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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. For how long was Arthur romantically involved with the professor, Howard?
(a) 3 years.
(b) 3 months.
(c) 6 months.
(d) 9 years.

2. What topic is NOT on the list of questions Arthur Less is forbidden to ask the science fiction writer during the interview?
(a) His poorly-reviewed poetry collection.
(b) His daughter.
(c) His age.
(d) His wife.

3. Who painted the nude portrait of Arthur when he was a young man?
(a) Otto Handler.
(b) Chelsea Hovorka.
(c) Franklin Woodhouse.
(d) Leonard Ross.

4. When Freddy and Arthur are sitting in the bar and are describing one another using one sentence, Freddy describes Arthur using what adjective?
(a) Passive-aggressive.
(b) Brave.
(c) Scared.
(d) Angry.

5. For what occasion has Arthur Less been asked to interview the science fiction writer?
(a) For the science fiction writer's seventieth birthday.
(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 release of the science fiction writer's newest book.

6. What language does Arthur mention to his literary escort that he had studied in high school, referring to his choice as a big mistake?
(a) German.
(b) Spanish.
(c) Latin.
(d) French.

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

8. What is the name of the local writer who acts as Arthur's escort during his time in Mexico?
(a) Armando.
(b) Arturo.
(c) Juan.
(d) Roberto.

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

10. The one step on Arthur's itinerary that qualifies as an act of self-indulgence is his sojourn across what country?
(a) Mazatlan.
(b) Italy.
(c) Greece.
(d) Morocco.

11. What food does the guide in Mexico City name as being at the center of Mexican cuisine?
(a) Chilis.
(b) Beans.
(c) Tortillas.
(d) Pork.

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

13. In what month does the novel open?
(a) June.
(b) January.
(c) October.
(d) August.

14. In what desert does Arthur Less plan to turn 50 years old?
(a) The Gobi.
(b) The Sierra.
(c) The Mojave.
(d) The Sahara.

15. What food does Arthur Less eat for dinner in order to make up for the extravagance of seeing a Broadway show on his first night in New York City?
(a) A teriyaki plate.
(b) A slice of pizza.
(c) A gyro.
(d) A hot dog.

Short Answer Questions

1. Besides long, which adjective is used by the narrator to describe Arthur Less's nose?

2. In what city does Arthur Less currently live?

3. On what holiday in 1987 did Arthur Less meet his one-time rival Carlos?

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

5. In what city had Arthur Less spent his fortieth birthday, alone and lonely?

(see the answer keys)

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