Macbeth by William Shakespeare: Test Preparation

Test Preparation
Macbeth
by William Shakespeare
Your Complete Test Preparation Guide (For Grades 7-12)
Multiple Choice Questions, Short Essay & Essay Questions, Mid-Book & Final Test
Multiple Choice Questions

The Multiple Choice Questions in this Test Preparation Guide will test a student's understanding of
Macbeth. The questions are broken out into sections, so they focus on specific chapters within Macbeth.
This allows you to test and review the book as you proceed through the unit.
Short Essay Questions

The Short Essay Questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students
to demonstrate a deeper understanding of Macbeth by describing what they have read, rather than just
recalling it. The short essay questions evaluate not only whether students have read the material, but also
how well they understand and can apply it. They require more thought than a multiple choice question,
but are shorter than the essay questions.
Essay Questions
Students should have a full understanding of the unit material in order to answer these questions. They
often include multiple parts of the work and ask for a thorough analysis of the overall text. These essays
are designed to challenge a student's understanding of the broad points in a work, interactions among the
characters, and main points and themes of the text.
Mid-Book Test (Easy, Medium and Hard)
Final Test (Easy, Medium and Hard)
Answer Keys
©2011 BookRags, Inc.

Multiple Choice
1. Who are the first characters to appear in this play?
(a) Soldiers.
(b) Three Witches.
(c) Messengers.
(d) Macbeth and Duncan.
2. What is the weather like at the beginning of the play?

(a) Dark and misty.
(b) Sunny and bright.
(c) Lightning and thunder.
(d) Torrential rain.
3. What do the witches vow to do at the beginning of the play?

(a) Meet again.
(b) Kill Macbeth.
(c) Confuse the messengers.
(d) Fool the soldiers.
4. When do the witches want to meet?

(a) After a mighty battle.
(b) At the turn of the year.
(c) Before the sun sets.
(d) The dawn before Macbeth's death.
5. Where does the sun seem to set at the beginning of the play?
(a) The witches' cauldron.
(b) The ocean.
(c) The ground.
(d) The heath.
6. Where is this play set?

(a) England.
(b) Wales.
(c) Ireland.
(d) Scotland.
7. Who do the witches plan to meet after parting in Act 1, Scene 1?

(a) Duncan.
(b) Macbeth.
(c) MacDonwald.
(d) McBride.
1
8. What do the witches sense in the air in Act 1, Scene 1?
(a) Something murky.
(b) Something unexpected.
(c) Something hopeful.
(d) Something astonishing.
9. What are the witches anticipating at the beginning of the play?

(a) The death of Macbeth.
(b) Something to happen on a larger scale.
(c) To meet their master.
(d) The assasination of the king.
10. What do the witches say are their greatest pleasure in life?
(a) Conjuring.
(b) Killing.
(c) Serving.
(d) Deceiving.
11. How many witches are there?

(a) Three.
(b) Five.
(c) Four.
(d) Six.
12. What kind of land is featured in Act 1, Scene 1?

(a) Desert.
(b) Forest.
(c) Cave.
(d) Meadow.
13. Who of the following is NOT found in Act 1, Scene 2?

(a) Malcolm.
(b) Macbeth.
(c) Lennox.
(d) Duncan.
14. Where does Duncan decide to camp at the beginning of the play?
(a) Florence.
(b) Innerwith.
(c) Triamond.
(d) Forres.
2
15. Who does Duncan meet as he sets up camp at the beginning of the play?
(a) One of the witches.
(b) Malcolm.
(c) A messenger.
(d) A wounded soldier.
16. What title does Duncan hold?

(a) General.
(b) Magistrate.
(c) Duke.
(d) King.
17. What did Macbeth do to Macdonwald?

(a) Cut off his head.
(b) Ripped him in half with his sword.
(c) Poisoned him.
(d) Stabbed him in the heart.
18. Who is the main enemy of Scotland at the time of this play?
(a) England.
(b) Germany.
(c) Scandinavia.
(d) Norway.
19. In Act 1, Scene 2, why does the sergeant not finish telling Duncan of the
battle?
(a) He is too overcome with emotion.
(b) He falls asleep.
(c) He dies.
(d) He faints from loss of blood.
20. Who is assisting the main enemy of Scotland at the time of this play?
(a) MacDuff.
(b) Macbeth.
(c) The Thane of Cawdor.
(d) The Witches.
21. Who is sent for to help the wounded sergeant in Act 1, Scene 2?
(a) A nurse.
(b) A surgeon.
(c) Another soldier.
(d) Duncan.
3
160. What does Macbeth fear his future will be after finding out the source of the
shrill cry in Act 5, Scene 5?
(a) Great glory.
(b) Sadness and sorrow.
(c) Reigning and ruling.
(d) Dusty death.
161. How does Macbeth hear that Birnam Wood is moving towards the castle?
(a) He sees it in a dream.
(b) A witch prophecies it to him.
(c) He sees it out his window.
(d) His sentry tells him.
162. How does Lady Macbeth die?

(a) Mistaken for a witch by a servant.
(b) Poison.
(c) Captured by the enemy.
(d) Suicide.
163. What does the army at Dunsinane do when they reach the castle?
(a) Begin bombarding the castle.
(b) Pound their drums.
(c) Rest.
(d) Wait for Macbeth.
164. What does Malcolm tell the army to do when they reach the castle at
Dunsinane?
(a) Put down their branches.
(b) Get some good rest before the action begins.
(c) Wipe off their camouflage.
(d) Chant against Macbeth.
165. Who will lead the first assault on the castle in Act 5, Scene 6?
(a) Siward.
(b) Macduff.
(c) Angus.
(d) Malcolm.
166. Why is Macbeth afraid when the army reaches the castle when he has been
so confident until then?
(a) The witches warnings are coming true.
(b) He didn't realize how large the army was.
(c) He cannot find his good armor.
(d) He feels helpless without his wife.
24
167. Where did the army get the boughs they are holding?
(a) From the forests near their homes.
(b) From trees at the castle.
(c) From Birnam wood.
(d) At Dunsinane.
168. What were the boughs held by the army used for?
(a) Protection..
(b) Weapons.
(c) Camouflage.
(d) Shade.
169. Where is the army at Dunsinane from?

(a) Wales.
(b) England.
(c) Scotland.
(d) Ireland.
170. What does Macbeth decide he must do when he sees the army at his castle
in Act 5, Scene 7?
(a) Flee.
(b) Make a stand.
(c) Make a truce.
(d) Surrender.
171. Who is the first person killed by Macbeth in the battle at his castle?
(a) Angus.
(b) Malcolm.
(c) Lennox.
(d) Young Siward.
172. How does Macbeth feel about his first killing in the battle in Act 5, Scene 7?
(a) Confident.
(b) Overwhelmed.
(c) Repentant.
(d) Furious.
173. Who wants to take revenge personally on Macbeth during the battle at the
castle?
(a) Donalbain.
(b) General Siward.
(c) Macduff.
(d) Malcolm.
25
174. Why is Macbeth not afraid of the man sworn to take revenge on him?
(a) He had a dream in which he defeated this man.
(b) He knows he is stronger than the man.
(c) He is full of confidence.
(d) The prophecy from the witches gives him courage.
175. What does Macbeth say he will not do when he sees two angry and armed
men approach him in the castle in Act 5, Scene 8?
(a) Retreat.
(b) Fall on his sword.
(c) Succumb to fear.
(d) Lose the battle.
176. How was Macduff born?

(a) Extracted from his mother's dead corpse.
(b) Stillborn, and then revived.
(c) Born prematurely.
(d) Ripped from his mother's womb.
177. Why is Macduff's birth so important to the plot?

(a) Macbeth can not be killed by a man born naturally of a woman.
(b) Macduff is related to Macbeth.
(c) His unique birth gave him strength.
(d) Macbeth and Macduff were born the same way.
178. What does Macduff call Macbeth as they fight?

(a) A tyrant.
(b) A child.
(c) A pussycat.
(d) A fool.
179. What brings Siward comfort when he hears of his son's death?
(a) Macbeth was defeated.
(b) He died nobly.
(c) He honored his father.
(d) He died quickly and painlessly.
180. Who is crowned king at the end of the play?

