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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. A man knocks on a woman's door, hoping to sell a lampshade. What part of the man's body is missing?

2. The man also eats which part of his own body?

3. The man tells the woman about his former business as the owner of which of the following?

4. Jimmy's father accuses his son of ______.

5. One day at the theatre a girl hears about which famous battle?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the meaning behind the man's action in "Fingers."

2. What is the main issue with Jimmy in the beginning of "Ponderosa?"

3. What is the accident that injures Jimmy? What happens after the accident?

4. What common topic is discussed between the woman and the soldier in "Dish Night?"

5. Discuss the attitude of the man in "Wedding Night."

6. In "Grace Period," what do you think is happening to the man witnessing the bright light?

7. Discuss the opening scene in "Ponderosa."

8. Explain the scene between the woman and the salesman in the "Lampshade Vendor."

9. Give some examples of the man's experiences in "Subtotals."

10. How do Karen and Konrad meet in "Roseville?" What event does the meeting prompt?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Corners" is a story about three sisters, Mildred, Marie, and Jessie. Marie dies. Examine the process each sister must go through to come to terms with Marie's death. Who is the eldest sister? How does each handle Marie's death? Explain how Jessie's behavior is colored by jealousy as much as grief. Also examine how Mildred tries to cheer Jessie. Discuss sibling rivalry.

Essay Topic 2

In "Ponderosa," Jimmy is unhappy. Jimmy has been cheating on his wife although he denies it to his wife and father, who is a minister. The father tries to talk to Jimmy, but to no avail. Through an accident, Jimmy has half of his jaw shot off. The father sees it as divine intervention. Discuss Jimmy's predicament. Why does Jimmy continue to see his mistress if he is unhappy? What kind of upbringing did Jimmy have as the son of a minister? Does the father really believe that Jimmy's "accident" was divine intervention? Does Jimmy believe it? How does the accident affect Jimmy's life? Discuss the story from both sides. Also discuss what might have happened if Jimmy had not been shot.

Essay Topic 3

"The Last Parakeet" is a fanciful story about a Brazilian parakeet that has turned itself in and is prepared to tell its life story. Create a script for the parakeet's interview on national television. Ensure that the script is ten minutes in length. What types of questions might the interviewer ask the parakeet? What might the parakeet say regarding his unusual position? What questions would you ask the parakeet if you had the opportunity?

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