The SniperOnline version Comprehension Questions from "The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty Questions sourced from https://englishextension.wikispaces.com/file/view/The+Sniper.doc by Corinne Muller 1 The surprise twist used by Liam O’Flaherty occurs when the sniper: a Fires at the old woman b Tricks the other sniper c Recognises the man he has killed d Pours iodine on his wound 2 The theme of this short story could best be described as: a “War is difficult” b “War turns brother against brother” c “Only the smart survive” d “Never turn your back on an enemy” 3 In this short story the purpose of irony is to create feelings of: a Horror b Indifference c Satisfaction d Amusement 4 The Republican sniper has not eaten since morning because? a This is his first combat experience b He is too excited to think about food c He has no food d He is too ill to eat 5 One of the many ironies of The Sniper is that the young assassin: a Possesses no political briefs b Was trained by his brother c Utters a cry of joy upon shooting his brother d Is attacked when he lights a cigarette 6 The sniper shoots the old woman because? a She is an informer b She is an easy target c His orders are to shoot anything that moves d He is cruel and unjust 7 The sniper’s actions under fire indicate that he is? a an inexperienced soldier b riddled with fear and guilt c an experienced fighter d near death 8 The Republican sniper wishes to identify the enemy sniper because... a He wonders if he knows him b His commander needs the information c He likes to take risks d A voice in his head urges him to take a look 9 The Republican sniper could best be described as: a Indifferent b Disciplined c Exuberant d Evil 10 When the sniper sees his enemy falling to the ground, the sniper: a Shouts for joy b Puts a notch in his pistol c Curses the war d Feels relief 11 The tone the author uses concerning war is: a Is necessary to encourage growth b Is evil c Is a painful experience for everyone d Brings economic benefits to countries 12 After the Republican sniper shoots his enemy, this paragraph appears: “The sniper looked at his enemy falling and shuddered. The lust of battle died in him. He became bitten by remorse. The sweat stood out in beads on his forehead. Weakened by his wound and the long summer day of fasting and watching on the roof, he revolted from the sight of the shattered mass of his dead enemy. His teeth chattered, he began to gibber to himself, cursing the war, cursing himself, cursing everybody.” The author’s purpose in this passage is to show: a The effects of fasting b The sniper’s weakened physical condition c That the sniper is really a coward d That the sniper still had human feelings
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