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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. What is unusual about the woman in the neighborhood?

2. The woman teaches her daughter how to ___ without getting hit.

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

4. The man is fighting in which war?

5. The girl receives so many ____ that she begins to collect them.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Henry Dobbins use as a way of protecting himself while at war? What happens that might change the talisman?

3. Discuss the life of the young girl in "The Restraints."

4. In "Fear: Four Examples," explain the main source of the man's fear regarding his daughter.

5. Discuss the odd behavior in the town described in "A Chronicler's Sin."

6. "Here" describes a neighborhood in which everyone is friendly but does not socialize. Describe the neighborhood.

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

8. Why does Emily feel invisible in "Offerings?" What does Emily do after she collects a large number of apologies?

9. 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.

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

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

"Fingers" is a strange tale about a woman that must subdue her kitchen before every evening meal. Discuss the author's format and style as well as possible inspiration for the story. What about the kitchen and its utensils and appliances that cause the compulsion to destroy and/or hurt oneself? What other compulsions, if any, are present? What is the gory outcome of the story? How will it change the nightly kitchen ritual?

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?

(see the answer keys)

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