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Quiz questions

The History Boys

Alan Bennett

Reading comprehension quiz questions for The History Boys — use them as a reading-check starter, a self-study tool, or a quick assessment. Answers are included below each question.

A Level English LiteratureAP LiteratureAQAEdexcelIB Language & LiteratureIB Literature
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The History BoysAlan Bennett

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**Quiz Question: *The History Boys* by Alan Bennett** Which teacher at Cutlers' Grammar School mainly prepares the boys for their Oxbridge entrance exams using a traditional, results-oriented method? A) Hector B) Mrs. Lintott C) Irwin D) Rudge **Correct Answer: C) Irwin** *Explanation: Irwin is hired specifically to train the boys with a focused, unconventional, and exam-oriented approach, unlike Hector's wider humanistic view of education.*

aqa · edexcel · a_level_english_literature · ib_literature

**Quiz Question — *The History Boys* by Alan Bennett** Which teacher in *The History Boys* focuses mainly on helping the boys succeed in their Oxbridge entrance exams through a results-oriented, exam-centric teaching style? A) Hector B) Mrs. Lintott C) Irwin D) Wilkes **Correct Answer: C) Irwin** *Explanation: Irwin is hired specifically to train the boys in a persuasive and contrarian way of arguing meant to impress Oxbridge examiners, unlike Hector, who takes a more humanistic and exploratory approach to education.*

aqa · edexcel · ib_lang_lit · ap_lit

**Quiz Question: *The History Boys* by Alan Bennett** Which statement best captures Hector's main teaching philosophy in *The History Boys*? A) Students should concentrate solely on exam techniques to secure top grades. B) Literature and knowledge are inherently valuable and should be appreciated and shared, regardless of their practical use. C) History ought to be taught as a collection of objective, unbiased facts. D) Students need to specialize early in one subject to qualify for university admission. **Correct Answer: B** *Explanation: Hector believes that education — particularly in literature and the arts — holds intrinsic value beyond just preparing for exams or future careers. He encourages his students to embrace and treasure knowledge as a "gift," which stands in stark contrast to Irwin's more results-oriented approach.*

aqa · edexcel · ap_lit · ib_lang_lit

These quiz questions are part of Storgy's free teacher toolkit for The History Boys. For a full study guide with chapter summaries, characters, themes, and key quotes, visit the The History Boys study guide. To browse quiz questions for other works, return to the Quiz Questions hub.