Slouching Towards Bethlehem

This flexible-use quiz is designed for reading comprehension assessment and activity needs in classroom, home-schooling and other settings. Questions connect to the text’s plot, characters, and themes — and align with the content and chapter organization in the rest of this study guide. Use quizzes as pre-reading hooks, reading checks, discussion starters, entrance/exit “tickets,” small group activities, writing activities, and lessons on finding evidence and support in a text.

Depth of Knowledge Levels: Questions require respondents to demonstrate ability to: 

1. Recall and Understand Content (e.g., who, what, where, when) 
2. Apply and Analyze Ideas (e.g., how and why)

1.     In this essay, how does Didion characterize the San Bernardino Valley?

A)   an offshoot of Los Angeles culture

B)   a community of people who came from other parts of the US to find a better life

C)   a stagnant agricultural valley reinvented by new industries

D)   a wealthy region of upper-class homes reminiscent of The Great Gatsby

2.     What’s the biggest factor that Didion claims led to Lucille Miller’s conviction?

A)   Miller’s desire to rise above her peers

B)   her affair with Arthwell Hayton

C)   the family’s financial problems

D)   a troubled home life

3.     What does Didion mean when she says “the dream was teaching the dreamers how to live” (Page 17)? (short answer)

4.     Describe the significance of ending the essay on Arthwell Hayton’s wedding. (short answer)