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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. Happiness can be found when the result of certain events meet or exceed _____________ of the person in the situation.

2. One can almost experience flow before a ____________ event because of the love of the art.

3. A large portion of enjoyable acts are those which often involve __________ as well.

4. In a structured atmosphere, it is possible and easier to measure optimal experience through a _______________.

5. What is not listed as one of the obstacles that can prevent a naturally driven person from reaching their goals?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the author think would happen if a person did not have a consciousness?

2. What are the five key factors that can assure that a child may have an optimum experience in his life?

3. Since it is not necessarily the events in one's life that cause happiness, what does the author propose causes the happiness around events?

4. What is the question that the book says psychologists and philosophers are no closer to finding the answer to?

5. What can the self give insight into, according to Csikszentmihalyi in this section of the book?

6. Where does flow tend to occur most often in life, according to the author?

7. How does the author say that happiness can be achieved, as he does not believe it is an unattainable goal?

8. What are some crucial elements in achieving enjoyment in one's life, according to this book?

9. What might happen if a person were to burst into an office demanding answers as to why they got passed over for a promotion?

10. What is the relationship between culture and the way a person can experience flow in his life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Solitude can be a blessing for some and a curse for others, depending on their needs.

Part 1: How do you feel about the idea of solitude? Is it enjoyable? Unbearable?

Part 2: Do you think all people need to have some solitude?

Part 3: Why do you think the solitude can help a person regain focus in their lives?

Essay Topic 2

Changing external conditions is one of the ways in which the quality of life can be improved, according to the author.

Part 1: Why do you think changing things outside of yourself makes you happier?

Part 2: Do you agree that changing things around you is a way to create permanent happiness?

Part 3: In what ways do you think that changing the external conditions of your life may not cause happiness?

Essay Topic 3

Though some people do not like work, they don't experience flow in their leisure time either.

Part 1: Why do you think some people aren't finding flow in their lives?

Part 2: Do you think you'd feel more flow with more or less leisure time? Why?

Part 3: How do you think your life would change if you had more free time?

(see the answer keys)

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