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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. In "I Get Smart," a woman initially owns ____ cats.

2. What is Mr. Mumsford's job?

3. What is the name of the girl's sister, who is a nun?

4. What is the name of the male lead character in "Fingers?"

5. in "The Father," a family questions the appearance of a new _____.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What causes the car accident in "Pumpkins?"

3. Why does the girlfriend refuse to return her would-be husband's phone calls?

4. In "Nadine at 35: Synopsis," explain what Nadine does when her husband leaves her and why she allows him to come back.

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

6. Why do the man and his young lover have such varying opinions on what they see in "Everything is Green?"

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

8. Explain the goal of the stones in the desert.

9. "The Appalachian Trail" reflects the story of a wife determined to hike the 2,000 mile trail. Discuss the husband's reaction to the trip.

10. What causes the stones to become fearful? What is a distinction of stones?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Bread" discusses the fact that while many of us eat bread, there are many people that are starving and could benefit from the bread we take for granted. Who decides who should eat and who should starve? Should people curb what they eat in order to provide food for people half way around the world? Is there an impact on those people decided by what we eat? How does supply and demand fit into the picture? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

In "The Stones," the old stones have chosen to forget about or cease to talk about their adventures as young stones. Discuss in detail the behavior of the old stones versus the young stones. How have the old stones changed? What is the opinion of the young stones regarding their elders? Compare the attitudes of the old and young stones to grandparents, parents and children. What are the similarities? Does the story help to change your outlook on the opinions and advice of your elders? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

here are two poems that deal with trains: "Love Poems" and "The Burlington Northern, Southbound." Discuss the use of trains as imagery and how the inspire each author. Also discuss trains as a metaphor and how they are or are not appropriate to the stories. Research and find other poems using trains, e.g., Alan Ginsberg's "Sunflower Sutra," to compare and contrast. Which is the best use of a train as an inspiration and/or image?

(see the answer keys)

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