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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, when is Alice at her "bossiest"?

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

3. Which one of the following statements is true?

4. In chapter six, Trillin states that studies show most marital disagreements are about:

5. What is Alice's phrase for living in surroundings that are less than nice?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In what ways are Calvin Trillin and Alice lucky?

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

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

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

6. Explain the Alice Tax.

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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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