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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 goes to work for Patrick because
(a) Valencia has demanded he and Patrick catch a rare bird.
(b) Valencia has cut his hours, and Patrick offers him a job moving furniture.
(c) Valencia has refused to pay him, and Patrick is wealthy.
(d) Patrick has the same contempt for the wealthy that Sedaris feels.

2. Sedaris finally recognizes Mr. Mancini as a fellow outsider when
(a) He sees Mancini shopping in the boys' department for clothes.
(b) He sees Mancini getting harrassed at the mall.
(c) He recognizes that Mancini does not have any talent.
(d) He recognizes that Mancini is unhappy in his work.

3. Sedaris feels out of place in the restaurant because
(a) He has to borrow a jacket from the maitre d'.
(b) He does not like any of the food.
(c) He is on his first date with Hugh.
(d) He cannot understand the menu.

4. What passion does Sedaris' father attempt to share with his children?
(a) His love of guitar.
(b) His love of North Carolina.
(c) His love of quartets.
(d) His love of jazz.

5. Sedaris' father asks him if he knows
(a) How many grains of sand there are in the world.
(b) How many fish there are in the ocean.
(c) Why the fishermen are so tan.
(d) If he is aware of the dangers of sun-tanning.

Short Answer Questions

1. Sedaris enjoys Alisha's visits because

2. Sedaris recalls that his mother explained

3. During their last meeting together, Sedaris learns that Miss Sampson

4. How does Sedaris prepare to teach his workshop?

5. Miss Sampson believes Sedaris lisps because

Short Essay Questions

1. When does Sedaris come to understand his parents' experience with dying pets?

2. Describe Sedaris' attitude in the face of the task he has to perform in his friend's bathroom.

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

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

5. Why does Sedaris suggest Miss Sampson's "timing was off" when she reveals her human side during their last session?

6. How has Sedaris' mother explained bodily functions?

7. What reasons does Sedaris list for hating computers?

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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