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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 kind of flower is on Olympias' corsage?

2. Which character has a new girlfriend before he dumps the last one?

3. What does Harry say on his voicemail?

4. Which member of the family manages to not get sick?

5. What is happening to Margaret's mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Frieda solve the visible tattoo issue for the ball?

2. Why does the family celebrate Christmas and Chanukah?

3. What is wrong with Olympia two days before the ball?

4. What happens to Max that makes life more difficult for Olympia right before the ball?

5. Why does Harry feel bad for not helping Olympia?

6. Why can't Olympia call in sick to work and take care of herself and Max?

7. Describe Charlie's relationship with Max.

8. What does Olympia have to run out to buy for Virginia at the beginning of Chapter 8?

9. Why has Margaret taken a vacation?

10. Why does Harry agree to drop his mother, Frieda, off at the ball?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

College is a time of experimentation and growing up, as Veronica, Virginia and Charlie learn all too well. Using examples from the story, explain how each adult child "grew up" or "experimented" while in college.

Essay Topic 2

Frieda is a Holocaust survivor who has gone through counseling and support to help her move on with her life. Is it possible to put such a tragic event behind you? Does Frieda seem to be happy or is she distressed about her past? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Olympia tries to make life look easy, but in reality she juggles a marriage, children and a job. While she seems to get by, sometimes added stress and problems arise that throw her out of her routine. In the end, Olympia manages to get everything done and looks amazing doing it. Do you think Olympia portrays a strong, modern woman? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 665 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample