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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 has Bombeck's family not mastered in "Is There Life After Mine?"

2. What did Bombeck's children claim the adults would have problems managing in "Why Can't We Have Our Own Apartment?"

3. According to Bombeck, what could her mother never get right about her, despite her status as an only child?

4. What did Bombeck attempt to recite in "Why Can't Our Average Little Family Get Their Own TV series?" that ended up not being funny?

5. What do Bombeck and her husband wish to do in "Why Can't We Have Our Own Apartment?"

Short Essay Questions

1. With what issue did Bombeck struggle in "The Varicose Open" and why?

2. What was the purpose of the article about the female architect and how did it make Bombeck feel as a result?

3. What was Bombeck's reaction to her daughter's announcement about the bill in Congress in "Have a Good Day?"

4. What were some of the considerations Bombeck claimed children should think about before calling a parent at work?

5. What were some of the snoring "cures" Bombeck considered for her husband?

6. Who is Lorraine Suggs?

7. What did Bombeck claim about remembering children's names in "Haven't I Always Loved Whatshisname Best?"

8. Discuss I. Dunno.

9. What did Bombeck point out about people's perceptions of Tom and Lorraine Suggs?

10. Describe Bombeck's tennis tips in "The Varicose Open."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss aspects of Bombeck's writing techniques in the following format:

Part 1) Exaggeration.

Part 2) Subversion of cliches.

Part 3) Analogies.

Part 4) Nostalgia without the saccharine undertones.

Part 5) Honesty.

Compose a strong thesis and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Compose an essay on Bombeck's observations about the passage of time. Include her feelings on a quickly-moving society, the ephemeral natures of fads, and her beliefs about beauty coming with experience. Relate these ideas back to her outlook on recording her observations with candor and humor. Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the subtle subversions in Bombeck's writing. Points to consider include her subjects, the time in which she wrote these essays, and her handling of serious matters in a light-hearted manner. Also, analyze how these attitudes are reflected in her children as they grow up and how her messages were affected by her success and national syndication. Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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