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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 Chapter 25, what is the reason Andy gives for his father's newfound health?

2. What color does Elvissa paint her nails with in Chapter 16?

3. What does Tobias say his memory of life on Earth is?

4. Where is Claire heading for Christmas in Chapter 24?

5. Who shows up at the party to speak to Dag?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Andy and Tyler go shopping on Christmas Eve, why does Andy believe people are looking at them strangely?

2. How does Andy describe the MacArthurs in Chapter 20?

3. What does Andy explain about his father's health in Chapter 25?

4. What does Andy do for his family on Christmas morning?

5. What does Andy say about his brother Tyler's group of friends, the "Global Teens"?

6. How does Elvissa get her name?

7. As he explains in Chapter 29, how does Dag think he will die?

8. According to Andy, why will this year's Christmas holiday be different at the Palmer home?

9. What does Andy say is the kiss of death, personality-wise in Chapter 25?

10. In Chapter 20, what does Andy suggest is the best way to stop dogs from begging at the dinner table?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Andy's, Claire's, and Dag's transformation. Do they all grow and transform equally? How do their personal transformations come about? How are their transformations conveyed to the reader? What symbols and metaphors does the author use to illustrate these important events?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author of the novel, Douglas Coupland. What is his background and how does it relate to Generation X? Is he a Gen X'er?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the power of friendship in the novel. What are the relationships between the three main characters like?

(see the answer keys)

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