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. When Sedaris completes his first puzzle,

2. Sedaris does poorly on the IQ test because

3. At the Festival of Saint Anne, Sedaris is offered the chance to

4. Reggie believes that he is a genius because

5. Sedaris is disappointed when

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Why are Sedaris' fantasies about manipulating American people rather than French people?

7. Ultimately, how does Sedaris claim to feel about Hugh's experiences?

8. While watching the girl dangle from a broken ride at the Paris street fair, what is Sedaris most concerned about?

9. Why does Sedaris eventually take the Mensa IQ test?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider Sedaris' reflections on French and American culture. Based on these reflections, write an essay in which you argue whether Sedaris seems to "belong" in France or America. Use specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 816 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample