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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' enjoyment of the ocean was ruined by
(a) His experiences swimming in it.
(b) His father's explanation of the tides.
(c) His interest in sun-bathing.
(d) His mother's comparing it to a saltwater toilet.

2. Miss Sampson asks the previous question in order to
(a) Get Sedaris talking so she might hear his lisp.
(b) Provoke an argument about football.
(c) Trick Sedaris into revealing his disdain for sports.
(d) Determine whether or not she will like Sedaris.

3. Why is Sedaris unable to ignore the problem?
(a) He is obsessive about cleanliness.
(b) Everyone else knows he has been in the bathroom.
(c) He feels guilty about leaving a mess behind for others to clean up.
(d) Everyone else has already tried to clean it up an failed.

4. What finally convinces Sedaris that the computer might be interesting or enjoyable?
(a) Amy shows him Internet pornography.
(b) Amy shows him how to use the word processor.
(c) His father convinces him that he can work much faster on a computer.
(d) His father tells him how the Internet can connect the world.

5. Mr. Mancini claims to be
(a) A homosexual.
(b) A ladies man.
(c) A rock star.
(d) A frustrated artist.

Short Answer Questions

1. Paul's relationship with his father might be described as

2. Sedaris confesses his desire to perform what songs before an audience?

3. Lou Sedaris is concerned about Amy's looks because

4. Sedaris suggests his brother is radically different from his other siblings because

5. How does Sedaris prepare to teach his workshop?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Bonnie's character in City of Angels.

2. What reasons does Sedaris list for hating computers?

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

4. What does Sedaris find unusual about the way the food in his neighborhood restaurants is served on the plate.

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

6. Why does Sedaris feel the need to offer a comment to the final performance artist he mentions in the essay before he leaves?

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

8. Describe Amy Sedaris' appearance in the much-anticipated magazine article.

9. What are the main differences between Sedaris and his father outlined in the chapter?

10. How has Sedaris' mother explained bodily functions?

(see the answer keys)

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