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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 is the name of the City College program in which Alice teaches under-prepared students?

2. Which of the following statements about Alice is true?

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

4. Of the following, which one best describes Calvin and Alice's first home?

5. What is the Alice Tax?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways does Alice express her gratitude throughout her lifetime? What reasons does she give for being grateful? Be sure to address the following:

• How does her sense of gratitude impact others in her life?

• Do you agree with Alice's assessment that she is a lucky person?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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