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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In addition to the beverages, what else is passed around during the conversation?
(a) An ice bucket.
(b) A photo album.
(c) A journal.
(d) A guitar.

2. Who decides that calling Mel's children might not be a good idea?
(a) Terri.
(b) Nick.
(c) Mel.
(d) Laura.

3. What does Terri suggest Mel do to make himself feel better?
(a) Take medication.
(b) Call his parents.
(c) Have a drink.
(d) Go to bed.

4. Where does the story take place?
(a) Mel's kitchen.
(b) Nick's porch.
(c) A coffee shop.
(d) A parking lot.

5. What does Mel's wife hope will happen to his ex-wife?
(a) She will pay him back alimony and child support.
(b) She will fall in love with Mel all over again.
(c) She will remarry or die.
(d) She will move to another country.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Mel's ex-wife allergic to?

2. Terri teases the other couple for acting as if:

3. What time of day does the car accident occur?

4. Terri recalls a period of her life during which she lived like a:

5. What is the old couple's prognosis?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens after Mel spills his glass on the table?

2. Who is the dominant character in Carver's story, and how do you know?

3. Where are the characters in the story from?

4. Why does Laura bump Nick's knee under the table?

5. What tone does Mel have as he recounts the story of the old couple and why?

6. Why do you think the characters enter a depressive state by the end of the story?

7. Describe the interaction between Mel and Terri surrounding Mel's ex-wife.

8. What was the prognosis for the old couple over the course of their hospitalization?

9. Why does Mel become more and more animated?

10. What is the purpose of stating that each character is "from somewhere else"?

(see the answer keys)

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