(a) Siward.
(b) Malcolm.
(c) Macduff.
(d) Donalbain.
26
Multiple Choice Key
1. B 41. C 81. D 121. C 161. D
2. C 42. A 82. D 122. A 162. D
3. A 43. B 83. D 123. B 163. C
4. A 44. A 84. A 124. C 164. A
5. D 45. A 85. B 125. B 165. A
6. D 46. A 86. B 126. C 166. A
7. B 47. A 87. D 127. A 167. C
8. A 48. A 88. D 128. C 168. C
9. B 49. B 89. B 129. A 169. B
10. D 50. D 90. C 130. A 170. B
11. A 51. A 91. D 131. D 171. D
12. A 52. C 92. C 132. D 172. A
13. B 53. C 93. D 133. B 173. C
14. D 54. A 94. A 134. A 174. D
15. D 55. A 95. C 135. C 175. B
16. D 56. C 96. A 136. A 176. D
17. B 57. C 97. D 137. D 177. A
18. D 58. C 98. A 138. C 178. A
19. D 59. A 99. C 139. C 179. B
20. C 60. C 100. B 140. C 180. B
21. B 61. D 101. A 141. B

22. B 62. D 102. C 142. A
23. C 63. A 103. D 143. C
24. C 64. D 104. B 144. B
25. A 65. A 105. D 145. B
26. B 66. A 106. A 146. A
27. C 67. A 107. B 147. C
28. C 68. B 108. A 148. B
29. C 69. B 109. A 149. A
30. C 70. D 110. A 150. A
31. D 71. A 111. B 151. D
32. D 72. B 112. B 152. B
33. B 73. B 113. B 153. D
34. A 74. A 114. C 154. B
35. C 75. C 115. C 155. B
36. A 76. D 116. C 156. B
37. B 77. A 117. D 157. C
38. A 78. B 118. B 158. A
39. B 79. B 119. D 159. D
40. A 80. D 120. A 160. D
27
Short Answer Questions
28
29
battle?
30
22. Who owns the victory of the battle between Scotland and its main enemy?
23. What must the loser of the battle between Scotland and it's enemy do in order
to bury their dead men?
24. Who is the hero of the battle between Scotland and its main enemy?
25. Where do the witches go after Scotland's battle is over?
26. Who offends the first witch in Act 1, Scene 3?
27. How is the first witch offended in Act 1, Scene 3?
28. What does the first witch do to get her revenge on the person who offended
her in Act 1, Scene 3?
31
Dunsinane?
51
in Act 5, Scene 7?
castle?
52
53
Short Answer Questions Key
Three Witches.
Lightning and thunder.
Meet again.
After a mighty battle.
The heath.
Scotland.
Macbeth.
54
Something murky.
Something to happen on a larger scale.
Deceiving.
Three.
Desert.
Macbeth.
Forres.
55
A wounded soldier.
King.
Ripped him in half with his sword.
Norway.
battle?
He faints from loss of blood.
The Thane of Cawdor.
A surgeon.
56
22. Who owns the victory of the battle between Scotland and its main enemy?
Duncan.
Pay a tribute.
24. Who is the hero of the battle between Scotland and its main enemy?
Macbeth.
25. Where do the witches go after Scotland's battle is over?
A heath.
26. Who offends the first witch in Act 1, Scene 3?
A sailor's wife.
27. How is the first witch offended in Act 1, Scene 3?
The sailor's wife will not share chestnuts with her.
28. What does the first witch do to get her revenge on the person who offended
her in Act 1, Scene 3?
Curses the sailor with lack of sleep and fatigue.
57
Suicide.
Rest.
Dunsinane?
Put down their branches.
Siward.
The witches warnings are coming true.
From Birnam wood.
Camouflage.
77
England.
in Act 5, Scene 7?
Make a stand.
Young Siward.
Confident.
castle?
Macduff.
The prophecy from the witches gives him courage.
Fall on his sword.
78
Ripped from his mother's womb.
Macbeth can not be killed by a man born naturally of a woman.
A tyrant.
He died nobly.
Malcolm.
79
Short Essay Questions
2. When do the witches vow to meet again before they part at the beginning of the
play?
3. In the first scene of the play, who else do the witches say they will meet with
when they next meet?
4. What does one of the witches sense in the air in Act 1, Scene 1?
5. What does Duncan make the King of Norway do in order to bury his dead?
6. What is to be done with the captured Thane of Cawdor in Act 1, Scene 2?
7. Who does Duncan say will replace the Thane of Cawdor in his position?
80
8. How did the rebel Macdonwald die?
9. How does a sailor's wife offend one of the witches?
