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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. Sedaris initially offends the American couple by

3. Sedaris deals with his new fear of speaking French by

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

5. Sedaris notes that American businesses ask consumers to conserve water and napkins, but not

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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 eventually take the Mensa IQ test?

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

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

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

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

10. Why does Sedaris finally start referring to nouns in their plural form?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways do we see the the motif of self-discovery explored in Sedaris' essays? Choose three examples from the text in which Sedaris arrives at some form of self-discovery, and write an essay in which you determine how he has arrived at these moments.

Essay Topic 2

Many of Sedaris' essays revolve around experiences with his parents. Considering Sedaris' descriptions of these experiences and his characterization of his parents, write an essay in which you evaluate their success in raising children. Use specific examples of Sedaris' childhood, and his parents' interaction with his siblings and himself, as support for your argument.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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