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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. In "August Becky," what did Becky and Andrew decide to try with Ava?

2. What is the profession of Ayinde's husband?

3. What news does Steve tell Kelly in June?

4. Becky owns a restaurant with a partner. Who is the partner's name?

5. How does Ayinde feel about Richard leaving?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Richard, Ayinde's husband, appear to be ready to go on another trip?

2. Why does the director tell Ayinde that no one will tune in to watch her read the news?

3. Ayinde is experiencing pain and suffering when first introduced in "April Ayinde". Usually Ayinde is one that appears to have it all. In what ways is Ayinde experiencing pain and suffering?

4. Ayinde always claims to want to stay at home with Julian. How does she interpret the failed job interview to justify this desire?

5. Kelly jokes, "It takes a village to feed my child." What does this mean?

6. How does Lia's flight back to LA bring out the thought, "You can't go home again'?

7. What are some things that have shaped the way Kelly is today?

8. How does Ayinde feel about her mother sending her the book Priscilla Prewitt's Baby Success?

9. Why does Kelly panic when she finds out that Steve wants to become a teacher?

10. What are some reasons Becky refuses or does not want to speak to Mimi, her mother-in-law?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the midst of personal troubles, Becky's friends have difficulty finding ways that their lives are blessed and how they are fortunate. In particular, Kelly tends to be scornful when people call her lucky. But, towards the end of the story, she starts to realize how blessed and fortunate she is. How does motherhood tend to put things into perspective for Becky? What does Becky learn from her friends?

Essay Topic 2

Ayinde's life changes dramatically when she has her baby. One of the main ways it dramatically changes her life is it forces her to quit her career because of her husband's celebrity status. How does Ayinde's sense of self change after her marriage and the baby? Do you think Ayinde makes choices for her and her baby that she would have not made if she was still working? Why / why not? How is Ayinde's relationship with her husband and baby affected by her decision not to further pursue her career at this time?

Essay Topic 3

All four main characters are very different and have four very different lives with their husbands. Some women are forced to quit their jobs and stay at home with their children while the other women can go back to their careers. What are the similarities and differences among each of the four families?

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