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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 is the name of the friend Daniel makes at camp who also lives in L.A.?

2. How large is Claudia's tumor?

3. What happened to Patricia when the family went to Big Bear one year?

4. When Claudia's Malibu house is sold, what percent of the proceeds will she keep?

5. Where does Felix take the twins on May 29?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do family and friends do for Claudia on July 4?

2. How does Olivia keep her embryos?

3. On their 40th anniversary, what conversation do Oscar and Keila have about presents?

4. What are the terms of Olivia's divorce?

5. Why is Oscar angry after the phone call with Eric discussing his and Patricia's divorce?

6. What do Olivia and Patricia discover when they go to get pajamas, clothes, and makeup for Claudia on May 3?

7. What happened after Claudia collapsed?

8. Why does Claudia begin to realize that she may not be able to go back to work after she finishes her rehabilitation?

9. What nightmare is Patricia having in August?

10. What does Oscar say about L.A. weather to Claudia on June 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the storyline? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 2

Claudia is diagnosed with a brain tumor. How does the brain tumor affect Claudia physically and emotionally? Why is she not able to be a chef any longer?

Essay Topic 3

Simon Brik is an art gallery owner who exhibits Keila’s art. What is the relationship between Keila and Simon? Why does she feel vulnerable when she is with him in February?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,069 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample