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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' first artistic success takes the form of
(a) A nest of human hair.
(b) Toe nail clippings.
(c) Two wooden crates filled with garbage.
(d) A frying pan full of toy soldiers.

2. What skill does Sedaris admire in his mother that eludes him?
(a) She can smoke an entire cigarette without taking it out of her mouth.
(b) She can tan the backs of her ears and her palms.
(c) She can solve his father's equations.
(d) She can explain how a radio works.

3. Rather than sports, Sedaris states that he and his fellow speech therapy students were more interested in
(a) Baking, making scrapbooks, and doing art projects.
(b) Playing video games.
(c) Fighting and lifting weights.
(d) Studying and graduating early.

4. Sedaris wonders at the way Paul and his father
(a) Avoid one another.
(b) Communicate so well.
(c) Continue to live under the same roof.
(d) Have learned to endure one another.

5. Lou Sedaris busies himself
(a) Working equations in the sand.
(b) Tanning.
(c) Chatting with fishermen.
(d) Smoking.

Short Answer Questions

1. Sedaris discovers that most of the boys in speech therapy are

2. Ironically, the food at the restaurant is described as

3. Sedaris discussed his speech therapy sessions

4. Sedaris resents his father's approach toward art because

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is ironic about the fact that Bonnie at last finds some "nice New Yorkers" at the Plaza Hotel?

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

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

4. What is Sedaris' attitude toward the wealthy at the start of the essay?

5. How has Sedaris' mother explained bodily functions?

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

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

8. How are Valencia and Patrick different?

9. Why does Sedaris believe his his parents are so lenient with Melina, the Great Dane?

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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