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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. Which of the following examples is NOT a way that Push attempts to show dominance over John Williams?

2. In the story the writer is composing in the tale "1/3, 1/3, 1/3," with whom does the lead character fall in love?

3. What school subject does Vance teach in the story "The Amish Farmer"?

4. What drug was Sonny arrested for selling?

5. Who died, prompting the narrator to contact Sonny?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reason does Raymond Carver give about why he wanted to compose this collection of short stories?

2. How does Arty react in the story "The Bystander" when his father is committed to a mental institution?

3. What type of relationship does George have with his ex-students?

4. What memory does Sean have of his father from when he was a 6 year old boy in the story "Midair"?

5. What does Sonny blame his heroin addiction on?

6. What pleasant memory does the young girl from the story "Verona" have about her father from her childhood?

7. What type of relationship does Louise have with her mother in the story "The Fat Girl"?

8. Why does Daniel aggressively attack Noel in the story "The Amish Farmer"?

9. Why doesn't Push like John Williams, and what does he do about it?

10. What is Sean's married life like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the story "The Amish Farmer," Vance, a teacher, attempts to tell a story to his students to explain point-of-view. First, describe the story that Vance tells his students. How does Vance believe this story shows point-of-view narration? Do you agree with Vance? Why or why not? Then, describe Vance's students' reaction to his story. How does the reaction from the students exemplify Vance's lesson for the readers? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

The story "Where are You Going, Where Have You Been?" is full of moments when reality and fantasy intermix, particularly in the mind of Connie. Describe the fantasy Connie has about love and compare that to the reality of the romance present in her young life. Then, describe the fantasy Connie creates about Arnold Friend and compare it to the reality of who he really is. Finally, explain the way that Connie's experiences with Arnold, either real or imagined, affected the way she views the world. Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

The story "Push" is all about the dangers of threats, either real or imagined. First, describe the two main characters of the story. What is the same about these two boys? What is different? Describe how they threaten one another and what actions each boy takes to ensure that they are the most popular kid on the playground. Then, describe the events of the boy's final fight on the playground. Which was victorious? What did each of the boys learn about themselves through their fights and threats for popularity? Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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