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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 27, Fulghum tells the reader that he knows what he wants for Christmas and he's known since he was forty. What is it that Fulghum wants?

2. What kind of pickup truck does Fulghum remember riding home in on a summer's eve?

3. In Chapter 19, what does Fulghum catch his neighbor spraying in his yard?

4. What city did the man test the theory that no one can be trusted in Chapter 16?

5. What does Fulghum claim is the main objective of people who go to the tavern in Chapter 35?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 19, when Mr. Washington comes over to Fulghum's home and starts spraying the dandelions, what kind of discussion does this spark?

2. In Chapter 20, what kind of people does Fulghum say he lives in awe of?

3. Who is Donnie in Chapter 30, and why does he knock on Fulghum's door?

4. In Chapter 33, what does Fulghum say is his first clue that Elias Schwartz is the new Haiho Lama?

5. In Chapter 36, what happens when Fulghum stops to help a couple that has a dead car battery and he and the stranded man try to find the battery?

6. Describe Fulghum's relationship with his neighbor Mr. Washington that is discussed in Chapter 18.

7. In Chapter 28, why does Robert Fulghum buy a cuckoo clock?

8. In Chapter 40, what happens when V.P. Menon arrives in Delhi to seek a job in government?

9. Describe Fulghum's ride home in an ancient pickup truck in Chapter 17.

10. In Chapter 29, what does the couple that lives across the street from the author buy to ride on, and how does the couple ride it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This book is a collection of some of Robert Fulghum's essays and stories as told from his perspective. How do you think Fulghum's perspective on some of these stories affected the way it was told or even affected the outcome of the story? How would some of the stories be different if they were told through another person's perspective? Explain your answers, and use evidence from the book to support those answers.

Essay Topic 2

Describe Donnie's character from Chapter 30. Which of Donnie's qualities makes it hard for Fulghum to turn down his raking inquiry? What was Donnie's work ethic like? Even though Robert Fulghum didn't really want his leaves raked, do you think he was glad that he hired Donnie to help? If so, in what ways? Why do you think Donnie didn't charge Fulghum more money than his normal rate even though Fulghum's yard was abnormally full of leaves? What does this say about Donnie's character and desire to work? Explain your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, Robert Fulghum talks about his wife and a little bit about their relationship. Describe Robert Fulghum and his wife's relationship. Would you consider Fulghum and his wife's relationships a good one? Why or why not? How does Fulghum feel about his wife? How do you think Fulghum's wife feels about him? Why? What kind of dynamic does this bring to Fulghum's stories? Explain your answers.

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