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The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

Total questions: 10

Worksheet time: 3mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
What is the theme of the story?
a)
Stone people to death to have a successful harvest.
b)
Blindly following tradition can be dangerous.
c)
Not everything is as it seems.
d)

Things happen for a reason.

2.

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

a)

tension and shock

b)

excitement and happiness

c)

peace and anticipation

d)

sadness and boredom

3.

What is the resolution of the story?

a)

Tessie says this is unfair

b)

Tessie is stoned to death

c)

All of the villagers go back to work as if nothing happened

d)

Tessie picks the black dot

4.
What is symbolized by the black dot?
a)
Tradition
b)
Death 
c)
Faith 
d)
Mankind
5.

Why does the town have a lottery?

a)

It is a tradition they believe will bring good harvest

b)

Both the young and the old support the lottery.

c)

They like to remember their town’s history.

d)

They genuinely enjoy the lottery.

6.

In the beginning of the story, what is the overall mood?

a)

Sad, gloomy

b)

Jovial, upbeat

c)

Angry, frustrated

d)

happy, friendly

7.
"The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day..."
The preceding passage is found in the exposition of the story. 
This passage is developing the _____________ for the reader?
a)
Setting
b)
Rising action
c)
Theme
d)
Characterization
8.
Why was Tessie late to arrive at the gathering on the day of the lottery?
a)
She forgot her son and had to pick him up.
b)
She started to leave town to protest the lottery.
c)
She forgot what day it was.
d)
She ran away, but was caught and returned.
9.
How do they assemble when it's time to begin the lottery?
a)
Making a huge circle in the town square.
b)
Making two double lines.
c)
Coming together in family groups.
d)
Crowding first to try to be first to draw.
10.

According to Old Man Warner, what is the purpose of the ritual surrounding the lottery?

a)

to welcome summer

b)

to offer rebirth to the village

c)

to ensure the crops will grow

d)

to sacrifice one life yearly for the gods and goddesses