View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Alma think the place Pammy works smells like?
(a) Hemp.
(b) Sweat.
(c) Patchouli.
(d) Crap.

2. Why did Paulie miss the Mother's Day outing with Pammy and Alma?
(a) He slept in.
(b) He missed his flight.
(c) His flight was delayed.
(d) He had the dates mixed up.

3. What did Alma once do when Pammy and Paulie did not listen to her at the zoo?
(a) She spanked them both.
(b) She left them there.
(c) She called the cops.
(d) She had Paul, Sr. take them home.

4. What did Alma feel her children ruined when it came to her and Paul, Sr.'s relationship?
(a) Their financial stability.
(b) Their sex life.
(c) Their communication.
(d) Their vacationing.

5. What instrument did Pammy play briefly when she was younger?
(a) Trumpet.
(b) Drums.
(c) Piccolo.
(d) Harp.

6. Where does Pammy work?
(a) No People Should Go Hungry.
(b) No Animals Need Die.
(c) No Guns Necessary.
(d) No Trees Need Die.

7. How does Alma feel about what her daughter tries to point out to her as the walk Pine Street at the start of the story?
(a) Apathetic.
(b) Frightened.
(c) Excited.
(d) Impressed.

8. Who is Elieen who Alma recalls when thinking of Pammy and Paulie's younger days?
(a) Pammy's best friend.
(b) Pammy's first girlfriend.
(c) Paulie's teacher.
(d) Paulie's ex-girlfriend.

9. What word did Paul, Sr. once use to describe "the efficacy of his tree stimulator" (3)?
(a) Nebulous.
(b) Spontaneous.
(c) Fabulous.
(d) Treacherous.

10. Who is the author of "Mother's Day"?
(a) David Foster Wallace.
(b) John Cheever.
(c) George Orwell.
(d) George Saunders.

11. What does Pammy try to point out to her mother as they walk Pine Street at the start of the story?
(a) The nice houses.
(b) All the traffic.
(c) Purple flowers.
(d) The rain clouds.

12. What does Alma wish Pammy would have worn on their Mother's Day outing?
(a) A nice dress or pants suit.
(b) A silk blouse and slacks.
(c) Shorts and a tank top.
(d) Something more casual.

13. When Pammy snaps Alma out of her daydream when they are walking, what reason does Alma give for stopping?
(a) She was daydreaming.
(b) Her knees hurt.
(c) She thought she forgot something at the restaurant.
(d) She cannot remember where she is.

14. Where does Alma say she wants to go when Pammy suggests they walk up Pickle Street?
(a) Out for lunch.
(b) To the movies.
(c) Dress shopping.
(d) Paul, Sr.'s grave.

15. What does Paulie claim his father did to him when he punched him in the groin when he was young?
(a) Sent him to be without supper.
(b) Called the cops on him.
(c) Sent him to sleep in the shed.
(d) Punched him right back.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what industry does Paulie work?

2. What does Alma recall doing when she had once found Paul, Sr. passed out on their porch?

3. What did Paulie try to give Alma and Paul, Sr. when they nearly lost their house?

4. What does Alma recall Paul, Sr. doing the time Pammy slapped her?

5. What did Pammy take Alma to on Mother's Day?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 533 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample