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. One reason Sedaris resists the computer is

2. Bonnie is most interested in

3. What Sedaris admires in his sister Gretchen is

4. What prompts Sedaris to find a job in New York?

5. Sedaris decides to make his students more comfortable by

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are the main differences between Sedaris and his father outlined in the chapter?

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

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

5. How has Sedaris' mother explained bodily functions?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Sedaris' essays, he sometimes identifies himself as without strength or control. Considering the quote,"Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power," write an essay in which you argue whether or not Sedaris truly does possess strength. Use specific examples from the text to illustrate your point.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

If "Selfishness and self-absorption are deadly charm-exterminators," how does Sedaris remain interesting and sympathetic despite his descriptions of himself throughout the book? Write an essay in which you identify specific strategies, such as humor and hyperbole, that contribute favorably to Sedaris' style, even when he is offering self-criticism.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 804 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample