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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. When Calvin and Alice fid themselves in a hotel room that is not as they expect, what do they do?
(a) They check out and immediately go home.
(b) They make the best of it.
(c) They complain to hotel management.
(d) They move to another hotel.

2. Which phrase best describes Alice's religious views?
(a) Alice is somewhere between uninterested and hostile when it comes to religion.
(b) Alice is outspoken about her views on the importance of attending church as a family.
(c) Alice is a devout Jew who raises her children with traditional religious values.
(d) Alice converts to Catholicism as an adult.

3. Of the following, which one best describes Calvin and Alice's first home?
(a) A cottage.
(b) An estate.
(c) A brownstone.
(d) An apartment.

4. What is the name of the City College program in which Alice teaches under-prepared students?
(a) STAT.
(b) CITY.
(c) CUNY.
(d) SEEK.

5. Which governor does Alice tease about being a Republican?
(a) Governor Olympia Snowe.
(b) Governor George Pataki.
(c) Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
(d) Governor Mario Cuomo.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the Alice Tax?

2. What is the name of Alice's friend and colleague who has ovarian cancer?

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

4. According to Calvin, when is Alice at her "bossiest"?

5. What point is Alice trying to make when she says that someone "doesn't have a very nice life"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the Trillins' trip to Japan. What does their disagreement say about their marriage?

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

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

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

6. Alice believes that all people are capable of learning and can be taught new things, regardless of their background, provided they have the desire. Do you agree? Why or why not?

7. In chapter five, following Alice's bypass operation, what warning does Alice's surgeon give Calvin Trillin?

8. In chapter six, explain Calvin Trillin's theory about the person who makes out the mortgage check in a marriage.

9. What reasons does Mina Shaughnessy give to justify her choice of clothing?

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

(see the answer keys)

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