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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Miss Sampson attempts to illustrate Sedaris' speech problem by

2. The irony of the fisherman's position is that

3. Sedaris' enjoyment of the ocean was ruined by

4. What instrument does Sedaris' father choose for him?

5. Sedaris enjoys Alisha's visits because

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Why does Mr. Mancini constantly refer to women and his sexual exploits?

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

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

9. What reasons does Sedaris list for hating computers?

10. How are Valencia and Patrick different?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of Sedaris' essays focus on childhood. Write an essay in which you determine a theme Sedaris creates on the subject of childhood, and use specific examples to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Comedian George Carlin once said, ""When you're born, you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America, you get a front row seat." Write an essay in which you identify Sedaris' attitude toward the freakish qualities of Americans. Be sure to use specific examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Through several of his essays, Sedaris explores the theme of belonging. Choose three examples from the text that illustrate Sedaris' feelings about belonging, and write an essay in which you explore his viewpoint, supporting your argument with text.

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