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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. According to Calvin, what is the definition of an intellectual?
(a) Someone who knows the definition of holistic.
(b) Someone who knows the definition of holistic. Someone who translates fluently from the Toltec.
(c) Someone who knows how to translate heuristics.
(d) Someone whose instinct is to analyze anything that happens and try to make some sense of it.

2. What point is Alice trying to make when she says that someone "doesn't have a very nice life"?
(a) People who "don't have a very nice life" are not as lucky as Alice and Calvin.
(b) People who "don't have a very nice life" are obscenely rich.
(c) People who "don't have a very nice life" are obscenely rich.
(d) People who "don't have a very nice life" are financially well off, but physically ill people who "don't have a very nice life" ware not as attractive as she.

3. In chapter four, an encounter is described taking place in an elevator between Alice and a young boy with cancer. What does he say about her type of cancer?
(a) "That's bad."
(b) "They treat that like the common cold."
(c) "That's the worst kind."
(d) "That's a dragon you can't slay."

4. In chapter six, what does a carpenter named Frank tell Alice during her home renovation project?
(a) I broke the banister.
(b) I underestimate the amount of money this project costs you.
(c) It's going to be worth the trouble. Your children grow up here.
(d) Sooner or later, we're all going to leave, and this is going to be your place.

5. Which of the following statements about Alice is true?
(a) She fights for smoker's rights.
(b) She is a chain-smoker.
(c) She hates cigarettes.
(d) She promotes the idea of cigarette lounges in New York City.

Short Answer Questions

1. Of the following, which one best describes Calvin and Alice's first home?

2. What is the name of the City College program in which Alice teaches under-prepared students?

3. Calvin states that among married couples, the one who makes out the mortgage check is more like to do what?

4. According to Calvin, his father is appalled by what kind of people?

5. Trillin states that his goddaughter marries into a family with some involvement in what kind of industry?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Alice's attitude toward spending money?

2. Why does Calvin Trillin show his wife Alice his rough drafts?

3. In chapter four, do you think Calvin Trillin is wise to not to take the advice of his colleague?

4. Does Alice ever exercise restraint when it comes to controversial subjects?

5. Describe what Alice means when she says that someone "doesn't have a nice life."

6. Explain the Alice Tax.

7. According to Calvin Trillin, what makes a person an intellectual?

8. Why does Alice think that marrying Calvin Trillin means she has to live a modest lifestyle?

9. What is the one thing that Alice forbids her teenage daughters from doing?

10. Why does Alice believe that "Herbie" deserves to be paid more than what he originally quoted for his contracting services?

(see the answer keys)

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