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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Though Sedaris is in Paris, he spends most of his time
(a) Watching American films.
(b) Watching silent films.
(c) Watching documentaries.
(d) Watching foreign films.

2. In this essay, Sedaris' itineraries revolve around
(a) Tourist traps.
(b) Movie showings.
(c) Restaurants.
(d) Historical sites.

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

4. Martin, the American husband, remarks that
(a) Sedaris, like all the French, smells badly.
(b) Sedaris stole his wallet on his last trip to Paris.
(c) Sedaris stole Hugh's wallet.
(d) Sedaris does not speak French well.

5. Though the teacher ridicules him in the end, Sedaris is proud because
(a) He understands every word she is saying.
(b) He thinks she is complimenting him.
(c) He agrees with her.
(d) He has finally learned to defend himself in French.

6. The derogatory term Martin uses for a French person is
(a) Fritter.
(b) Froggy.
(c) French fry.
(d) Fruit.

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

8. What is the most difficult part of learning French for Sedaris?
(a) Memorizing which nouns are masculine and feminine.
(b) Memorizing nouns.
(c) Memorizing plural forms of nouns.
(d) Conjugating verbs.

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

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

11. As an adult, what prompts Sedaris to believe he is a genius?
(a) His philosophical theories.
(b) His art.
(c) Drugs.
(d) Alcohol.

12. What does Sedaris notice about many signs posted in America?
(a) The signs suggest a level of sophistication among Americans.
(b) The signs are clearly posted to avoid lawsuits.
(c) The signs are clearly posted to help travellers feel comfortable.
(d) The signs are clearly posted to insult the intelligence of foreigners.

13. At the start of the essay, Sedaris explains how he met
(a) Bonnie.
(b) Alisha.
(c) Amy.
(d) Hugh.

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

15. Sedaris bonds with the other students
(a) Over the common hope that their teacher will like them.
(b) Over their common fear of failing the class.
(c) Over the common fear that they will never learn French.
(d) Over their hatred for the teacher.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why are the students in Sedaris' French class intimidated by the teacher?

2. Whose childhood stories does Sedaris borrow for this essay?

3. Sedaris finds that most of the people in class share the belief that

4. At first, Sedaris resists the Walkman because

5. Sedaris insists that Hugh take the IQ test with him

(see the answer keys)

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