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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 chapter three, Calvin includes an excerpt from an article that Alice writes about her parents. Which of the following statements summarizes the point makes in the excerpt?
(a) Alice's mother does not accept the help of others.
(b) Alice leans on her mother.
(c) Alice looks to her mother for advice on how to be a better parent.
(d) Alice takes care of her mother.

2. According to Calvin, what does Alice exclaim when encountering a deer in a forest?
(a) "Wowsers!"
(b) "Where is my camera?"
(c) "Beauty!"
(d) "Rodent!"

3. Who writes the condolence letter that makes Calvin laugh?
(a) Roger Wilkins.
(b) Richard Harris.
(c) Mina Shaughnessy.
(d) Dick Francis.

4. How does Calvin describe the impact of Alice's beauty on her life?
(a) Alice's beauty has no disadvantages.
(b) Alice's beauty makes her vain.
(c) Alice's beauty opens doors in her career.
(d) Alice's beauty involves complications.

5. According to Calvin, he never stops trying to do what?
(a) Gain Alice's trust.
(b) Come out of his shell.
(c) Impress Alice.
(d) Remember what Alice is wearing the night he meets her.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the headline for Alice's obituary in the Times?

2. At which institution does Alice teach English in her mid-twenties?

3. According to Calvin, what kinds of men are attracted to Alice?

4. In chapter two, what fact about Dick Francis and his wife does Calvin share with the reader?

5. In chapter two, how does Calvin characterize his behavior during his second meeting with Alice?

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

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

4. In chapter one, Calvin Trillin states that the stories he writes about his family can be compared what kinds of television shows?

5. In what ways are Alice's looks, coupled with the superficial facts about her background, misleading?

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

7. 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?

8. In what ways is Alice's beauty a hardship?

9. What is one positive quality that Alice inherits from her father? Why do you think this quality is especially beneficial to Alice?

10. In chapter one, the reader learns that there is one condolence letter that makes Calvin Trillin laugh. Why?

(see the answer keys)

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