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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 did Hadley's parents tell her she could do once she failed her genetic screening?

2. Where are women allowed to go to borrow babies in "Graceful Burdens"?

3. How is Sidra described as an employee?

4. What is one of the four places babies may be sent to when they age out of the lending program?

5. How long are women allowed to check out borrowed babies?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay exploring the themes of freedom and control in "Graceful Burdens." What images, objects, actions, or symbols represent these themes? Use strong textual evidence to support your exploration.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about the author of "Graceful Burdens." Who is she? What else has she written? How is "Graceful Burdens" similar or different from her previous works?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 659 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample