View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "A Speech to the Graduates," what does Sedaris say might prevent today's young people from enjoying a period of independence and exploration?
(a) Student debt.
(b) The housing crisis.
(c) Health care costs.
(d) The job market.

2. Which word best captures Sedaris's depiction of Eastern European decor in "To Serbia with Love"?
(a) Gaudy.
(b) Cozy.
(c) Utilitarian.
(d) Elegant.

3. In "Bruised," what concern does Sedaris raise with Hugh about Olivier's aggressive behavior?
(a) He is concerned that Olivier may have been molested.
(b) He is concerned that Oliver's parents have rejected him.
(c) He is concerned that someone has put Olivier up to acting this way.
(d) He is concerned that Olivier may be mentally ill.

4. In "To Serbia with Love," what smell does Sedaris complain is omnipresent during his travels in Eastern Europe?
(a) Animal manure.
(b) Cigarette smoke.
(c) Garbage.
(d) Burning coal.

5. What do Sedaris and his sister agree the gun range would be an ideal location for?
(a) Hosting a bachelor party.
(b) Practicing before a mass shooting.
(c) Shooting an NRA commercial.
(d) Committing suicide.

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

7. In "Father Time," what does Sedaris say is "unbearable" in children (26)?
(a) Apathy.
(b) Whining.
(c) Insolence.
(d) Sulking.

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

9. What does the Bushmaster ad that Sedaris sees explicitly associate guns with?
(a) Safety.
(b) Freedom.
(c) Romance.
(d) Masculinity.

10. What does Lisa think she knows more about than other people?
(a) How to care for animals.
(b) How to drive a car.
(c) How to defend herself.
(d) How to run a classroom.

11. In "Highfalutin," how does Sedaris contrast Amy's perspective with his own?
(a) She takes the long view, while he does not.
(b) She is empathetic, while he is not.
(c) She is self-centered, while he is not.
(d) She lives in the moment, while he does not.

12. In "Unbuttoned," what item of Sedaris's does he find in his father's room at Springmoor?
(a) A photo album.
(b) His latest book of essays.
(c) His childhood guitar.
(d) A picture he painted in high school.

13. In "Hurricane Season," what amenity does Sedaris say is irritating for next-door-neighbors?
(a) A trampoline.
(b) A motor boat.
(c) A pool.
(d) A barbecue pit.

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

15. In "A Speech to the Graduates," what is Sedaris's purpose in mentioning Gretchen's program of study and Amy's work at Second City?
(a) They demonstrate that gifted artists generally succeed quickly.
(b) They are examples of artistic career choices that contrast with safer career choices.
(c) They are a warning about the instability of non-traditional career choices.
(d) They illustrate his point that the post-college years can be the best years of a person's life.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Highfalutin," what is Sedaris insulted at being mistaken for?

2. What family event are the Sedarises anticipating when Lou first falls and has to be hospitalized?

3. In "Bruised," about how many people live in the village where the farmhouse is located?

4. In "Themes and Variations," what does Sedaris compare the main branch of the Chicago Public Library to?

5. Where is Sedaris in the opening of the essay "Unbuttoned"?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 584 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample