GCSE Harper Lee | Text Revision, To Kill a Mockingbird

English Literature Quiz - To Kill a Mockingbird - Understanding the Text (Questions)

This quiz helps you check how well you understand To Kill a Mockingbird, from its main events to the links between characters, setting, and themes.

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Fascinating Fact:

The story combines two main threads, the mystery around Boo Radley and the trial of Tom Robinson, which gradually link to show different forms of fear and prejudice in Maycomb.

In GCSE English Literature, understanding the text means following how plot, character and theme work together. In To Kill a Mockingbird, you track both Boo Radley and Tom Robinson, notice how Scout’s viewpoint shapes events, and explain how these strands reveal fear, prejudice and moments of courage.

Key Terms

Plot thread: One line of action in a story, which may run alongside another and eventually connect.
Narrator: The voice that tells the story, shaping what the reader sees, hears and understands.
Perspective: The position or viewpoint from which events are described, affecting how characters and events are judged.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is To Kill a Mockingbird mainly about?

The novel follows Scout Finch as she grows up in Maycomb, Alabama. Through her eyes we see racial prejudice, everyday family life, friendship, courage and the struggle to do what is right.

How do the main storylines help me understand the text better?

The Radley mystery and the trial of Tom Robinson highlight different kinds of fear and prejudice. Watching Scout connect these experiences helps readers see how personal stories reveal wider social problems.

How can I improve my understanding of To Kill a Mockingbird for GCSE?

Reread key chapters, make brief notes on what each one shows about characters and themes, learn a few short quotations, and practise turning your notes into clear, well-structured exam paragraphs.

Try These Related Quizzes

How old is Scout at the beginning of To Kill a Mockingbird?

[ ]	Nearly six years old
[ ]	Eight years old
[ ]	Twenty years old
[ ]	She does not tell us her age

What is Atticus's profession?

[ ]	Doctor
[ ]	Farmer
[ ]	Lawyer
[ ]	Journalist

Which of the following is NOT true?

[ ]	Many rumours circulate Maycomb concerning Boo Radley
[ ]	Boo Radley has never left his house before he begins leaving gifts in the knot-hole
[ ]	Boo Radley was once in danger of going to prison
[ ]	When Mr Radley dies, his son Nathan takes his place staying in the house with Boo

Tom Robinson has many reasons to be afraid of telling the truth when he is on trial. One of these reasons is that his testimony will cause shame to those accusing him. Which of the following is a source of shame for the Ewells?

[ ]	Mayella ordered Tom to help her with chores
[ ]	Tom frequently passed by the Ewell's home on his way to work
[ ]	Mayella kissed Tom
[ ]	Mayella could not cope with looking after all her brothers and sisters

How are the professionals of Maycomb county often paid, according to Atticus?

[ ]	By being given practical items such as food or firewood
[ ]	By cheque
[ ]	By monthly payments of cash
[ ]	Never

How does Atticus prove that Tom Robinson could not have caused Mayella's black eye?

[ ]	He proves that Tom was not present at the Ewell's on the date of the incident
[ ]	He strongly implies that the assailant must be left-handed
[ ]	He proves that Mr Ewell is right-handed
[ ]	He strongly implies that the assailant must be right-handed

Why does Dill run away from home?

[ ]	He doesn't feel wanted or needed
[ ]	His parents abandoned him
[ ]	He is physically neglected
[ ]	His parents are cruel

Why doesn't Scout like school?

[ ]	She misses Calpurnia
[ ]	She is constantly in trouble for bullying
[ ]	She is bullied by the other children
[ ]	She feels she doesn't learn anything

After Scout walks Boo Radley home, she tries to put herself in his place to imagine why he came to help her and Jem. She refers to herself and her brother as...

[ ]	Boo's friends
[ ]	Boo's children
[ ]	Boo's neighbours
[ ]	All of the above

10.

Why does the sheriff, Mr Tate, insist that Mr Ewell fell on his own knife?

[ ]	It is the truth
[ ]	He is trying to protect Jem
[ ]	He is trying to protect Boo Radley
[ ]	He is trying to protect Scout

English Literature Quiz - To Kill a Mockingbird - Understanding the Text (Answers)

How old is Scout at the beginning of To Kill a Mockingbird?

[ ]	Nearly six years old
[ ]	Eight years old
[ ]	Twenty years old
[x]	She does not tell us her age

This is a trick question! Scout narrates the tale as an adult, although she doesn't tell us her age or how long ago the events happened. She begins her story, however, with events which took place when she was nearly six years old

What is Atticus's profession?

[ ]	Doctor
[ ]	Farmer
[x]	Lawyer
[ ]	Journalist

Atticus's profession is integral to the plot

Which of the following is NOT true?

[ ]	Many rumours circulate Maycomb concerning Boo Radley
[x]	Boo Radley has never left his house before he begins leaving gifts in the knot-hole
[ ]	Boo Radley was once in danger of going to prison
[ ]	When Mr Radley dies, his son Nathan takes his place staying in the house with Boo

According to local gossip, Boo Radley was rather wild as a teenager

[ ]	Mayella ordered Tom to help her with chores
[ ]	Tom frequently passed by the Ewell's home on his way to work
[x]	Mayella kissed Tom
[ ]	Mayella could not cope with looking after all her brothers and sisters

Black men and boys were very often accused, as Tom is, of raping white women. That a white woman could have thrown herself at a black man would be deeply shaming to the racists of the town. Telling the truth further endangers Tom's life

How are the professionals of Maycomb county often paid, according to Atticus?

[x]	By being given practical items such as food or firewood
[ ]	By cheque
[ ]	By monthly payments of cash
[ ]	Never

Many of Atticus's clients are poor and are only able to pay in kind. Over the course of a year, Mr Cunningham pays Atticus with firewood, hickory nuts, Christmas holly and turnip greens

How does Atticus prove that Tom Robinson could not have caused Mayella's black eye?

[ ]	He proves that Tom was not present at the Ewell's on the date of the incident
[x]	He strongly implies that the assailant must be left-handed
[ ]	He proves that Mr Ewell is right-handed
[ ]	He strongly implies that the assailant must be right-handed

Atticus first proves that Mr Ewell is left-handed before revealing the uselessness of Tom's left arm. He then leads Mayella and the jury to realise that only a left-handed assailant could have blackened Mayella's right eye

Why does Dill run away from home?

[x]	He doesn't feel wanted or needed
[ ]	His parents abandoned him
[ ]	He is physically neglected
[ ]	His parents are cruel

Dill feels that he has everything he could want except attention

Why doesn't Scout like school?

[ ]	She misses Calpurnia
[ ]	She is constantly in trouble for bullying
[ ]	She is bullied by the other children
[x]	She feels she doesn't learn anything

Jem tells Scout she won't learn anything until sixth grade