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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 word from Chapter 2 means ordinary or everyday?

2. What does the author describe her new therapist specializing in, in Chapter 1?

3. What word in Chapter 4 refers to a contemplative person?

4. What tennis superstar expressed his shock that Serena Williams was able to hold it together after losing the semifinal match in the 2004 Women's U.S. Open?

5. What film does the author describe seeing with a friend in Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. What realization does the author reach in Chapter 3?

2. How does the author describe Serena Williams's performance in the 2009 U.S. Women’s Open in Chapter 2?

3. How does the narrator feel about her experiences described in Chapter 1?

4. What happens in the narrative at the Catholic school in Chapter 1?

5. How would you describe the narrative style of Chapter 1? What is significant about the narrative style?

6. What symbolism can be seen in the imagery in Chapter 1?

7. What theme stands out in Chapter 3?

8. What is signified and alluded to by the picture of the Rutgers women's basketball team in Chapter 3?

9. What conclusion does the author reach in Chapter 4?

10. How does the author describe Serena Williams's career in 2012?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the author use sunglasses as a symbolic image in the book? What do the sunglasses represent? How are they a metaphor for prejudice and/or overlooking prejudice?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the symbolism of words and language in Citizen: An American Lyric. What does the author compare words to? What power do words and language have? How can words and language hurt?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of anger in Citizen: An American Lyric. What is "saleable anger" and how is it employed? What statements does the author make regarding anger? Is anger a positive or negative aspect? Why?

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