Question

name:
date:
directions: read the bet (shortened version) carefully. then answer the questions below by circling the best answer.

1. at the beginning of the story, what is the main topic the banker and his guests are debating?

a. the value of education
b. capital punishment (death penalty)
c. the importance of money
d. the meaning of freedom

1. what opinion does the young lawyer express at the party?

a. he believes capital punishment is more humane than life in prison.
b. he believes both the death penalty and life imprisonment are immoral.
c. he thinks both the death penalty and life imprisonment are immoral.
d. he supports the bankers view completely.

1. how many years does the lawyer agree to stay in solitary confinement?

a. 5 years
b. 10 years
c. 12 years
d. 15 years

1. which of the following was the lawyer allowed to have during his confinement?

a. visits from friends
b. books and music
c. a radio and newspapers
d. a pet dog

1. what does the lawyer spend most of his time doing during his confinement?

a. sleeping and refusing to study
b. reading thousands of books and learning
c. watching plays and performances
d. talking with the banker

1. why does the banker fear the end of the bet?

a. he no longer remembers the agreement.
b. he knows he will lose his fortune if he pays the lawyer two million.
c. he thinks the lawyer will escape early.
d. he has grown jealous of the lawyers wisdom.

1. what plan does the banker consider to avoid paying the bet?

a. hiding his money
b. killing the lawyer while he sleeps
c. asking the lawyer for forgiveness
d. running away from his estate

Explanation:

1. In "The Bet", the banker and guests debate the morality of the death - penalty and life imprisonment at the start.
2. The young lawyer thinks both are immoral.
3. The lawyer agrees to 15 years of solitary confinement.
4. He is allowed books and music.
5. He spends most time reading thousands of books and learning.
6. The banker fears losing his fortune if he has to pay two million.
7. He considers killing the lawyer while he sleeps.

Answer:

1. C. The importance of (death penalty)
2. C. He thinks both the death penalty and life imprisonment are immoral.
3. D. 15 years
4. B. Books and music
5. B. Reading thousands of books and learning
6. B. He knows he will lose his fortune if he pays the lawyer two million.
7. B. Killing the lawyer while he sleeps