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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. Why did the class have to explain Easter to the Moroccan woman?

2. Sedaris finds that most of the people in class share the belief that

3. Instead of listening to French language tapes, Sedaris listens to

4. Reggie believes that he is a genius because

5. Sedaris has trouble sleeping since

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sedaris do to help himself sleep at night when various beverages fail him?

2. Why is Sedaris relieved that he squeals and grabs his neighbors' legs when the men are injured by the vachettes?

3. What does Sedaris finally conclude about his obsession with crossword puzzles?

4. Why does Sedaris find the many signs posted in America ironic?

5. What gives Sedaris a new confidence about speaking French?

6. Why does Sedaris believe he cannot have the same movie-viewing experiences in America that he has in Paris?

7. What has become Sedaris' habit when friends come to visit him in Paris?

8. Why does the barber refuse to believe Jodi Foster would clean up after her own dog while walking on the beach?

9. In the end, what does the class discussion on Easter lead Sedaris to conclude?

10. How does Sedaris attempt to charm his teacher with his humor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the motifs of loss and change in Sedaris' book. Then write an essay in which you describe Sedaris' attitude toward these two motifs, supporting your ideas with specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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