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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 word does Calvin use to describe the hotel room about which he argues with his wife while on a business trip?

2. According to Trillin, what does Alice want him to do with the money he saves during college?

3. Which phrase best describes Alice's religious views?

4. When Calvin and Alice fid themselves in a hotel room that is not as they expect, what do they do?

5. What is one of the most negative words that Alice uses to describe a person?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Explain the Alice Tax.

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

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

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

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

7. What is Alice's attitude toward cigarettes?

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

9. Compare Calvin Trillin's father to Alice's.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay explaining the secret that Alice learns from a little girl named L. at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. What special meaning does this lesson carry for Alice? In what ways is L. similar to Alice in the way she lives her life? Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 2

Select one of the major themes or subjects below from About Alice. Be sure to select a theme or subject about which you have not already written a detailed essay.

• The relationship between Calvin and Alice.

• Marriage.

• Perseverance.

• Loss.

• Cigarettes.

• Beauty

• The relationship between Alice and her parents.

• The relationship between Alice and her daughters.

• Gratitude.

• Social activism.

• Money.

• Parenthood.

Be sure to include quotes from the novel that help develop the theme.

Essay Topic 3

Do you agree with Trillin's definition of an intellectual in About Alice? Why or why not?

Part 1) According to Trillin, in what ways is Alice an intellectual?

Part 2) Does Trillin believe he is intellectually superior to Alice? Why or why not?

Include specific references to the book to support your essay.

(see the answer keys)

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