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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. Of the following, which one is an accurate statement of Calvin's views?

2. Why does Alice buy a fur coat?

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

4. According to Calvin, which one of the following qualities does NOT characterize his wife Alice?

5. Which of the following best describes "Of Dragons and Garden Peas"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the SEEK program? Why is it important to Alice?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What is Alice's attitude toward cigarettes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of money in About Alice.

Part 1) What is Alice's attitude toward spending money? (Include the Alice Tax and Alice's Law of Compensatory Cash Flow in your response.)

Part 2) What is Calvin's attitude toward spending money? (Include Calvin's theory on writing the mortgage check.)

Compare and contrast the views of Alice and Calvin regarding money. To what extent are they products of their respective upbringings? Is money a source of conflict for them?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following essay topics:

• Is there a thesis statement in Trillin's memoir? If so, state it, along with supporting evidence.

• Discuss the parallels between Dick Francis and his wife Mary, and Calvin Trillin and his wife Alice. What is the point Trillin is making here? In what ways does he circle back to this point again and again throughout the memoir?

• Discuss the significance of Alice's statement that Trillin is "never again as funny as you are that night" (pg. 14.) Is Alice challenging her husband with this statement? If so, in what way?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 3

Write about the levels of perseverance exhibited by Alice and Calvin.

Part 1) In what ways does Alice or Calvin exhibit perseverance?

Part 2) What keeps them hopeful?

Part 3) Do either person ever lose hope? If so, when? What is the outcome?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

(see the answer keys)

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