10. What does the witch do to punish the sailor's wife who offends her?
11. How did the Thane of Cawdor die?
12. In Act 1, Scene 4, what title does Duncan bestow upon Malcolm after the
battle?
13. In Act 1, Scene 5, what does Macbeth write to his wife about while he is away
at war?
14. After reading her husband's letter in Act 1, Scene 5, what does Lady Macbeth
fear Macbeth may be?
81
50. Why is Macbeth's army so small in comparison to Malcolm's army?
51. What is Malcolm trying to hide by using camouflage?
52. Why is Macbeth so sure that he will be victorious over Malcolm's army?
53. What does Macbeth think his enemies will suffer before he is defeated?
54. What is the source of a horrible shrill cry Macbeth hears while preparing for
battle in Act 5, Scene 5?
55. Who is the main general in Malcolm's army?
56. Where is most of Malcolm's army from?
87
57. Who is the first person Macbeth kills in the battle against Malcolm?
58. How does Macbeth feel about his first kill in the battle against Malcolm?
60. How does Macduff prove that he has slain Macbeth?
88
Short Essay Questions Key
There is lightning, thunder, and windy rain at the beginning of the play.
2. When do the witches vow to meet again before they part at the beginning of the
play?
As the play opens, the witches vow to meet again when a mighty battle is over, before
the sun sets on the heath.
3. In the first scene of the play, who else do the witches say they will meet with
when they next meet?
In Act 1, Scene 1, the witches say they will all meet together with Macbeth the next time
they meet.
4. What does one of the witches sense in the air in Act 1, Scene 1?
One of the witches senses something murky, something terrible in the air; a sense of
anticipation of something about to happen on a large scale.
5. What does Duncan make the King of Norway do in order to bury his dead?
Duncan forces the Norwegian King to pay a tribute before he is allowed to bury his
dead.
6. What is to be done with the captured Thane of Cawdor in Act 1, Scene 2?
The captured Thane of Cawdor is to be executed.
89
7. Who does Duncan say will replace the Thane of Cawdor in his position?
Duncan states that Macbeth will be appointed as the new Thane of Cawdor.
8. How did the rebel Macdonwald die?
Macdonwald died in battle when he was ripped in half by Macbeth's sword.
9. How does a sailor's wife offend one of the witches?
A sailor's wife offends one of the witches when she refuses to share some chestnuts
she was eating.
10. What does the witch do to punish the sailor's wife who offends her?
The witch curses the husband of the offending woman that he will not sleep and will
have to perform his duties in a sleep-deprived and lethargic state.
11. How did the Thane of Cawdor die?
The Thane of Cawdor confessed and asked Duncan's pardon; he then died like a
gentleman, with great dignity, with a seeming indifference to his death.
12. In Act 1, Scene 4, what title does Duncan bestow upon Malcolm after the
battle?
Duncan bestows the title of Prince of Cumberland on Malcolm, his eldest son, who is
now clearly heir to the throne.
90
13. In Act 1, Scene 5, what does Macbeth write to his wife about while he is away
at war?
In Act 1, Scene 5, Macbeth writes to his wife about his encounter with the weird sisters.
14. After reading her husband's letter in Act 1, Scene 5, what does Lady Macbeth
fear Macbeth may be?
After reading her husband's letter in Act 1, Scene 5, Lady Macbeth fears that her
husband will be too soft and weak-hearted to do what he must in order to fulfill the
prophecy of the weird sisters.
15. What is Banquo's first impression of Macbeth's castle?
Banquo's initial impression of Macbeth's castle is that it is warm and inviting.
16. In Act 1, Scnee 6, what does Duncan say helped Macbeth to arrive at his castle
