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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. Why is it difficult for Sedaris to travel with a typewriter?

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

4. The scientific term Sedaris fears his father will use is

5. Sedaris' first artistic success takes the form of

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the speech therapist continue to bring Sedaris' lisp to his attention?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Considering Sedaris' exploration of the motifs of language and communication, write an essay in which you determine a conclusion or theme at which Sedaris arrives in his essays. Use specific examples of Sedaris' experiences with language and communication to develop and 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

Many of Sedaris' essays revolve around experiences with his parents. Considering Sedaris' descriptions of these experiences and his characterization of his parents, write an essay in which you evaluate their success in raising children. Use specific examples of Sedaris' childhood, and his parents' interaction with his siblings and himself, as support for your argument.

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