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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Hurricane Season," what do Hugh and Sedaris discover about Sea Section's second-floor ceilings?
(a) They were likely weakened by termites before the hurricane even hit.
(b) They will have to be replaced without central air ducts.
(c) Rats were living in them before the hurricane.
(d) Because of new building codes, they will be very expensive to replace.

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

3. What do Harrison and Austen prefer to spend their time doing?
(a) Scrolling through social media.
(b) Playing Nintendo Switch games.
(c) Watching TikTok and YouTube videos.
(d) Watching cartoons on television.

4. In "Unbuttoned," what word does Sedaris point out is one that Lou habitually uses to describe others?
(a) Bum.
(b) Weakling.
(c) Weasel.
(d) Freak.

5. 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.

6. Where is the farmhouse that Hugh owns in "Bruised"?
(a) Sussex.
(b) North Carolina.
(c) Normandy.
(d) Chartres.

7. In "A Speech to the Graduates," what does Sedaris say causes the resiliency of people in their early twenties?
(a) Physical attractiveness.
(b) Idealism.
(c) Inexperience.
(d) Good health.

8. What family event are the Sedarises anticipating when Lou first falls and has to be hospitalized?
(a) Lisa and Bob's fortieth wedding anniversary.
(b) Lou's 95th birthday.
(c) Gretchen's retirement party.
(d) A family vacation to the seaside.

9. In "Themes and Variations," what are the details of the airport McDonald's employee's appearance intended to convey?
(a) Sedaris feels guilty for misjudging the woman.
(b) Sedaris understands how fortunate he is to be healthy.
(c) Sedaris admires how much she does with few resources.
(d) Sedaris pities her because he thinks she is unattractive.

10. In "Unbuttoned," what does Sedaris notice on the floor of his father's house?
(a) A cat skeleton.
(b) Feces.
(c) A dead mouse.
(d) A pool of blood.

11. What comedian also named "David" do the nurses confuse Sedaris with in "Father Time"?
(a) Spade.
(b) Chappelle.
(c) Letterman.
(d) Cross.

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

13. 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) Scented candles.
(b) Caviar.
(c) Running shoes.
(d) Stationery.

14. Where did Sedaris once unexpectedly find a gun?
(a) In a pantry.
(b) Under a bed.
(c) In a medicine cabinet.
(d) In a desk drawer.

15. In "Hurricane Season," how does Sedaris characterize the difference between his own anger and Hugh's?
(a) His anger is fleeting; Hugh's anger is long-lasting.
(b) His anger is justified; Hugh's anger is arbitrary.
(c) His anger is personal; Hugh's anger is generalized.
(d) His anger is sarcastic; Hugh's anger is aggressive.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. In "Bruised," what word does Sedaris use to describe Hugh's farmhouse?

3. In "To Serbia with Love," what nationality is Milos?

4. In "Highfalutin," how does Sedaris contrast Amy's perspective with his own?

5. In "Themes and Variations," which person that he encounters during his tour does Sedaris say might be the only one who really "sees" him?

(see the answer keys)

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