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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. Barbara does not want to live a life of _________ or discomfort when it comes to this new assignment.

2. Barbara certainly does not want to do hard ________ labor when she is working at her new jobs.

3. What is Barbara punished with when she points out that a manager is calling one of his employees by the incorrect name?

4. When Barbara walks out of the restaurant, she feels _______ instead of feeling enraged, as she expects to.

5. For what magazine does the author of "Nickel and Dimed" work when she is beginning her assignment?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the bad tempered cook like to do sometimes back in the kitchen, according to Barbara?

2. What is surprising to Barbara about the many places to which she has applied for a job?

3. How long a period of time will the author spend in each location?

4. Why does Barbara want to take on the assignment she actually suggested be done?

5. What statement does the author make which leads to her getting the assignment to write this book?

6. How much does Barbara think she will have to make in order to pay her rent and for food during her stay in Florida?

7. When Stu says that drugs have been found at the restaurant, what do the employees speculate about this action?

8. What will Barbara drive when she is a part of this experiment in working for minimum wage?

9. What does Barbara feel she is compelled to do with the patrons at Hearthside, where she works as a waitress?

10. If things get too rough during this experiment, what does Barbara say she will do in order to feel herself or to support herself?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The argument of responsibility is one that takes on a subtle tone in this manuscript. The author too seems to believe that if a person takes responsibility for themselves, they can do more and be more.

Part 1: Do you believe people stay in poverty because they lack an attitude of responsibility? Why or why not?

Part 2: Do you think people in poverty situations are aware of their situations? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think some people in poverty don't take more responsibility for their situation or for their future?

Essay Topic 2

It seems that the odds are against those who are in minimum wage jobs. From the costs of housing to the way these workers are often not paid well, it seems the cycle of poverty may never end.

Part 1: Why do you think minimum wage workers can not get ahead in their lives?

Part 2: Do you think outside influences are the main reasons why people can not lift themselves from poverty? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think society willfully creates conditions in which minimum wage workers can not succeed? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

One of the biggest beliefs the author holds about the way a person can better themselves in the world is that education can allow a person to do anything and to be something more.

Part 1: How does the author's educational level help her in the process of this project?

Part 2: Why do you think the other workers around the author don't realize she is more educated than them?

Part 3: Why do you think the author expected the others she worked with to notice her educational level? What does this say about the author?

(see the answer keys)

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