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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. Using the reference books, Sedaris discovers a whole new world of

2. Unlike American theaters, French theaters

3. Reggie believes that he is a genius because

4. The derogatory term Martin uses for a French person is

5. Sedaris is disappointed when

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How has Sedaris' childhood been different from Hugh's?

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

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

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

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

8. Why is Sedaris devastated to learn that his former boyfriend works the Times crossword puzzle?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider Sedaris description of the characters in his book as wealthy or otherwise. How does money affect the attitudes or personalities described in Sedaris' essays? Based on his descriptions of individuals, create an essay in which you identify Sedaris' attitude toward wealthy and its affect on people.

Essay Topic 2

Considering Sedaris' exploration of the motifs of language and communication, write an essay in which you determine a conclusion or theme at which Sedaris arrives in his essays. Use specific examples of Sedaris' experiences with language and communication to develop and support your argument.

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)

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