A: The questions do not specifically ask you to configure speed and duplex but you should do this to avoid any mismatches that could cause you problems.
Q: Should I name the VLANs as VLAN_11, and so on?
A: If the question named the VLANs, you should configure them as you see in the question.
Q: Should I be able to ping the switches loopback?
A: Unless you find a specific requirement on any question you are not required to accomplish this.
