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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Hugh's father was late picking him up from the movies, he discovered
(a) The theatre had only folding chairs and a sheet for a screen.
(b) A dead man hanging from a telephone pole.
(c) A new film about a talking Volkswagen.
(d) A man killing a pig with a shotgun.

2. Why are the students in Sedaris' French class intimidated by the teacher?
(a) The teacher refuses to speak French until lthe students speak it perfectly.
(b) The teacher claims to believe all the students are stupid.
(c) The teacher is sarcastic and ridicules the students.
(d) The teacher will not allow the students to speak aloud in class.

3. What does Sedaris admit to feeling for America?
(a) Pride.
(b) Arrogance.
(c) Anger.
(d) Contempt.

4. Unlike American theaters, French theaters
(a) Do not offer many concessions.
(b) Do not allow repeat viewings.
(c) Do not offer a choice of seats.
(d) Do not offer ice cream.

5. According to Sedaris, what did Hugh gain from his difficult experiences?
(a) A sense of fortitude.
(b) A sense of self-righteousness.
(c) A great selection of childhood stories.
(d) A position with the State Department.

6. Tea keeps Sedaris awake because
(a) It is considered "decaf," which offends him.
(b) He does not like the taste of it.
(c) He can only drink a cup or two before it makes him sick.
(d) It is caffeinated and makes him need to use the bathroom.

7. The celebrity Sedaris' barber is fascinated by is
(a) Michael Jackson.
(b) Jodi Foster.
(c) Mel Gibson.
(d) Madonna.

8. What holiday does Sedaris find himself explaining to a Moroccan woman in his French class?
(a) Easter.
(b) Christmas.
(c) Halloween.
(d) Thanksgiving.

9. The Texans on the Metro do not make room for the growing crowd because
(a) They are too tired to get up.
(b) They are unable to make their seats fold up.
(c) They feel entitled to their seats.
(d) They are unable to read the signs instructing them to do so.

10. The toughest trip Sedaris can remember enduring as a child involved
(a) Having to hide in the back of a jeep while soldiers pursued him.
(b) Taking care of his grandmother who had Alzheimer's.
(c) Taking part in the sack race at the IBM picnic.
(d) Living with a family who did not remember his birthday.

11. Sedaris says he sounds like an evil baby when speaking French because
(a) He only uses nouns at first.
(b) He refuses to learn new words.
(c) He only uses curse words.
(d) He refuses to speak French aloud.

12. Sedaris is disappointed when
(a) Police accuse him of being a gawker.
(b) Police help the blonde woman at the fair.
(c) Police make everyone leave the scene at the Paris fair.
(d) Police inform him that the accident is not a planned part of the show.

13. What led Sedaris to take an IQ test?
(a) Curiosity.
(b) Laziness.
(c) Self-pity.
(d) Fear.

14. What changes Sedaris' mind about visiting France for the summer?
(a) The promise of being a local celebrity convinces Sedaris to visit France.
(b) The gifts Hugh brings him convince Sedaris to visit France.
(c) Loneliness convinces Sedaris to visit France.
(d) The desire to learn French convinces Sedaris to visit France.

15. Instead of listening to French language tapes, Sedaris listens to
(a) American books on tape.
(b) French text books on tape.
(c) Old rock and roll tape.
(d) Children's books on tape.

Short Answer Questions

1. Sedaris attempts to impress his teacher by

2. In The Knockout, Sedaris is dismayed to find

3. Using the reference books, Sedaris discovers a whole new world of

4. What does Sedaris notice about many signs posted in America?

5. Sedaris bonds with the other students

(see the answer keys)

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