View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where music is concerned, Sedaris' father could be described as a

2. Amy Sedaris is fond of

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

4. In the end, Sedaris decides

5. Sedaris recalls that his mother explained

Short Essay Questions

1. How are Valencia and Patrick different?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sedaris identifies many of his own accomplishments, large and small, throughout his essays. Considering these accomplishments, write an essay in which you identify the qualities Sedaris seems to admire most in himself. What is he most proud of? What does he mock about himself? Use specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Consider Sedaris' reflections on French and American culture. Based on these reflections, write an essay in which you argue whether Sedaris seems to "belong" in France or America. Use specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Considering Sedaris' use of humor when writing about himself or people in general. Evaluate the effect of his humor on the essays you have read. Then write an essay of your own in which you determine how successful Sedaris' use of humor is in conveying the themes of his pieces. Use specific examples from the text to support your point.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 810 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample