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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 does poorly on the IQ test because
(a) The testing room was too hot.
(b) He is distracted by the teacher.
(c) He does not know the answers to the questions.
(d) He does not understand the questions in French.

2. The Texans on the Metro do not make room for the growing crowd because
(a) They are too tired to get up.
(b) They feel entitled to their seats.
(c) They are unable to read the signs instructing them to do so.
(d) They are unable to make their seats fold up.

3. Which of the following is not an unusual word Sedaris learned in French?
(a) Lobotomy.
(b) Bottleneck.
(c) Exorcism.
(d) Slaughterhouse.

4. In most of his fantasies, Sedaris gives himself
(a) A fortune to spend any way he wants.
(b) A handicap he needs to overcome.
(c) Extraordinary gifts or powers.
(d) A faithful sidekick.

5. Why did Hugh's family live in the Congo?
(a) Hugh's father was a missionary.
(b) Hugh's father was with the U.S. State Department.
(c) Hugh's father was African.
(d) Hugh's father was a U.S. Senator.

Short Answer Questions

1. Even without the language barrier, Sedaris doubts people can communicate clearly about

2. Using the reference books, Sedaris discovers a whole new world of

3. What changes Sedaris' mind about visiting France for the summer?

4. Sedaris bonds with the other students

5. Sedaris does not usually socialize with the members of his French class because

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Sedaris' childhood been different from Hugh's?

2. Why does the barber refuse to believe Jodi Foster would clean up after her own dog while walking on the beach?

3. Why does Sedaris find the many signs posted in America ironic?

4. Why does Sedaris finally start referring to nouns in their plural form?

5. What does Sedaris notice about Americans while living in France?

6. Why are Sedaris' fantasies about manipulating American people rather than French people?

7. Why is Reggie so indignant about his job on the construction site clean-up crew?

8. Describe one way in which Sedaris attempts to memorize masculine and feminine nouns.

9. What helps Sedaris overcome his distaste for the Walkman?

10. What does Sedaris finally conclude about his obsession with crossword puzzles?

(see the answer keys)

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