so far ahead of himself?
Duncan tells Lady Macbeth that her husband's love for her helped his horses to fly
faster than Duncan was able to travel.
17. What causes Macbeth to hesitate in killing Duncan?
Macbeth hesitates in killing Duncan because Macbeth is Duncan's host at the moment,
and Duncan is a beloved kinsman of the family.
18. What does Lady Macbeth do in order to allow for Macbeth to have safe
passage past Duncan's chamberlains in Act 1, Scene 7?
Lady Macbeth puts Duncan's chamberlains to sleep with drugged wine so that Macbeth
can sneak by them in order to kill Duncan.
91
50. Why is Macbeth's army so small in comparison to Malcolm's army?
Macbeth's army is small compared to Malcolm's army because most of Macbeth's army
has fled.
51. What is Malcolm trying to hide by using camouflage?
Malcolm is trying to disguise his numbers by using camouflage.
52. Why is Macbeth so sure that he will be victorious over Malcolm's army?
Macbeth is sure that he will be victorious over Malcolm's army because of the prophecy
he received from the three witches.
53. What does Macbeth think his enemies will suffer before he is defeated?
Macbeth says his enemies will suffer hunger and ague before realizing they cannot win
against Macbeth.
54. What is the source of a horrible shrill cry Macbeth hears while preparing for
battle in Act 5, Scene 5?
The shrill cry Macbeth hears while preparing for battle is his wife committing suicide.
55. Who is the main general in Malcolm's army?
General Siward is the main general in Malcolm's army.
56. Where is most of Malcolm's army from?
Most of Malcolm's army is from England.
97
57. Who is the first person Macbeth kills in the battle against Malcolm?
Young Siward is the first person to die by Macbeth's sword in the battle against
Malcolm's army.
58. How does Macbeth feel about his first kill in the battle against Malcolm?
Macbeth is filled with confidence and energy after killing young Siward in battle.
Macduff was ripped from his mother's womb very early in her pregnancy.
60. How does Macduff prove that he has slain Macbeth?
Macduff proves he has slain Macbeth by showing Malcolm and Siward Macbeth's
severed head.
98
Essay Topic 7
The characters in this book all have their own goals and motivations. Select four
characters and write their main motivation throughout the play and how this goal
affected the characters around them.
Essay Topic 8
Fear is a common theme in this play that is presented a number of times by a number of
characters. What are some of these instances, and how does fear affect the characters
in the book?
Essay Topic 9
What were the prophecies given to Macbeth, and how do these prophecies alter the
progression of the plot?
Essay Topic 10
Which character did you relate with the most in this book? Why is this? How does this
character change throughout the book?
Essay Topic 11
Sacrifice is a theme that is very prevalent in this book. Who are the characters most
affected by this theme, and how do they allow sacrifice to change their lives?
Essay Topic 12
Choosing sides is a theme presented in this play. What are some of the examples of
this theme, and how does it affect the characters involved?
Essay Topic 13
What role does symbolism play in the story and where does it appear? How is the plot
altered by the presence of these symbols?
100
Eight Week Quiz G
Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________
This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Act 5,
Scene 7.
Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Macbeth feel about what his army has done while the army in
Dunsinane prepares for battle?
(a) He is proud of their cunning.
(b) He cares not at all.
(c) He is angered.
(d) He is still confident that he will win.
2. Who does Macduff think is responsible for killing Duncan?

