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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 is the first course for Christmas Eve dinner that Julia cooks?

2. In Chapter 11, how can Malcolm tell that Vivian has mixed feelings about her job promotion?

3. In Chapter 7, what does Vivian do that is meant to help her decide whether to accept Malcolm's offer or not?

4. In Chapter 7, what does Julia tell everyone she enjoyed about cooking the dinner for Christmas Eve?

5. In Chapter 12, why does Malcolm apologize to Vivian?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 7, why is Julia Pepper, the chef, happy about cooking for the staff for Christmas Eve dinner?

2. In Chapter 8, how does Maddie suggest she and Vivian handle telling people at home that Vivian will be staying in London for a few days longer?

3. In Chapter 7, what happens when Julia catches Malcolm and Vivian passionately kissing under the misletoe?

4. In Chapter 10, what is Vivian mortified to have forgotten for her first night with Malcolm?

5. In Chapter 7, what does Vivian often do when faced with a big decision?

6. In Chapter 8, why is Maddie glued to her phone on Christmas morning?

7. In Chapter 8, what does Miles say to Malcolm during their argument that is particularly hurtful to Malcolm?

8. In Chapter 10, how does Vivian feel in the morning waking up in her hotel in London next to Malcolm?

9. In Chapter 8, what causes the argument between Malcolm and Miles on Christmas Day?

10. In Chapter 12, how does Vivian handle Miles's surprise visit to Malcolm's flat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Malcolm and Vivian get along extremely well and amicably for two people who have known each other for such a short period of time, but they still experience their share of conflict and misunderstandings. Write an essay exploring the sources of Malcolm's and Vivian's most serious conflicts during their relationship.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Guillory makes a point of highlighting how different characters respond to Vivian upon first meeting her; she seems to put most people at ease. Write an essay discussing how and why Guillory highlights Vivian's appeal to other characters in the book, and explore how Guillory's descriptions of Vivian's interactions with other people contributes to the development and exposition of Vivian's character.

Essay Topic 3

How would you describe the early interactions between Vivian and Malcolm, and how do Vivian's and Malcolm's communications with each other change after their first kiss in Chapter Five? Write an essay explaining your answer, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

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