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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Sedaris enjoys Alisha's visits because
(a) She is independent and always goes out on her own.
(b) She is willing to do whatever anyone else wants to do.
(c) She never brings guests.
(d) She has her own opinions on New York.

2. While Sedaris has been preoccupied with tanning, his father has been preoccupied with
(a) His fear of the ocean.
(b) Scientific questions.
(c) The Miss Emollient Pageant.
(d) The price of beachfront property.

3. How does Sedaris prepare to teach his workshop?
(a) He practices introducing himself in front of the mirror while holding a briefcase.
(b) He writes elaborate lesson plans.
(c) He organizes several get-to-know-you activities.
(d) He reads articles by famous writers.

4. Sedaris attempts to hide his lisp by
(a) Learning as many s-free words as possible.
(b) Practicing his s-words at home.
(c) Mispronouncing all his words.
(d) Refusing to speak during therapy.

5. One aspect of the food that disturbs Sedaris is
(a) That it is laid out in a horizontal line.
(b) That it is stacked vertically on his plate.
(c) That it is arranged to look like a face on his plate.
(d) That it is piled in an unrecognizable heap.

Short Answer Questions

1. Sedaris' enjoyment of the ocean was ruined by

2. Bonnie is most interested in

3. One reason Sedaris resists the computer is

4. What passion does Sedaris' father attempt to share with his children?

5. Why is it difficult for Sedaris to travel with a typewriter?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are Valencia and Patrick different?

2. Why does Mr. Mancini constantly refer to women and his sexual exploits?

3. Describe Sedaris' tone in relation to his own artistic talents.

4. Why does Sedaris claim to prefer the belief that his television is inhabited by tiny humans over a scientific explanation of its workings?

5. Why does the young Sedaris miss the irony of the fisherman's inability to live by the seashore?

6. What features of the the typewriter does Sedaris praise?

7. Why does Sedaris claim he lives in constant fear as Mr. Sedaris?

8. What attributes of Paul's relationship with his father seem to balance out his directness and crude behavior?

9. Why doesn't Sedaris plan any activities for his writing class beyond the first introductions?

10. What does Amy Sedaris do to torture her father over Christmas vacation?

(see the answer keys)

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