After Twenty Years / The 11:59 Short Story Test Honors

What is the waiting man's connection to Jimmy Wells?

• They are brothers.

• They often travel together.

• They were childhood friends.

• Both are running from the police.

What is likely the main reason Bob comes back to New York?

• It was difficult to find a job.

• Living in the West wasn't much fun.

• Towns are bigger in the West than in the East.

• Brag about his success in the West

The conversation the waiting man has with the police officer is what part of the plot of the story?

• climax

• resolution

• exposition or rising action

• conflict

Why does Bob's hand begin to shake as he reads the note from Patrolman Wells?

• He is frightened at the thought of going to jail.

• He is trying desperately to think of a way to escape.

• He is angry with himself for not recognizing Jimmy.

• He suddenly realizes that Jimmy has become a coward.

The last paragraph of the story is intended to

• provide a moral to the story.

• add one more surprise to the story.

• change the reader's opinion of the police.

• leave the reader laughing.

VOCAB.

Define staunch.

• loyal

• slow and steady worker

• at the same time

• out of habit

VOCAB

Define egotism

• loyal

• out of habit

• sense of self-importance

• slow and steady worker

VOCAB

Define habitual

• sense of self-importance

• out of habit

• loyal

• slow and steady worker

VOCAB

Define intricate.

• loyal

• at the same time

• out of habit

• elaborate

VOCAB

Define simultaneously

• loyal

• at the same time

• out of habit

• sense of self-importance