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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 is surprised to learn that in France,

2. One glaring difference Sedaris notices between watching movies in the U.S and watching them in Paris is

3. What led Sedaris to take an IQ test?

4. Unlike Sedaris' childhood fieldtrips to historic villages, Hugh's school took him to visit

5. Why has Sedaris' conscience been bothering him?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What helps Sedaris overcome his distaste for the Walkman?

3. Why is Sedaris even more afraid to speak French while taking a class in Paris?

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

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

6. Describe the Easter celebration the Sedaris family held each year.

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Through several of his essays, Sedaris explores the theme of belonging. Choose three examples from the text that illustrate Sedaris' feelings about belonging, and write an essay in which you explore his viewpoint, supporting your argument with text.

Essay Topic 3

Considering Sedaris' use of humor when writing about himself or people in general. Evaluate the effect of his humor on the essays you have read. Then write an essay of your own in which you determine how successful Sedaris' use of humor is in conveying the themes of his pieces. Use specific examples from the text to support your point.

(see the answer keys)

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