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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. In chapter five, which movie is referenced?

2. What is Alice's professional background?

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

4. According to Calvin, Alice has especially strong views about which of the following subjects?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

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

5. What is Alice's attitude toward cigarettes?

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

7. Explain the Alice Tax.

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

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

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

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

In what ways does Trillin rely on his wife Alice in his professional life?

Part 1) What function does she have in Trillin's work routine?

Part 2) How is she portrayed in Trillin's writings?

Part 3) In what ways does Alice serve as a muse to her husband?

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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