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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. What does Anne call her photo composition of a sonogram, Polaroid picture and crucifix?

2. What are the party-goers impressed by?

3. What is a major characteristic of Anne's writing style?

4. What disappointment still continues to haunt Anne?

5. How does Anne describe her newborn son?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Anne end her journal of the first year of Sam's life?

2. What is Anne's delivery experience?

3. What are Anne's thoughts about her father during the Christmas holiday season?

4. On Sam's birthday, what does Anne recall about the day he was born?

5. How has Sam's arrival influenced Anne's relationship with her mother?

6. What are Anne's views on breastfeeding?

7. What does Anne mean by "just take it bird by bird?"

8. Describe Anne's experience prior to going into labor and delivering her baby.

9. What is the state of Sam's development in Part 10?

10. What is Anne's favorite way of bonding with Sam?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the origins of the title of the book: Operating Instructions. Does Anne want the reader to think that it is a book about caring for a newborn? Or does she want the reader to dig a little deeper for a more personal meaning? The phrase "waiting for operating instructions" occurs in at least two situations in the book. Define them and determine Anne's meaning for the book's title.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of religion and spirituality in Anne's life. What is the nature of Anne's particular devotion to the Virgin Mary? How does Anne exhibit her beliefs in her everyday life?

Essay Topic 3

Explain Pammy's role in Anne's life. What is the nature of their friendship? Which one is more nurturing in the relationship? How does the relationship alter, if at all, with the diagnosis of Pammy's breast cancer?

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