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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 is the reaction of Vicky and Natalie to what has happened under the grand piano?

2. Why does Augusten feel the need to comfort himself?

3. Into what does Deirdre recite her poetry?

4. Which of these events do NOT occur when Augusten is skipping school?

5. How is Augusten's father described?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Dr. Finch believe that he is in communication with God?

2. What happens when Troy attempts to teach Augusten about the sound system used by KISS?

3. What does Augusten walk in on when he visits his mother while he is skipping school?

4. Why has Natalie moved back home with her parents?

5. How does the Finch family celebrate "World Father's Day"?

6. How does Augusten cope with the stress at home?

7. How does Agnes respond to Dr. Finch's mistresses?

8. What does Augusten become obsessed with, relating to his future employment aspirations?

9. How does Augusten get out of school after he is discouraged by another classmate?

10. Why is there a giant hole in the Finch's kitchen ceiling?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The cleanliness of the Finch household and its inhabitants was often called into question by Augusten.

Part 1.) Give three examples of the dilapidation of the house and the uncleanliness inside.

Part 2.) Explain why you think the Finch family should, or should not have been expected to do better, given Dr. Finch's profession.

Essay Topic 2

Many characters in the memoir battle with debilitating obsessions. Create a list of three characters that deal with various obsessions throughout the course of the memoir. Compare and contrast the way that their obsessions have affected their lives. Finally, explain the way that each of these characters attempted to battle their obsessive tendencies.

Essay Topic 3

Augusten grew up with three central mother figures in his life: Agnes, Hope, and Deirdre. First, compare the mothering techniques of the three women, and then weigh in on which woman had the biggest influence on Augusten's life. Use examples from the text to support your claims.

(see the answer keys)

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