"Puppet Show" by Fredric Brown Quiz and Answer Key

For many high school readers, science fiction is a high-interest genre that maximizes student engagement. "Puppet Show" by Fredric Brown is a sci-fi short story about a supposed alien visitor who is tasked with evaluating humanity's worthiness to be included in a distinguished organization. With this editable quiz, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, a self-grading Google Drive option is available.)

By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• Setting

• Physical characteristics of the visitor

• Manuel Casey's general characterization

• The purpose of the alien's visit

• The alien's mode of communication

• The condition under which humanity will learn the secrets to space travel

• A definition of xenophobia

• The psychological condition of the aliens

• Criticism of humankind's hubris

Resources are available for a variety of science fiction novels and short stories:

• “Backward Step” by Paul Jennings - Google and printable

• “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed” by Ray Bradbury - Google and printable

• Feed by M.T. Anderson - Google and printable

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - Google and printable

• “Lose Now, Pay Later” by Carol Farley - Google and printable

• “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray - Google and printable

• The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells - Google and printable