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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 Rachel say she prides herself on after she helps move her brother into his new apartment?

2. What nickname did Rachel's brother's ex-boyfriend used to call her?

3. What surprises Frankie the most about returning to the U.S.?

4. What is Rachel's brother's boyfriend's profession?

5. What genre of fiction did Bud love to read as a child?

Short Essay Questions

1. What idea does Bud come up with for temporary employment while living at Lizzie's apartment?

2. What happens when Bud runs away from home for the first time?

3. After Matthew gets his job at Devils Postpile National Monument, what do he and Frankie argue about?

4. Describe how Nadia and Rachel first meet Ethan, Kirk's new boyfriend.

5. How does Rachel react to the news that her brother's boyfriend, Kirk, is making him leave his apartment?

6. How does Tara describe her parents' relationship with money?

7. Why does Frankie, Tara's mother, turn down Gil's marriage proposal when they are 19?

8. Rachel describes her brother as "a total pill." How does Saul's illness affect his character?

9. How does Bud describe his relationship with Sally?

10. When Frankie first meets Matthew, what does he tell her he wants to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After her father's death, Ethan's sister becomes angry at her father for spending too much of his money, arguing that he did not leave enough for her and her own children. Write an essay analyzing Ethan's mother's reaction to her daughter's expression of anger. Explain the different ways these two family members view money.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay explaining how Maribel and Schuyler were similar. How did money bring them together yet bring conflict to their relationship?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay explaining what you think the meaning of life and the secrets to happiness are based on your analysis of 2-3 characters from the novel. Use their understanding about happiness to challenge or build upon your own ideas about life and happiness.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 926 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample