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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Themes and Variations," what does Sedaris compare the main branch of the Chicago Public Library to?
(a) A nightclub.
(b) A palace.
(c) A bus station.
(d) A morgue.

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

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

4. In "Bruised," what does Clotilde occupy herself with on most days?
(a) Swimming in the river.
(b) Playing with dominoes.
(c) Learning to bake.
(d) Collecting mushrooms and berries.

5. In "Hurricane Season," where does Sedaris get the idea for the name he wants to call the rental house?
(a) From one of his own essays.
(b) At the hardware store.
(c) From a movie.
(d) At the grocery store.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Highfalutin," what does Amy describe cutting up while under the influence of psychedelics?

2. In "A Speech to the Graduates," what does Sedaris say causes the resiliency of people in their early twenties?

3. In "Unbuttoned," what two items does Sedaris take from his father's house?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Active Shooter," what is the rhetorical purpose of the anecdote about Lisa believing a story she read in The Onion?

2. In "Bruised," what "secret" does Sedaris believe Olivier has discovered, and why does he guess that Olivier is struggling to accept his new knowledge?

3. In "Hurricane Season," what contrast does Sedaris explore between his reception of Hugh's criticisms of his family and his family's criticisms of Hugh?

4. In "Highfalutin," how does Sedaris describe Amy's writing and acting?

5. In "Unbuttoned," what irony does Sedaris recognize when Gretchen asks him to write Lou's obituary?

6. In "Bruised," how does Sedaris feel his identity is flattened by his lack of French language skills?

7. What decision did Lou make about his will that upset Sedaris, and why was it so upsetting?

8. In "Active Shooter," how is Lisa's concern about what she saw at Starbucks used as the basis for a joke later in the essay?

9. In "Highfalutin," how does Sedaris say his adult experience in front of cameras reflects his role in the childhood game he played with Amy?

10. In "Hurricane Season," how does Sedaris depict Hugh's attention to detail as a benefit of their relationship?

(see the answer keys)

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