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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Gladwell characterize “disagreeableness” (118)?
(a) The refusal to see downsides to decisions.
(b) The failure to involve other people in decisions.
(c) The inability to hear criticism.
(d) The refusal to care what others think.

2. What is the one factor Gladwell seems to measure college success by?
(a) Richness of expression.
(b) Depth of understanding.
(c) Relevance of insights.
(d) Income upon graduation.

3. How many people had the courage to like a painting without Salon approval, according to Renoir?
(a) 15.
(b) 10.
(c) 6.
(d) 12.

4. When did the Impressionists go out on their own, and form their own exhibition?
(a) 1860.
(b) 1865.
(c) 1882.
(d) 1873.

5. How does Gladwell say Goliath expected to fight?
(a) In pitched battle.
(b) In a measured ring.
(c) On a balance beam.
(d) At close quarters.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happened when the California governor announced plans to reduce class size?

2. What error does Gladwell say we make about Goliath?

3. Which of the impressionists does Gladwell describe as the “easygoing urchin” (64)?

4. Who does Gladwell say was the ring-leader of the Impressionist group that met at Café Guerbois?

5. What does Gladwell say makes parenting more difficult for wealthier parents?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Gladwell say that Caroline Sacks should have gone to University of Maryland instead of Brown University?

2. What is Gladwell’s hierarchy of professions?

3. How does Gladwell say dyslexia prepared Brian Grazer to be a movie producer?

4. How does Gladwell explain Ikea’s success through “disagreeableness” (118)?

5. What does Gladwell say leads people to adopt David’s strategies?

6. What are the challenges Gladwell’s powerful Hollywood friend experienced, in raising his children?

7. What is the chart Gladwell uses, to describe the phenomenon of “diminishing marginal returns” (49)?

8. Gladwell seems to want it both ways, valuing poverty and celebrating wealth. Does Gladwell acknowledge or try to resolve this contradiction?

9. What does Gladwell say about Gary Cohn’s relationship with failure?

10. What kind of lesson does Gladwell derive from the story of Jules Holtzapffel?

(see the answer keys)

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