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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. Why is it difficult for Sedaris to travel with a typewriter?
(a) Sedaris insults security, and this calls attention to him and his typewriter.
(b) The typewriter is heavy and cumbersome.
(c) Security usually does not know what a typewriter is.
(d) Security finds the typewriter unusual enough to stop him regularly.

2. One reason Sedaris resists the computer is
(a) He likes to be able to physically correct his mistakes using Liquid Paper.
(b) He likes to see the physical product of his work, as he does with a typewriter.
(c) He believes the computer cannot translate his words correctly.
(d) He likes travelling with the typewriter.

3. What prompts Sedaris to find a job in New York?
(a) His father disapproves of his lifestyle.
(b) He is ashamed of his poverty.
(c) He cannot live on his savings alone in New York.
(d) He is planning to buy a townhouse.

4. Facing his lack of artistic talent might mean
(a) Sobering up and moving on.
(b) Needing more drugs.
(c) Admitting his father was right.
(d) Learning a new trade.

5. Miss Sampson attempts to illustrate Sedaris' speech problem by
(a) Over enunciating her 's' sounds.
(b) Asking the rest of the class to comment on it.
(c) Making fun of his lisp at every opportunity.
(d) Insisting Sedaris only use 's' words.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Sedaris unable to ignore the problem?

2. Bonnie is most interested in

3. Sedaris compares his father's most recent dog, Sophie, to

4. What skill does Sedaris admire in his mother that eludes him?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Sedaris' mother respond to the music lessons the kids are taking?

3. How are Sedaris' parents described differently in the chapter?

4. Why does Sedaris believe there are no "normal" restaurants left in his neighborhood?

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

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

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

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

9. Why does Sedaris seem to object so strongly to his speech therapy sessions?

10. Why does Sedaris resist learning to play the guitar?

(see the answer keys)

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