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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Bateson describe as a constant riddle?

2. Which of Bateson's parents left for long work duties during the war?

3. Why does Mary claim the differences between men and women are important?

4. Which of the following is NOT a category of Alice's life?

5. What is necessary to produce a fruitful academic relationship?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the nature of Jack's relationship with Alice?

2. According to Bateson, what do humans tend to believe about society?

3. How did Johnnetta's experiences in Cuba change her opinion of race and society?

4. What struggles did Ellen note in the way ERs in Boston organized their time schedules?

5. What does Bateson believe is the next big step for humanity across the world?

6. How did Johnnetta use her academic experience to change the definition of what it meant to live "as a black woman"?

7. According to Bateson, how is life like jazz music?

8. According to Johnnetta, what does the term "tweeded" mean in academia?

9. What did Mary learn about society while visiting her mother's work with her?

10. What does it mean to Mary to live in "a life in flux", and how did this affect her choosing of which women would appear in the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter four, Bateson takes an aside to explain what she thinks about society, specifically in regards to culture in society. First, describe how Bateson believes cultures function within society. Historically speaking, how does society respond to culture? What does Bateson believe is the next big change societies need to make to truly create a "crazy quilt"? Then, choose one of the women in the text and describe how their work - either professionally or personally - has striven to alter the way culture is viewed in society. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Food becomes an important centerpiece for Mary to explore the roles of women in the household. First, describe the relationship Mary has to food, particularly the preparation of food, and compare that to the relationship one other woman in the book has with food. How does Mary think food affects the role of women in the household, and how does she think food should be represented in our western culture? Do you agree with Mary's arguments? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout history, the balance of male-female relationships have shifted, a topic at the heart of "Composing a Life". First, create a timeline including at least three major events discussed in the books, describing the change in male-female relationship throughout history. Then, choose one of the relationships presented in the book and describe how this relationship exemplifies the "current" state of such relationships. In your opinion, is this relationship balanced? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

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