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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. How long are babies available for borrowing before they are sent elsewhere?

2. Who is the author of the short story "Graceful Burdens"?

3. How old are women when they need to submit to genetic screening in "Graceful Burdens"?

4. In addition to information on where the baby is from and its name and age what other information is listed about the babies?

5. What might some wealthy women do if they do not pass the genetic screening to be allowed to procreate?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the card catalog in the library at the start of "Graceful Burdens."

2. What happens in "Graceful Burdens" once a woman is deemed suitable for procreation?

3. What happens in "Graceful Burdens" to women when they reach the age of 16?

4. What do some wealthy women do if they fail genetic screening?

5. Describe the area where the library babies stay until they are checked out.

6. What is the baby lending process at the Omaha Public Library?

7. What happens when Hadley tells her family she failed her genetic screening?

8. Why is Sidra hired for the caretaker position at the Omaha Public Library?

9. What is Hadley's life in Omaha like after she moves following her failed genetic screening?

10. Where are library babies sent when they turn three?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing Roxane Gay's language style and word choice in "Graceful Burdens." What are some words that stand out to you and why? What words are repeated? What words are most impactful? Explain your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Write a brief essay analyzing the title "Graceful Burdens." Explore the ways in which this title connects to the plot and themes of the story.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay discussing the setting and time period of "Graceful Burdens." In what ways does the time period and setting impact your understanding of the story as well as the themes?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 657 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample