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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 grade level is the school?

2. Who are the Hatfields and McCoys?

3. When is Joe Flom born?

4. What does Gladwell say Asian cultures value?

5. What is the PDI of people of the United States?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Joe Flom work for a large, prestigious law group when he graduates from law school?

2. What are proxy wars?

3. What is the second lesson of Joe Flom?

4. What evidence is there that summer vacations may be hindering the success of many students?

5. Where is Harlan, and who settled it?

6. How do the students at KIPP Academy differ from those of other public schools?

7. What is the third lesson of Joe Flom?

8. How does the crash of Flight 801 fit a pattern for Korean Airlines?

9. How does PDI explain the crash of the Colombian airliner?

10. Who is Joe Flom?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chapter 5 is called "The Three Lessons of Joe Flom." Joe Flom is a partner in a very successful New York law firm.

1. Discuss, in depth, the three lessons of Joe Flom. Use examples from Outliers to support your answer.

2. How do you think the lessons of Joe Flom might relate to the idea of fate or destiny? Use examples from Outliers to support your answer.

3. Do you think Joe's success, in his circumstances, was because he was Jewish or do you think any discriminated against minority might have fared the same? Why or why not? Use examples from Outliers to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Gladwell cites the results of a study by a math professor named Alan Schoenfeld who looks at the way people learn math. Schoenfeld discovers that it takes time for most students to grasp a mathematical concept. Many western students simply give up on difficult math problems or concepts rather than take the time to fully grasp the concept. Students who are willing and able to put in more work are going to gain a more meaningful and deep grasp of math.

1. Do you agree with Alan Schoenfeld's assessment of Asians and math, that they spent more time learning it or do you think they just have brains that work better in a mathematical manner? Why or why not? Use examples from Outliers to support your answer.

2. Do you think children in America should attend school more hours and have more homework? Why or why not? Use examples from Outliers to support your answer.

3. Give an example of a skill you wish to learn that you would be willing to spend a great deal of time on and discuss a plan of how you would improve your skill. Use examples from Outliers to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Gladwell has cited a number of people in this book. Discuss he following:

1. Choose three people whom Gladwell mentions positively and give a brief idea of his opinions about those three people (or stereotypes). Use examples from Outliers to support your answer.

2. Choose three people whom Gladwell mentions negatively and give a brief idea of his opinions about those three people (or stereotypes). Use examples from Outliers to support your answer.

3. Judging what Gladwell says about different people in his text, how would you characterize him as a friend? As a colleague? Use examples from Outliers to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,224 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample