does Shirley Jackson criticize in this story?

• arrogance

• conformity

• curiosity

• greed

"The flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green."

Profusely means

• deeply.

• forcefully.

• plentifully.

• simply.

"There had been a recital of some sort, performed by the official of the lottery, a perfunctory, tuneless chant that had been rattled off duly each year..."

Doing something in a perfunctory way means doing it without

• caution.

• enthusiasm.

• preparation.

• skill.

"...First thing you know, we'd all be eating stewed chickweed and acorns. There's always been a lottery," he added petulantly. "Bad enough to see young Joe Summers up there joking with everybody."

Someone who speaks petulantly is

• grouchy.

• relaxed.

• sociable.

• wicked.

"She hesitated for a minute, looking around defiantly, and then set her lips and went up to the box. She snatched a paper out and held it behind her."

What does defiantly mean?

• awkwardly

• happily

• rebelliously

• sloppily