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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "The Vacuum," what does Sedaris say he sees more of on the streets of New York during the pandemic?
(a) Pigeons.
(b) Garbage.
(c) Rats.
(d) Needles.

2. In the opening of "Fresh-Caught Haddock," whose death does Sedaris mention?
(a) Breonna Taylor.
(b) Andre Hill.
(c) Duante Wright.
(d) George Floyd.

3. In "Lucky-Go-Happy," when is Sedaris finally able to go back to touring?
(a) Spring of 2021.
(b) Fall of 2020.
(c) Spring of 2022.
(d) Fall of 2021.

4. In "Pearls," what does Sedaris call the "first step to divorce" (156)?
(a) Silence.
(b) Counseling.
(c) Separate bedrooms.
(d) A lack of shared interests.

5. In "Smile, Beautiful," what does a woman at a book signing tell Sedaris that brings him close to tears?
(a) He has inspired her to get her teeth fixed.
(b) He has a beautiful smile.
(c) He reminds her that looks do not matter.
(d) His book changed her life.

6. In "Smile, Beautiful," what finally inspires Sedaris to get his teeth fixed?
(a) The story that the thrift store clerk tells him.
(b) The pain he begins to feel when chewing.
(c) The experience of wearing a mask in the pandemic.
(d) Hugh's gentle encouragement and Amy's open teasing.

7. In "Pearls," what is "Luigi's"?
(a) Hugh and Sedaris's upstairs apartment.
(b) An imaginary dry cleaner's shop.
(c) The depressing neighborhood supermarket.
(d) Hugh and Sedaris's favorite restaurant.

8. In "The Vacuum," which standing appointment is Amy reluctant to move online?
(a) Massage.
(b) Acupuncture.
(c) Pilates instruction.
(d) Therapy.

9. In "Pearls," what age does Sedaris say is the official start of old age?
(a) 50.
(b) 45.
(c) 55.
(d) 60.

10. In "Happy-Go-Lucky," what is Sedaris stunned to hear Lou admit to being wrong about?
(a) Painting.
(b) Writing.
(c) Hoarding.
(d) Trump.

11. In "The Vacuum," what does Sedaris say is the only thing he was able to successfully hoard?
(a) One-ply toilet paper.
(b) Ground water buffalo.
(c) Designer hand sanitizers.
(d) Licorice Allsorts.

12. In "Lady Marmalade," what did Lou suggest Sedaris's childhood stomach pains were caused by?
(a) A desire for attention.
(b) A desire to get out of school.
(c) Their mother's cooking.
(d) Hemorrhoids.

13. In "Smile, Beautiful," what point is Sedaris trying to convey with the example of the woman whose face was injured by an animal bite?
(a) People with serious facial injuries should be pleased to be able to hide their injuries behind a mask.
(b) The language used to describe atypical facial characteristics contributes to discrimination.
(c) There is something strange about people who refuse to take advantage of medical interventions to fix serious facial injuries.
(d) People can be proud of themselves and like their own appearance regardless of whether it is typical.

14. In "The Vacuum," what task does Sedaris find himself performing for other shoppers?
(a) Opening the door.
(b) Sanitizing sales terminals.
(c) Locating stock.
(d) Bagging groceries.

15. In "Happy-Go-Lucky," how old does Lou claim to be?
(a) 21.
(b) 90.
(c) 100.
(d) 10.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "A Better Place," what does Sedaris envy about the group at the table across the room?

2. According to "Lady Marmalade," what was unusual about the way Lou usually dressed at home?

3. In "Happy-Go-Lucky," what is Sedaris relieved that his father does not remember accurately?

4. In "A Better Place," what feature of the restaurant does Sedaris repeatedly complain about?

5. In "Lucky-Go-Happy," why does Sedaris spend months thinking about a show he did in Vancouver?

(see the answer keys)

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