(a) The chamberlains.
(b) Macbeth.
(c) Donalbain.
(d) Malcolm.
3. What is the one thing that will frighten Macbeth?

(a) Seeing the wood move to the castle.
(b) Hearing a bad prophecy from the witches.
(c) The ghost of Duncan.
(d) Seeing the Thane of Fife.

(a) Duncan.
(b) Malcolm.
(c) Macbeth.
(d) Lennox.
5. What does Malcolm tell Macduff after they have both fled?
(a) He is filled with fear.
(b) He is filled with confusion.
(c) He is filled with anger.
(d) He is filled with sadness.
132
1. What does Macbeth decide he must do when he sees the army at his castle in
Act 5, Scene 7?
3. How does Lady Macbeth hear about the prophecy of the witches?
4. What happens to the original Thane of Cawdor?
5. Who kills Banquo?
133
Multiple Choice Questions Key
1. D
2. A
3. A
4. C
5. D
Short Answer Questions Key

1. What does Macbeth decide he must do when he sees the army at his castle in
Act 5, Scene 7?
Make a stand.
Pay a tribute.
3. How does Lady Macbeth hear about the prophecy of the witches?
Her husband writes a letter about it.
4. What happens to the original Thane of Cawdor?
He is to be executed.
5. Who kills Banquo?
Hired murderers.
134
Final Test - Hard
Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________
This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

3. What do the witches plan to do with that which they harvest from the moon?
4. Where does the first scene in Act 5 take place?
5. Who is helping Macduff when he flees after Banquo's murder?
162
Essay Topics
Essay Topic 1
What were the prophecies given to Macbeth, and how do these prophecies alter the
progression of the plot?
Essay Topic 2
How does Macbeth's relationship with his wife change over the course of the plot? What
causes these changes, and what significance does this have to the outcome of the
play?
Essay Topic 3
Choosing sides is a theme presented in this play. What are some of the examples of
this theme, and how does it affect the characters involved?
163
Short Answer Key
A tyrant.
Young Siward.
3. What do the witches plan to do with that which they harvest from the moon?
Create evil sprites.
4. Where does the first scene in Act 5 take place?
An anteroom in Macbeth's castle.
5. Who is helping Macduff when he flees after Banquo's murder?
Malcolm.
164

Macbeth by William Shakespeare: Test Preparation

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Macbeth by William Shakespeare: Test Preparation

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Test Preparation

Multiple Choice Questions

Short Essay Questions

Mid-Book Test (Easy, Medium and Hard)

Final Test (Easy, Medium and Hard)

©2011 BookRags, Inc.

2. What is the weather like at the beginning of the play?

3. What do the witches vow to do at the beginning of the play?

4. When do the witches want to meet?

6. Where is this play set?

7. Who do the witches plan to meet after parting in Act 1, Scene 1?

9. What are the witches anticipating at the beginning of the play?

11. How many witches are there?

12. What kind of land is featured in Act 1, Scene 1?

13. Who of the following is NOT found in Act 1, Scene 2?

16. What title does Duncan hold?

17. What did Macbeth do to Macdonwald?

162. How does Lady Macbeth die?

169. Where is the army at Dunsinane from?

176. How was Macduff born?

177. Why is Macduff's birth so important to the plot?

178. What does Macduff call Macbeth as they fight?

180. Who is crowned king at the end of the play?

21. B 61. D 101. A 141. B

2. What is the weather like at the beginning of the play?

3. What do the witches vow to do at the beginning of the play?

4. When do the witches want to meet?

6. Where is this play set?

7. Who do the witches plan to meet after parting in Act 1, Scene 1?

9. What are the witches anticipating at the beginning of the play?

11. How many witches are there?

12. What kind of land is featured in Act 1, Scene 1?

13. Who of the following is NOT found in Act 1, Scene 2?

16. What title does Duncan hold?

17. What did Macbeth do to Macdonwald?

25. Where do the witches go after Scotland's battle is over?

26. Who offends the first witch in Act 1, Scene 3?

27. How is the first witch offended in Act 1, Scene 3?

177. Why is Macduff's birth so important to the plot?

178. What does Macduff call Macbeth as they fight?

180. Who is crowned king at the end of the play?

2. What is the weather like at the beginning of the play?

Lightning and thunder.

3. What do the witches vow to do at the beginning of the play?

4. When do the witches want to meet?

After a mighty battle.

6. Where is this play set?

7. Who do the witches plan to meet after parting in Act 1, Scene 1?

9. What are the witches anticipating at the beginning of the play?

Something to happen on a larger scale.

11. How many witches are there?

12. What kind of land is featured in Act 1, Scene 1?

13. Who of the following is NOT found in Act 1, Scene 2?

16. What title does Duncan hold?

17. What did Macbeth do to Macdonwald?

Ripped him in half with his sword.

He faints from loss of blood.

The Thane of Cawdor.

25. Where do the witches go after Scotland's battle is over?

26. Who offends the first witch in Act 1, Scene 3?

27. How is the first witch offended in Act 1, Scene 3?

The sailor's wife will not share chestnuts with her.

Curses the sailor with lack of sleep and fatigue.