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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. In chapter five, which person is mentioned as having volunteered at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp?

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

3. Where does Alice once work?

4. In chapter six, Calvin describes a home renovation project. Who acts as the project manager?

5. Why does Alice buy a fur coat?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

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

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

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

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

8. True or false: Alice shies away from taboo subjects. Explain your answer.

9. What is Alice's attitude toward cigarettes?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Does Alice believe she is accurately portrayed in Trillin's books and articles?

• Compare and contrast Trillin's portrayal of his wife in About Alice to the character in his previous works.

• Include specific examples of Alice's real-life qualities, as provided in the memoir.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Is About Alice a life-affirming memoir? Why or why not? Cite examples from the book in your response.

(see the answer keys)

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