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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Themes and Variations," how does Sedaris meet Mary?
(a) She is a taxi driver.
(b) She is a front desk clerk.
(c) She is his media escort.
(d) She owns a bookstore.

2. In "To Serbia with Love," what nationality is Milos?
(a) Romanian.
(b) Polish.
(c) Ukranian.
(d) Serbian.

3. Where does Sedaris see Olivier working when Oliver is about 20 years old?
(a) On a landscaping crew.
(b) At the local college.
(c) At the hypermarket.
(d) In a clothing boutique.

4. What is the name of the nursing home that Lou moves into?
(a) Mayview.
(b) Oakpointe.
(c) Hillcrest.
(d) Springmoor.

5. In "Bruised," what word does Sedaris use to describe Hugh's farmhouse?
(a) Hovel.
(b) Shack.
(c) Kennel.
(d) Stable.

6. In "A Speech to the Graduates," what item does Sedaris tells students to not bother buying unless they can afford one of two specific brands?
(a) Running shoes.
(b) Scented candles.
(c) Stationery.
(d) Caviar.

7. What name does the gun-safety instructor keep calling Sedaris?
(a) Tom.
(b) Mike.
(c) Randy.
(d) Lonnie.

8. In "To Serbia with Love," what does Sedaris learn "Belgrade" means?
(a) City of Joy.
(b) Small Castle.
(c) White City.
(d) Spring of Water.

9. In the beginning of "Unbuttoned," what has put Lou in the hospital?
(a) A series of strokes.
(b) Congestive heart failure.
(c) Liver failure.
(d) Bladder cancer.

10. In "Themes and Variations," who helps Sedaris choose a person to give money to at the public library?
(a) A mother and child.
(b) The reference librarian.
(c) A community college student.
(d) The security guard.

11. In "Highfalutin," what feature that he and Amy share embarrasses Sedaris at lunch?
(a) Poor posture.
(b) Dental problems.
(c) Sagging skin.
(d) Thinning hair.

12. Who ends up cleaning most of Lou's blood up after the clock falls on him?
(a) Lisa.
(b) Hugh.
(c) Bob.
(d) Kathy.

13. In "Unbuttoned," which of Sedaris's siblings says that Lou is their best friend?
(a) Amy.
(b) Lisa.
(c) Gretchen.
(d) Paul.

14. In "Themes and Variations," what two topics does Sedaris note seem to overlap in many jokes?
(a) Sex and misogyny.
(b) Misogyny and politics.
(c) Religion and sex.
(d) Politics and religion.

15. In "Hurricane Season," what comment does Sedaris make about the names of hurricanes?
(a) They should include traditionally male names.
(b) They are too innocent-sounding.
(c) They are too old-fashioned.
(d) They should include names with diverse ethnic origins.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Themes and Variations," what is Sedaris's tone as he discusses the excuses men give when they arrive in the ER with objects lodged in their rectums?

2. In "Highfalutin," what does Sedaris ultimately decide his idea of perfect happiness is?

3. In "Bruised," what aspect of his identity makes Sedaris afraid that people will not believe him if Olivier tells lies about his behavior?

4. In "Highfalutin," who are Lex and Germalina?

5. In "Highfalutin," where have Sedaris and Hugh moved just before the lunch with Amy takes place?

(see the answer keys)

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