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

2. In chapter four, an encounter is described taking place in an elevator between Alice and a young boy with cancer. What does he say about her type of cancer?

3. Why does Calvin not want to pay the contractor more money than he originally quotes for their home project?

4. Trillin states that his goddaughter marries into a family with some involvement in what kind of industry?

5. Trillin states that he is brought up in which city?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Abigail and Sarah grow up to have careers in social work.

• According to Trillin, which parent influence Abigail and Sarah more? Why?

• In what ways does this parent influence Abigail and Sarah?

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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