The Lottery

How did the village look on the day of the lottery?

• Very metropolitan, with shiny glass commerical buildings

• Neat houses, green lawns and flowers everywhere

• Gloomy and cold with gray houses

• Dusty, dry with paint peeling off the houses

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "Neat houses, green lawns, and flowers everywhere." This suggests that the village is well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing. The presence of green lawns and flowers indicates a sense of beauty and nature. Neat houses imply that the villagers take pride in their homes and surroundings. Overall, this description portrays a picturesque and pleasant village environment.

Why did the people gather in the town square?

• There is a band concert in the morning.

• They are voting on whether to discontinue the lottery.

• The mayor is making a speech.

• It is the annual lottery day.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "It is the annual lottery day." This explanation suggests that people are gathering in the town square because it is the day of the annual lottery. This event likely attracts a large crowd and is a significant occasion for the community, hence the gathering.

What is the traditional job of the village boys on lottery day?

• They play an exhibition football game before the lottery.

• They collect stones and bring them to the town square.

• They form an honor guard for the lottery box.

• They keep the younger children off the grass.

Answer explanation

On lottery day, the traditional job of the village boys is to collect stones and bring them to the town square. This suggests that the stones have some significance or purpose related to the lottery. The reason for collecting stones could be to use them in the drawing of lots or to mark the winners or participants in some way. The act of collecting stones implies a ritualistic element to the lottery, where the stones play a role in the process.

Which stones are the most prized in the lottery?

• Shiny, decorative ones

• Hard, jagged ones

• Smooth, round ones

• Heavy, flat ones

Answer explanation

Smooth, round stones are the most prized in the lottery because they are aesthetically pleasing and have a pleasing tactile feel. Their smoothness and round shape make them more visually appealing and desirable compared to the other options. Additionally, smooth, round stones are often associated with being lucky or having positive energy, which further increases their desirability in a lottery setting.

What is the date of the lottery?

• July 19th

• Aug. 23rd

• June 27th

• Feb. 2nd

Answer explanation

In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," the story is set in a small, unnamed village with approximately 300 residents. The narrative describes an annual event known as "the lottery," which takes place on June 27th. The townspeople gather with a mix of excitement and nervousness for this tradition. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the lottery has a dark and shocking outcome. The deliberate ambiguity surrounding the village, its inhabitants, and the ritual contributes to the story's impact, allowing readers to reflect on themes of conformity, tradition, and the potential for cruelty in society.

In a large village, how long might the lottery last?

• All day because they have more activities in the square.

• An hour because the slips were mailed to people.

• Not long because of better equipment.

• As many as seven days.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "As many as seven days." This suggests that the lottery in the large village could potentially last for a week. The reason for this could be that there are a significant number of participants or that the lottery is conducted in a way that takes several days to complete. It is likely that there are multiple rounds or stages involved in the lottery process, leading to a longer duration.

What are the men doing before it is time for the lottery to begin?

• Standing together and talking politics

• Standing together and talking about other people

• Standing in a group but not talking

• Standing in a group talking about tractors and rain

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "Standing in a group talking about tractors and rain." This answer suggests that the men are engaged in casual conversation about farming-related topics, specifically tractors and rain. The phrase "before it is time for the lottery to begin" implies that the men are waiting for a specific event to start, and in the meantime, they pass the time by discussing these subjects.

What are the women doing before the lottery?

• Standing together and gossiping

• Putting up the bunting

• Avoiding each other's eyes

• Running around looking for their children

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "Standing together and gossiping." This answer is supported by the phrase "before the lottery," which implies that the women are engaging in an activity prior to the lottery event. The phrase "standing together" suggests that the women are in a group, and "gossiping" indicates that they are engaged in casual conversation. Therefore, the most appropriate explanation is that the women are socializing and chatting with each other while waiting for the lottery to begin.

How do they assemble when it's time to begin the ceremony?

• In double file lines

• Making a huge circle in the town square

• Crowding forward to try to be the first to draw

• Coming together in family groups

Answer explanation

The correct answer is coming together in family groups. This suggests that during the ceremony, individuals gather with their respective family members. This could be a traditional or cultural practice where families come together to participate in the ceremony as a unit. It implies a sense of unity and togetherness among family members during the event.

What is being used for the first time this year?

• Slips instead of wood chips

• a new black box

• Black and White ping pong balls

• a bigger stool.

Answer explanation

This year, slips of paper are being used instead of wood chips for the first time. This suggests that in previous years, wood chips were used for some purpose, which has now been replaced by slips of paper. The reason for this change is not provided, but it could be due to factors such as cost, availability, or environmental concerns. The use of slips of paper instead of wood chips may have advantages such as easier handling, less mess, or better functionality.