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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. About how old is Barbra in “A Woman with a Little Dog”?
(a) 35.
(b) 60.
(c) 70.
(d) 80.

2. What do Smith and Ben complain they have to do during the many public school days off?
(a) Hang out with their kids.
(b) Scramble for childcare.
(c) Bring their kids to work.
(d) Read to their kids.

3. What is the title of the first short essay in “Screengrabs”?
(a) A Man with Strong Hands.
(b) Ben.
(c) A Writer’s Life.
(d) My Masseuse.

4. Though Smith typically walks by sign holders in the park, what sign intrigues her in “A Provocation in the Park”?
(a) “I am a self-hating Asian. Let’s talk!”
(b) “Ask me about the key to happiness!”
(c) “Let’s Talk Palestine!”
(d) “Free Hugs!”

5. From whom does Smith say she learned the art of mothering?
(a) Mags.
(b) Devorah.
(c) Carol.
(d) Her mother.

6. Why is Smith getting cash at the start of “A Character in a Wheelchair in the Vestibule”?
(a) Credit card machines across the city are down.
(b) She does not like credit cards.
(c) The restaurant she ordered from does not take credit card.
(d) She and her husband are leaving the city and want to have cash on them.

7. What is the name of the story Smith wrote that includes the homeless man she sees at the ATM?
(a) "My Friend Myron."
(b) "Words and Music."
(c) "Phones and ATMs."
(d) "Homeless Men Who Sing."

8. Who does Smith credit for “delirium, delight, youth, sunshine, love letters, love songs” (92)?
(a) Her children.
(b) Mags.
(c) Nick.
(d) Ben.

9. Smith says that if you were to ask Barbara what she might be doing on a particular holiday, what is one possible answer she might give?
(a) Binging on Netflix.
(b) Ordering take-out.
(c) Going to the Catskills.
(d) Sleeping late.

10. What is the name of the elderly woman's dog referenced in “A Woman with a Little Dog”?
(a) Barky.
(b) Spot.
(c) Fido.
(d) Beck.

11. What type of self-hate does Smith say is a sign of mental illness?
(a) Disproportionate.
(b) Body type.
(c) Passionate.
(d) Ethno-Racial.

12. How do Smith and her mother communicate during the pandemic lockdown?
(a) Video conference.
(b) Letter writing.
(c) Text.
(d) Phone calls.

13. What is the name of Smith’s masseur in “A Man with Strong Hands”?
(a) Sarah.
(b) Ben.
(c) Brendan.
(d) Jill.

14. Where are Smith and husband planing to fly to as soon as they are able in “A Character in a Wheelchair in the Vestibule”?
(a) Barcelona.
(b) Paris.
(c) Rome.
(d) London.

15. Despite Barbara insisting her dog is well-behaved, Smith says the dog does what to everyone who walks by?
(a) Growls at.
(b) Tries to bite.
(c) Jump on.
(d) Chases.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is different about the nail salon Smith describes in “A Man with Strong Hands” compared to others in her area?

2. What is NOT one of the reasons Smith considers might be behind the sign she saw in Central Park?

3. Who taught Smith “the importance of finding your own language” (90)?

4. What are the two subjects Smith says she and her masseur talk about while she gets a massage?

5. What phrase does Smith use to describes Cy’s style in “A Hovering Young Man”?

(see the answer keys)

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