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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. Lou Sedaris once dreamed that computers would

2. The sign Sedaris would post on the Speech Therapist's door would read

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

4. Bonnie comes to enjoy New York when

5. Sedaris' friend Alisha describes most people as

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Describe Amy Sedaris' appearance in the much-anticipated magazine article.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What expectations does Sedaris seem to have for American behavior? What stereotypes does he point out other nations have attributed to Americans? Write an essay in which you defend, refute, or qualify at least three stereotypes Sedaris identifies in Americans.

Essay Topic 2

In what ways do we see the the motif of self-discovery explored in Sedaris' essays? Choose three examples from the text in which Sedaris arrives at some form of self-discovery, and write an essay in which you determine how he has arrived at these moments.

Essay Topic 3

Sedaris mentions many means of escapism in his essays. Considering his references to avoiding reality and interactions with others, write an essay in which you identify at least three symbols of escapism Sedaris uses, and draw a conclusion about Sedaris' reason for using these methods. Support your position with specific examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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