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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. For what job does the narrator get selected on the train?

2. Why are the boys frightened during swimming lessons?

3. What type of boat do the campers get to try?

4. According to the narrator, American culture builds up what kind of ideas?

5. What wooden animal stands on a beach?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the narrator's favorite snack and how does it add a bright spot to a dull weekend?

2. What was the narrator able to tell about the tailgater following him yesterday?

3. How did Captain Crabtree manage the situation with the reluctant fat Chipmunk?

4. How does the narrator's experience on the troop train parallel his journey through the Lincoln Tunnel and how does he cope with such circumstances?

5. How did Proust and Balzac block out the world and what does that same thing for the narrator?

6. What are the rules of the contest Umbaugh suggested?

7. How did the fat Chipmunk earn the name of Skunk?

8. Why does the narrator question his impatience to get through the tunnel?

9. How did the narrator's army experience separate him from the world?

10. Name some New Jersey characteristics that make it the butt of comedians' jokes.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shepherd was a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony. Briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

There are several events of foreshadowing in the stories. Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the stories that serve as foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 3

Give some examples of humor in the book. Do you think Shepherd appreciated slapstick humor or wit of a more sophisticated nature? Or both? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 995 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample