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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. What was Bombeck's example of a typical topic on a game show?

2. What sort of shoes did Bombeck find particularly painful?

3. What joke did Bombeck's husband once play on her in "Register Camera Nuts?"

4. Of what would Bombeck find remnants of in handbags from her mother?

5. What did Bombeck's son cite specifically as being an article of clothing he wears several times before washing it?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Warning: Families May Be Dangerous To Your Health," what were signs that Bombeck's son was growing up?

2. Describe two parts of Bombeck's vacation laws.

3. What is "Inspector 56?"

4. What are some of the fashions Bombeck discusses in "Fashions and Fads that Underwhelmed Me"?

5. What were Bombeck's observations in regards to shopping carts?

6. In Bombeck's theoretical game show, what would lead to the winning contestant winning a mink coat?

7. For what reasons did Jackie believe game shows were bad for people?

8. Discuss Bombeck's analogy of children in "How to Speak Child Fluently."

9. What is significant about Bombeck's discovery of false eyelashes in purses from her mother?

10. What are some parts of "A Baby's Bill of Rights?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the subtle subversions in Bombeck's writing. Points to consider include her subjects, the time in which she wrote these essays, and her handling of serious matters in a light-hearted manner. Also, analyze how these attitudes are reflected in her children as they grow up and how her messages were affected by her success and national syndication. Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how Bombeck's success as a columnist was directly tied to the time period in which she wrote. Analyze the criticism she faced for her gender and seeming lack of feminism. Develop a clear thesis statement in order to discuss these questions and cite specific examples from the text to help support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Bombeck's use of observational humor in "If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?" Focus particularly on her anecdotes about her family and how she feels particularly confused by certain trends and ideas in society.

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