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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. For what occasion has Arthur Less been asked to interview the science fiction writer?
(a) For the release of the science fiction writer's newest book.
(b) For the Pulitzer Prize award ceremony.
(c) For the twenty--fifth anniversary of the publication of the science fiction writer's best-known book.
(d) For the science fiction writer's seventieth birthday.

2. What is NOT on the list of expenses that Arthur Less cannot afford to pay for during his trip around the world?
(a) Cab fare.
(b) Clothing purchases.
(c) Nights out on the town.
(d) Medical emergency.

3. What was the title of Arthur Less's first novel?
(a) Dark Matter.
(b) Kalipso.
(c) The Counterglow.
(d) Cormorant Breach.

4. Which country is the last one on Arthur Less's itinerary?
(a) Japan.
(b) China.
(c) Italy.
(d) France.

5. On what holiday in 1987 did Arthur Less meet his one-time rival Carlos?
(a) Memorial Day.
(b) New Year's Day.
(c) Halloween.
(d) Labor Day.

6. In what area of New York City had Arthur Less lived for a time after college?
(a) The Meatpacking District.
(b) Long Island.
(c) The West Village.
(d) Manhattan.

7. The narrator says, "No one could rival Arthur Less for his ability to exit a room while" (37) performing what action?
(a) Remaining inside the room.
(b) Appearing to be coming right back.
(c) Avoiding notice.
(d) Leaving everyone in the room laughing.

8. In what city had Arthur Less spent his fortieth birthday, alone and lonely?
(a) Monterey.
(b) Palm Springs.
(c) Las Vegas.
(d) New York City.

9. For whom is the stadium in Parque Mexico named?
(a) Cesar Chavez.
(b) Charles Lindbergh.
(c) Englebert Humperdink.
(d) Oscar Zeta Acosta.

10. Though the narrator says that all Arthur Less has "managed to grow is a gentle sense of himself, akin to the transparent carapace of a soft-shelled crab" (6), what event is stated to still have the ability to hurt him?
(a) A mediocre review.
(b) Heartbreak.
(c) A careless slight.
(d) A rejection by a publisher.

11. What is the name of the science fiction writer's most famous character?
(a) Sherman.
(b) X3000.
(c) Peabody.
(d) George.

12. What is Freddy's legal first name?
(a) Freddy.
(b) Frederick.
(c) Federico.
(d) Frederich.

13. What reason does the festival organizer give for why he never attends the panels he puts together?
(a) He does not speak Spanish.
(b) He does not want to ruin his imagination.
(c) He does not like poetry.
(d) He is not interested in what authors have to say.

14. On what day of the Mexican festival is Arthur scheduled to speak?
(a) Day Five.
(b) Day Three.
(c) Day One.
(d) Day Two.

15. In what town did Arthur and Robert stay when they went to Mexico together?
(a) Mexico City.
(b) Tijuana.
(c) Baja.
(d) Ensenada.

Short Answer Questions

1. What color is the theme of the party at which Freddy and Arthur meet for the first time?

2. How often do Robert and Arthur still speak?

3. What career did Freddy inhabit after he graduated from college?

4. What color is the flesh of the beaked parrot-fish Arthur sees in the Mexican market?

5. What lie does Arthur tell to his escort upon his arrival in Mexico?

(see the answer keys)

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