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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 Alice's professional background?

2. Which governor does Alice tease about being a Republican?

3. What is the SEEK program acronym stand for?

4. In chapter six, Trillin states that Alice has a strong desire to ...

5. What does Mina do to cheer herself up, and to lift the spirits of those around her?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Explain the Alice Tax.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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