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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. What is Alice's reasoning for agreeing to be photographed in a fashion issue of a magazine?

2. Of the following, which does Calvin NOT list among those Alice frequently takes care of?

3. Where does Alice's father first meet Alice's mother?

4. What reasons does Calvin give for stating that "Alice doesn't look like who she is"?

5. What is the first thing that strikes Calvin about Alice when he sees her for the first time?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Calvin Trillin states that from the day he meets Alice, he never stops trying to impress her. Why?

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

4. In chapter three, why does Alice accept the request to be photographed in a fashion issue of a magazine?

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

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

7. What event causes Alice to feel as though she loses her looks?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write about the messages in this memoir about parenting.

Part 1) Does Calvin Trillin agree with his wife Alice about the importance of attending their children's school plays and eating dinner together? Why or why not?

Part 2) To what extent does Alice's parenting style differ from that of her husband?

Part 3) Why does Trilllin spend so much time on the subject of parenting in About Alice?

Part 4) Trillin provides brief glimpses into the points of view of Abigail and Sarah. What do their statements say about the parenting they receive?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 2

A few years after his wife Alice's diagnosis with lung cancer, Calvin Trillin is suddenly overcome with emotion in an airport.

Part 1) Describe the event and its significance in the memoir.

Part 2) What does this event say about Trillin's ability to process his wife's illness?

Part 3) Is Trillin in denial? If so, does he admit to it?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you make an argument for or against the Alice Tax. Compare and contrast the Alice Tax with Alice's Law of Compensatory Cash Flow. Cite examples from the book in your response.

(see the answer keys)

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