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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. At the end of Chapter 10, Fulghum asks a question about something not being easy. What is he talking about?

2. Fulghum thinks it would be a better world if we all had cookies and milk at what time?

3. On August 24, where are the military units from that enter Angola in an offensive against the black nationalist guerrillas?

4. Fulghum tells the reader that he visited San Saba to court a lady, but even after he and the lady were over he still went there for what reason?

5. What does Fulghum claim his next-door neighbor yelled at for most of an afternoon?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the lady in Chapter 7 as she comes out of her house.

2. What is the purpose of the larval form of the Cassida Rubignosa carrying a small sack of garbage on its back?

3. Describe Fulghum's experience of buying Tony Lama boots at Harry's Store in San Saba.

4. How does Fulghum's lawyer friend whom he mentions in Chapter 12 travel?

5. Why does Fulghum decide to tell the reader about his favorite place for chicken fried steak?

6. Why does Fulghum not agree with the thought that Russians are rotten and immoral?

7. What were some of the reasons that Fulghum gives for visiting the town of San Saba?

8. What are some things that Fulghum says he yells at?

9. In Chapter 6, why did the soldiers and priests set out for a spot on the San Saba River?

10. When Fulghum was younger what was his list or credo like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even though Fulghum jumps from story to story and doesn't really go in any type of chronological order, does the book still seem to flow when you read it? Why or why not? After reading only short stories about so many different times, places, and individuals, was there enough to interest you as a reader and keep you wanting more as you read the book? If so, how does Fulghum create this in his writing? If not, why were you not interested or involved with the book and people? Why do you think Robert Fulghum wrote the book the way he did with short stories and short chapters? Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

Why do you think Fulghum ends his book the way he does? Does that help the reader reach a conclusion, or does it leave the reader hanging? Was this Fulghum's intention? Why or why not? Do you think Fulghum could have ended his book any other way? If so, how? If not, why do you think this was the most effective ending?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 42 Fulghum talks about the zoo and how animals in the zoo "do what they do and are what they are" and don't ask questions. Which of Fulghum's stories relate to the human want and need to question? Which person or people have questions or "rattles the bars" of his or her cage? Why do you think it is human nature to question and wonder why? What kind of topics does Fulghum write about that would naturally bring up questions and wonderment? Explain your answers, and use specific examples from the book to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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