PREMIÈRE · UPPER SECONDARY · B1+ towards B2

Summative test

Summative test

Answer all questions. Marked out of 20: questions 1 to 4, 2 points each; questions 5 and 6, 3 points each; question 7, 6 points.

  1. When and where did the witch trials take place? (2)
  2. Who is Tituba? (2)
  3. What is HUAC and what did it ask witnesses to do? (2)
  4. Why did Miller call the play "an act of desperation"? (2)
  5. Identify and explain the figure of speech in "common vengeance writes the law". (3)
  6. Compare Hale in Act I and Act IV. (3)
  7. Essay question (150 words): "In Salem, reputation is more important than truth." Discuss. (6)
Answer key and marking
  1. In Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692.
  2. An enslaved woman in Reverend Parris's household, among the first accused; she confesses.
  3. The House Un-American Activities Committee; it asked them to name names.
  4. Because he wrote it in the climate of fear of the McCarthy era, when many were silenced.
  5. Personification: vengeance becomes a lawmaker; private grudges have replaced justice.
  6. From a proud expert hunting the Devil to a broken man begging prisoners to confess to save their lives.
  7. Marking: clear thesis (2), two arguments with examples (2), language (2). Ideas: Parris, Danforth, Elizabeth's lie, Proctor's name.

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