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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. Sedaris describes his guitar teacher as

2. Sedaris' friend Alisha describes most people as

3. Sedaris attempts to hide his lisp by

4. Sedaris questions

5. What prompts Lou Sedaris to enroll his children in music lessons?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Sedaris feel his father admired jazz so much as a young man?

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

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

5. Describe Sedaris' attitude in the face of the task he has to perform in his friend's bathroom.

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

7. Describe Bonnie's character in City of Angels.

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

9. What is ironic about the fact that Bonnie at last finds some "nice New Yorkers" at the Plaza Hotel?

10. How does the statement "You Can't Kill the Rooster" relate to Paul's personality?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several characters is Sedaris' essays seem to find freedom from the need for others' approval. Write an essay in which you compare Sedaris to any other character in the book, noting whether either person is ultimately free from others' approval. Use examples from the text to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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