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. Sedaris' own family was

2. In the end, Sedaris decides

3. At first, Sedaris resists the Walkman because

4. What changes Sedaris' mind about visiting France for the summer?

5. Why does Hugh get frustrated with Sedaris' multiple purchases?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sedaris allow the American couple to insult him without admitting he speaks English?

2. Why does Sedaris fear he is considered the village idiot in Normandy?

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

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

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

6. Describe one way in which Sedaris attempts to memorize masculine and feminine nouns.

7. Why is Reggie so indignant about his job on the construction site clean-up crew?

8. What does Sedaris notice about Americans while living in France?

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

10. Why does Sedaris claim Americans believe French people are arrogant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the quote, ""Genius has limitations; stupidity is boundless." Write an essay in which you defend, refute, or qualify the previous statement, using Sedaris' musings on his own limitations as support for your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the motifs of trauma and tragedy in Sedaris' essays. Write an essay of your own in which you reflect on the effect of trauma and tragedy on Sedaris or other characters. Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Erich Fromm said, "Integrity simply means not violating one's own identity." Considering Sedaris' own search for identity throughout his essays, write an essay of your own in which you argue whether or not he maintains integrity throughout his experiences. Use specific examples to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 731 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample