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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. Martha and John seem to fight more about their ________ structure than about other things on the holiday.

2. What did some of the daycare centers in the Beck's area require that parents have in order to be admitted?

3. What does Martha believe is important at the school where she is attending to attain her PhD?

4. The person Martha is interviewing says that Adam is hurt more by Martha being ________ than being open.

5. Where does Martha go shopping for clothing that is heavier and less form fitting?

Short Essay Questions

1. What were some of the symptoms that Martha would experience during her pregnancy because of an undiagnosed medical condition?

2. What made Martha and John nervous about the consulting job that John took?

3. What was the stroke of luck that Martha experienced in relation to the daycare situation?

4. What was the story that Deirdre shares that is surprising like Martha's?

5. Why didn't Martha leave the apartment right away when the grocery store incident happened?

6. What were some of the accomplishments that Martha Beck lists within the context of this book?

7. What were the two medical issues that John and Martha faced when he returned from his trip overseas?

8. What did Martha and John feel about the prospect of going to Harvard to get their degrees?

9. Why did John try to persuade Martha to abort the baby, as they sat in a cafe?

10. What was the sign that Martha sees from another student, helping her realize she is not the only one faking her way through school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

John begins to feel guilty that he's not closer to being done with his dissertation than he should be, according to his adviser.

Part 1: Why do you think John feels guilty about not being closer to finishing his dissertation?

Part 2: Do you think John needs to be easier on himself?

Part 3: How do you think John might want to handle the situation with his adviser and his dissertation?

Essay Topic 2

Martha discusses how she feels that she will be exposed as a fake when she is at Harvard.

Part 1: Why do you think Martha feels she is a fake?

Part 2: Do you think a lot of people who go to Harvard feel that way?

Part 3: How do you think a person might get past the feeling of being a fake in their environment?

Essay Topic 3

Though it is a holiday, John and Martha continue to work on their degrees while arguing about the holidays.

Part 1: Why do you think the holidays are a time of problems for many families?

Part 2: Do you think the Becks should have simply taken time to relax?

Part 3: What do you normally do when you are on vacation from school?

(see the answer keys)

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