View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What example does Otto use to prove to William that time is linear?

2. How old is Portia?

3. What word does Corinne use to describe Portia's mother?

4. What is wrong with the gift Portia got for her birthday, according to Portia?

5. What gift did Otto give to Sharon that she still has in her living room?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the first real indication to Otto and his siblings that Sharon had a psychological disorder?

2. What do Sharon and William discuss regarding time after William says he experienced deja vu?

3. Why is Corinne concerned about Portia?

4. What does Otto wonder when William thought to bring Sharon flowers when they visited?

5. Why does Portia cry at Corinne's on Thanksgiving? How do the other family members, including Otto, respond to her concern?

6. What did Viola get Portia for her birthday? Why does Portia think it is not a great gift?

7. As Otto observes Sharon's sparse apartment, what does he realize about himself?

8. What does Otto think as he watches William with his nephews at Thanksgiving?

9. What reason does Sharon offer for not wanting to go to Corinne's for Thanksgiving?

10. What does Corinne tell Otto about Martin at her house on Thanksgiving? How does Otto react?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Sharon's role in the story. Who is she? When does her character appear and what is the context? How is she described?

Essay Topic 2

Choose a character and discuss their role in creating conflict in the story.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay discussing the setting of "Some Other, Better Otto." In what ways does setting impact your understanding of the story's plot and themes?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 676 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample