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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was Paul, Sr.'s occupation?
(a) Gardener.
(b) Salesman.
(c) Cab driver.
(d) Arborist.

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

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

4. What does Alma recall Pammy doing once when Alma tried to adjust her collar when she was younger?
(a) Slapping her.
(b) Holding her hand.
(c) Crying.
(d) Kissing her cheek.

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

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

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

8. What does Alma recall doing when she had once found Paul, Sr. passed out on their porch?
(a) She poured cold water on his head.
(b) She called the cops on him.
(c) She kicked him.
(d) She helped him to bed.

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

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

11. What did Paul, Sr., once call Alma while he was drunk?
(a) Muffin.
(b) Milly.
(c) Lolly.
(d) Peggy.

12. How does Alma remember Debi when they were in high school?
(a) A quiet, conservative girl.
(b) A dirty, rude girl.
(c) A bright, charming girl.
(d) A strange, trashy girl.

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

14. What does Pammy wear while out with her mother on Mother's Day?
(a) A torn sweater and ripped jeans.
(b) A t-shirt with a half-naked guy on it.
(c) A sweatshirt with a crossed-out machine gun on it.
(d) A very short dress.

15. What does Alma recall about Debi's parents?
(a) They were dancers.
(b) They were deaf.
(c) They were hippies.
(d) They both had limps.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Pammy work?

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

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

4. What does Pammy try to point out to her mother as they walk Pine Street at the start of the story?

5. Why did Alma begin wearing "the wildest underthings" (4) when her children were young?

(see the answer keys)

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