Story: After 20 Years by O. Henry (it should be available online; it is a short story), these questions are all multiple choice.

1. PART A: What does the word “stalwart” most closely mean as it is used in paragraph 2?

A. Loyal and dedicated

B. Rude and arrogant

C. Threatening and scary

D. Awkward and rigid

2. PART B: Which of the following phrases from paragraph 2 best supports the answer to Part A?

A. "Trying doors as he went, twirling his club"

B. “with many intricate and artful movements”

C. “cast his watchful eye adown the pacific thoroughfare”

D. “a fine picture of a guardian of the peace”

3. PART A: Which of the following best describes a central theme of the text?

A. Those who fight for justice will always be rewarded.

B. Loyalty is absolute and must allow no room for disagreement.

C. The decision between loyalty and doing what is right is a hard one to make.

D. Money can help one make new friends, but not old.

4. PART B: Which of the following quotes best supports the answer to Part A?

A. “The policeman on the beat moved up the avenue impressively. The impressiveness was habitual and not for show, for spectators were few.” ( Paragraph 1)

B. “But I know Jimmy will meet me here if he's alive, for he always was the truest, stanchest old chap in the world. He'll never forget.” ( Paragraph 9)

C. “The man from the West, his egotism enlarged by success, was beginning to outline the history of his career.” ( Paragraph 27)

D. “When you struck the match to light your cigar I saw it was the face of the man wanted in Chicago. Somehow I couldn't do it myself, so I went around and got a plain clothes man to do the job.” ( Paragraph 33)