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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. The man at the hospital was getting stitches in which part of his body?

2. The segments on the morning show include all but which subject?

3. What kind of dog is mentioned in "Here's Another Ending?"

4. At what time of day did the woman like to weed the garden?

5. in "Bread," the rich woman refuses to give bread to her sister so that she can feed her _____ children.

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the interview with "The Last Parakeet."

2. Why was the man so distraught in "The Paring Knife?"

3. Discuss the findings of the parents in "The Sewers of Salt Lake."

4. In "Here's Another Ending," discuss the actions of the owners of the dog and how they try to trick a neighbor.

5. What holiday tragedy happens to Franky Gorky in "The Nicest Kid in the Universe?"

6. What realization does the widow come to in regards to her missing husband?

7. What causes the woman to be upset in "Water?" What does the woman do?

8. Discuss the interruptions faced by the man in "The Continuity of Parks."

9. In "Corners," what are the sisters doing at the beginning of the story? What upsets Jessie so much that she runs outside?

10. The author of "Bread" questions if anyone should eat bread. Why?

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

Franky Gorky may be "The Nicest Kid in the Universe," but Franky is none too bright. Write two short stories about a character like Franky, or perhaps yourself, who receives three wishes. One story will reflect wise choices using the three wishes, and the second story will reflect making foolish choices. Would it be hard to decide what to do with the wishes?

Essay Topic 3

A 70-year-old woman copes with living alone in "Widow." Examine the woman's grief and remorse due to the loss of her husband. Also examine the woman's new-found sense of freedom and how she copes with the emptiness of her house and lack of rules.

(see the answer keys)

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