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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Sedaris claims he sees so many movies because
(a) He has no interest in other attractions.
(b) He has not seen most of these films in America.
(c) He is too lazy to do anything else.
(d) He is too intimidated by the French to do anything else.

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

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

4. In The Knockout, Sedaris is dismayed to find
(a) Many groups want him to represent their cause in the ring.
(b) No one believes he can win the fight.
(c) He is too old to enter a boxing match.
(d) Many groups object to his fighting since he has no passion for it.

5. Reggie believes that he is a genius because
(a) Sedaris has confirmed it.
(b) His childhood teachers told him so.
(c) His has an IQ of 130.
(d) He has a prestigious job.

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

7. Why did the class have to explain Easter to the Moroccan woman?
(a) She was not familiar with Muslim customs.
(b) She was not familiar with Christian customs.
(c) She did not know what Christianity was.
(d) She did not know the French word for Easter.

8. The crossword puzzles grow harder as
(a) The week progresses.
(b) They include sports and opera.
(c) They are translated into French.
(d) The months progress.

9. Sedaris insists that Hugh take the IQ test with him
(a) So that he can compare his score to someone else's.
(b) So that he can prove he is a genius to his father.
(c) So that he can prove he is smarter than Hugh.
(d) So that Hugh can translate the test into English for him.

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

11. Sedaris does not usually socialize with the members of his French class because
(a) He feels too ashamed of his minimal French.
(b) He feels too old and worn out.
(c) He feels too awkward about being an American.
(d) He feels awkward about his celebrity.

12. When men are injured by the vachettes, Sedaris
(a) Cries out and has to leave the arena.
(b) Laughs aloud.
(c) Is overcome with joy.
(d) Cries out and grabs his neighbors.

13. Sedaris is surprised to learn that in France,
(a) Easter chocolate is delivered by a giant bell.
(b) Thanksgiving Day revolves around a pumpkin.
(c) Halloween is a purely religious holiday.
(d) Christmas is celebrated in January.

14. When Sedaris completes his first puzzle,
(a) He carries it around proudly in his wallet.
(b) He calls his father to seek his approval.
(c) He calls his ex-boyfriend to brag about it.
(d) He decides it is too easy for him.

15. Sedaris decides to try a crossword puzzle when
(a) His father suggests he try a new hobby.
(b) He discovers his ex-boyfriend does them while on the phone.
(c) His father suggests he is not smart enought to do them.
(d) He discovers Hugh does them while on the phone.

Short Answer Questions

1. The celebrity Sedaris' barber is fascinated by is

2. Ultimately, Sedaris decides

3. Even without the language barrier, Sedaris doubts people can communicate clearly about

4. Sedaris finds that some stereotypes about Americans are:

5. Which of the following is not an unusual word Sedaris learned in French?

(see the answer keys)

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