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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Gay, statistics say that what percentage of Americans are obese?

2. What piece of exercise equipment sits in the corner of Gay's bedroom?

3. Which magazine did Gay have to do a professional photo shoot for?

4. Why does Gay like to get tattoos?

5. What kind of cooking does Gay most enjoy?

Short Essay Questions

1. What problem does Gay have when she starts to lose weight and begins feeling better about herself?

2. What is the reason Gay gives for becoming a vegetarian?

3. What is the difference between Gay’s two wardrobes?

4. Why does Gay eventually call her parents and go back home?

5. What does Gay mean by what she calls Lane Bryant fat?

6. What medical reason does Gay say is responsible for contestants on shows like The Biggest Loser gaining most of their weight back?

7. Why does Gay say she is envious of anorexic girls even though she knows they are also struggling terribly?

8. What kind of a job does Gay have while she is living in Phoenix?

9. As Gay is finishing her MA program in creative writing, what are most of the fictional stories she writes about?

10. Why does Gay say she still watches reality television weight-loss shows even though she hates them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While Gay details her parents’ love and support, she also feels tension with them because of her obesity. Write an essay analyzing the complications and tensions involved in Gay’s relationship with her parents.

Essay Topic 2

Gay repeatedly uses the word “or” to link two disparate ideas. “I do not know why I turned to food. Or I do” (53). “I hate myself. Or society tells me I am supposed to hate myself” (148). Write an essay exploring Gay’s use of this construction and its effect on her arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Growing up in Haitian-American family, Gay felt there were certain expectations and roles she was required to fulfill. Write an essay analyzing how Gay’s cultural background affected her struggles with obesity and loneliness.

(see the answer keys)

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