View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Since life is filled with insane situations, it seems that there is no reason to try to approach life as though these situations were always _____________.

2. Who does Jen imagine is surrounding her when she is in her drugged and drunk state after leaving her meeting?

3. While everyone loves this person, this person still drives everyone crazy with his/her silly and boundless energy. Who is it?

4. Kathleen mentions that she would like to see ____________, since Jen's brothers already have.

5. Who is the person that first hears Wallace stumble in order to think of a word?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Kathleen say about the relationship between Eric and Jen, according to the story?

2. Why does Jen decide that she wants to clean houses for a living, at least at this point of the story?

3. What does Sarah say is completely normal when the children walk into the hospital room?

4. What has happened to all of Jen's male friends, or so she remembers when she is driving away from the hospital?

5. How did Eric and Jen meet, according to the story that Jen tells in the book?

6. What does Jen know will happen every time she schedules a meeting with Kathleen?

7. What happens when Jen gets really drunk after calling up Kathleen after their missed appointment?

8. What is the finding of the doctor when Wallace goes in to find out more about the difficulties he's having?

9. What does the family do in the days leading up to Wallace's surgery, trying to forget about what's to happen?

10. What is the reason that Wallace is having some troubles talking, according to Sarah's report to the children?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Randy presents his father with the dead heron, which he has now gotten stuffed.

Part 1: Why do you think Randy felt this was an appropriate present?

Part 2: What do you think the dead heron symbolizes for the family?

Part 3: Do you think that Wallace appreciates the gift?

Essay Topic 2

Kathleen interprets a dream of Jen's to mean that she is afraid for others to see the bad parts of herself.

Part 1: Do you think that Kathleen's dream assessment is accurate? Why or why not?

Part 2: Do you think that all people are afraid for others to see the bad parts of themselves?

Part 3: How do you think a person's life might change if others saw the bad parts of these people?

Essay Topic 3

Megan's relationship to Honey seems to be a comfortable one, one in which they see each other and hope to see each other again soon, even though Honey knows she is old.

Part 1: Why do you think Megan goes to see Honey?

Part 2: Do you think that Honey likes Jen?

Part 3: How do you think Megan's visits with Honey are helpful to the both of them?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 701 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample