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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. In Calvin's second poem in chapter three, he likens Alice to which of the following?
(a) A World War II nurse.
(b) A lass from Generation X.
(c) A fast driver.
(d) A dietitian in sensible shoes.

2. In chapter two, how much time passes between Calvin's first and second meeting with Alice?
(a) Two weeks.
(b) Two days.
(c) Two months.
(d) Three weeks.

3. What is Alice's reasoning for agreeing to be photographed in a fashion issue of a magazine?
(a) Alice thinks it helps her husband receive better reviews of his work by critics.
(b) Alice thinks it helps her launch a modeling career.
(c) Alice thinks it is a good way to make money.
(d) Alice thinks it helps her parents receive better treatment by the nurses at the nursing home where they live.

4. According to Calvin, why does Alice take out bank loans in her twenties?
(a) Alice takes out bank loans to tide her father over when he is low on money.
(b) Alice takes out bank loans to finance her work with disadvantaged students.
(c) Alice takes out bank loans to invest in her father's vending machine invention.
(d) Alice takes out bank loans to pay for her cancer treatment.

5. When does Calvin read the obituary of Dick Francis' wife?
(a) A year before Alice dies.
(b) The year before Alice's bypass surgery.
(c) The year Alice is diagnosed with lung cancer.
(d) A year after Alice dies.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the headline in the magazine article in which Alice is featured as a model at the age of thirty-five?

2. According to Calvin, he never stops trying to do what?

3. How old is Alice when she is asked to be photographed by Doug Kirkland and model spring fashions in a magazine?

4. In what year does Alice die?

5. How does Calvin describe the impact of Alice's beauty on her life?

Short Essay Questions

1. Does Alice believe she is accurately portrayed in Trillin's books and articles? Briefly describe why or why not.

2. In chapter three, Calvin Trillin explains that Alice's role as caretaker to her parents has a positive impact on her life. How?

3. Describe Calvin Trillin's father-in-law.

4. In chapter two, Calvin Trillin reveals that he never stops trying to impress his wife Alice. Give an example of this.

5. What are some of the adversities Alice faces throughout her life?

6. In what ways do you think Alice serves as Calvin Trillin's muse? Include characteristics that inspire his writing.

7. What does Alice keep in her Important Things envelope? Why are the things inside it so important to her?

8. According to Calvin Trillin, Alice's beauty gives her some advantages. Explain.

9. In chapter one, Trillin reveals that although his readers become familiar with Alice as a sensible, somewhat serious character in his books and articles, they never really know her. Why?

10. Chapter three contains two humorous poems about Alice. What theme do they share?

(see the answer keys)

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