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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. How does Sedaris solve his problem naming masculine and feminine nouns in public?

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

3. Even without the language barrier, Sedaris doubts people can communicate clearly about

4. Why did the class have to explain Easter to the Moroccan woman?

5. Whose childhood stories does Sedaris borrow for this essay?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sedaris identifies many of his own accomplishments, large and small, throughout his essays. Considering these accomplishments, write an essay in which you identify the qualities Sedaris seems to admire most in himself. What is he most proud of? What does he mock about himself? Use specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Comedian George Carlin once said, ""When you're born, you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America, you get a front row seat." Write an essay in which you identify Sedaris' attitude toward the freakish qualities of Americans. Be sure to use specific examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

In Sedaris' essays, he sometimes identifies himself as without strength or control. Considering the quote,"Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power," write an essay in which you argue whether or not Sedaris truly does possess strength. Use specific examples from the text to illustrate your point.

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