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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What record-breaking event does the playwright indicate has just happened at the start of Act 1, Scene 1?
(a) A record number of students of color have been enrolled in fall courses at Penn State.
(b) Reading, Pennsylvania is experiencing a heatwave that is breaking temperature records.
(c) A record number of state employees in Pennsylvania have been laid off.
(d) The Dow Jones Industrial Average has fallen by a record-breaking amount.

2. What type of job does Evan hold?
(a) Parole officer.
(b) Social worker.
(c) Police officer.
(d) Lawyer.

3. For what crime had Cynthia been arrested after finding out that Brucie had robbed her home?
(a) Public intoxication.
(b) Loitering.
(c) Disorderly conduct.
(d) Assault.

4. At the start of Act 1, Scene 4, how many weeks does Brucie tell Stan he and the other workers have been locked out of the plant?
(a) 93.
(b) 52.
(c) 36.
(d) 72.

5. What tool does Chris say he primarily uses in his job at Olstead's?
(a) An awl.
(b) A blowtorch.
(c) A saw.
(d) A jackhammer.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Stan say is the best thing that has ever happened to him?

2. What kind of vehicle is Jason thinking of purchasing at the start of Act 1, Scene 3?

3. Which Democratic candidate does Brucie say he supports for the upcoming 2000 presidential primary?

4. What does Chris say he had expected Jason to do when Jason saw Chris walking quickly toward him?

5. How many men does Stan say will line up for Chris's job at Olstead's if he leaves to attend school?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the author's purpose in using Tracey's character to express racist views directly to Oscar, rather than using a character like Jessie?

2. During the conversation about the open management position, how does Cynthia and Tracey's relationship experience a noticeable shift?

3. What is Nottage's purpose in depicting Stan and Tracey as having been involved sexually before they became friends?

4. How does invisibility play a role in Scenes 1 and 2 of Act One?

5. How is the theme of racial tension presented by the playwright before any dialogue is even spoken?

6. How is irony present in Jason's complaint when he says, "Fucking union got all our money tied up in benefits and shit, don't have nothing left for fun" (29)?

7. How does Brucie's experience at the union office again display the theme of racial tension?

8. Characterize Evan's methods of performing his job as a parole officer.

9. How do Jason and Chris view travel differently during the earlier of the two eras depicted in the play?

10. Why does Stan say that his work injury had been the best thing to ever happen to him?

(see the answer keys)

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