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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. When did Bombeck's son begin to believe that he was unappreciated by everyone?

2. In "Fashions and Fads that Underwhelmed Me," what aspect of fashion trends did Bombeck discuss?

3. Ultimately, why would Bombeck's winner in her game show scenario have been disqualified?

4. In Bombeck's analogy for children, why is their success bittersweet?

5. What law did Bombeck decide should exist in "Register Camera Nuts?"

Short Essay Questions

1. What were Bombeck's beliefs about kissing?

2. Why was Bombeck always consistently cold in "The Right to Declare War?"

3. For what reasons was Bombeck always self-conscious about using the drive-in at a bank?

4. What was the story behind the note in "Warning: Families May Be Dangerous To Your Healthy."

5. What is "Inspector 56?"

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

7. How did Bombeck's husband humorously skewer the idealization of her analogy in "How to Speak Child Fluently"?

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

9. Why was Bombeck's son resistant to putting away his clean laundry?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss aspects of Bombeck's writing techniques in the following format:

Part 1) Exaggeration.

Part 2) Subversion of cliches.

Part 3) Analogies.

Part 4) Nostalgia without the saccharine undertones.

Part 5) Honesty.

Compose a strong thesis and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Compose an essay that discusses the evolution of Bombeck's writing using "If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?" Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments. Discuss the changes in the technical aspects of her writing, her subject matter, and how her opinions did or did not change on certain topics throughout the years. Do not focus on these topics exclusively. In this essay, creating an outline to guide your work will be helpful.

(see the answer keys)

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