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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 sends the girl to which type of establishment?

2. How many times does the man let the phone ring as a signal to his wife?

3. What is the name of the girlfriend in "The Burlington Northern, Southbound?"

4. In "Water," a woman goes to her boyfriend's apartment to do which of the following?

5. Which of the following is not on Jane's to-do list?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "The Cage," a man is trapped with no way to get free under his own power. Explain what happens that what it might mean.

2. Discuss the scene in the restaurant in "Deportation at Breakfast."

3. Girl: Discuss some of the items that the girl must learn to do in the home.

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

5. What happens when Louise finds Teddy on the floor in "Teddy's Canary?"

6. What happens to the babies in "The Parents?"

7. Girl: The mother gives the daughter several references about becoming what?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

A couple argues incessantly in "Blackberries." Why does the couple argue? Study the couple's dynamic to understand why they argue constantly. Are the issues they argue about important? Does the couple argue simply to argue? What can be done to change the couple's dynamic? Can the couple's relationship possibly be healthy? Also investigate how two people can argue without being hurtful, e.g., using "I" statements.

Essay Topic 3

A man desires to read his novel in "The Continuity of Parks." What about the novel has the man so intent on reading it? How does a person become so involved in a fantasy world that he becomes oblivious to everything around him? Is it a form of entertainment or escapism? Compare and contrast entertainment and escapism. Give examples of each as well as examples where both may apply.

(see the answer keys)

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