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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 name of Louise’s husband in “Still Life with Watermelon”?

2. Kent is a part-time student at what college in “Drawing Names”?

3. What word does the narrator’s play date pronounce “with two syllables” in “Detroit Skyline, 1949”?

4. What colors are the cheerleader outfits that Cleo is sewing in “Old Things”?

5. The narrator says in “Old Things,” “After her husband died, [Cleo] moved to town, to a little brick house with a dishwasher and” what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What examples are given of Dusty’s tendencies to overreact in “The Climber”?

2. How does Linda respond when Cleo implies she’s old by saying “I’m not sixteen anymore” in “Old Things”?

3. How does Mary Lou Skaggs help out her husband with his job in “The Rookers”? What is Mack’s job?

4. How is Sandra’s mother’s relationship with Grandmother Stamper described in “Offerings”?

5. What happens when Louise goes to meet with Mr. Priddle in “Still Life with Watermelon”?

6. What are Cleo’s thoughts on Shirley in “Old Things”?

7. How is Sandra’s character described in the beginning of “Offerings”?

8. How is the character of Jim Walsh described in “Drawing Names”?

9. How are the characters of Norma Jean and Leroy described in “Shiloh”?

10. Why is the tree being removed in “The Climber”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of communication in “The Rookers” and Mack’s phone calls to the weather service in the story. What do these calls indicate in regards to Mack’s ability to communicate with his family?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the plot structure of “The Rookers.” Where in the story are the exposition, rising action, climax, and denouement located? How does the structure of the story compare with “Shiloh”? How does the plot connect to the other stories as a whole?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the characters of Peggy Jo, Mama, Aunt Mozelle, and Uncle Boone in “Detroit Skyline, 1949.” What are the actions and objectives of each of these characters? How would you describe their relationships to one another?

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