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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 Paddy's dream?

2. What is wrong with Paddy's father in Chapter 6?

3. Why does Margaret get angry with Frank and make him take Galvin's food to the kiln for free?

4. What does Grandpa McCourt send for the new baby?

5. Why does the man at the IRA office refuse to give Malachy money for the bus fare home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Frank afraid to go home in Chapter 6?

2. Why is Mikey not considered a "proper" Catholic?

3. There are several instances where Frank begins to show his rebellious nature in Chapter 5. Describe these instances.

4. Describe the effect Margaret's death has on the family in Chapter 1.

5. In Chapter 6, Paddy Clohessy's father has consumption. What does this tell you about their living situation?

6. Describe your first impression of Angela's mother in Chapter 2. What kind of woman does she appear to be?

7. What is the overall tone of Chapter 1? What events or details indicate that?

8. In Chapter 9, why is the family shamed when no telegram arrives?

9. Why does Frank feel sorry for the Spellacies in Chapter 7?

10. When Frank arrives home from the hospital in Chapter 8, he realizes that Malachy is unemployed again. Should Frank be surprised by this? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Frank spends much of the book planning his trip to America, and wondering why his parents had left America to return to Ireland in the first place.

Part 1) Consider the idealism Frank feels towards America. Based on his parents' experiences there and their experiences in Ireland, is his idealistic view of America warranted?

Part 2) Compare and contrast the struggles felt by the McCourts in the beginning of the book with the struggles felt by them once they reach Ireland. Is one place more responsible for their difficulties than another? Cite several examples from the book to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Angela seems to have a love/hate relationship with her extended family. Examine this relationship, and give examples showing the dynamic of their relationship.

Essay Topic 3

Frank's family leaves America for Ireland at the beginning of the book, but Frank spends most of the book dreaming about going to America. Discuss the irony in this, and the journey required of Frank in order to leave Ireland and go to America.

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