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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. What reason did Josephine's mother give for her father's departure?
(a) He left for another woman.
(b) He left because of the children.
(c) Her mother and father fell out of love.
(d) He died.

2. What is the occupation of the narrator in "Debts"?
(a) Nurse.
(b) Teacher.
(c) Homemaker.
(d) Writer.

3. What event sparks Eddie's resignation from the Home for Boys' Zoo?
(a) He is asked to care for a rat.
(b) He sees a snake eat a mouse whole.
(c) He witnesses another boy abuse the animals.
(d) He tests the War Attenuator out at the zoo and kills the animals.

4. Why did Anna not cry when Michael died?
(a) She killed him.
(b) She never liked him.
(c) She was in shock.
(d) Nobody told her he died.

5. Who is the narrator in "The Contest"?
(a) Leona.
(b) Jack.
(c) Freddy.
(d) Dotty.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Yoyo become well known for in "Gloomy Tune"?

2. Which character is helping the narrator find a job in "The Floating Truth"?

3. Who lives in The Children of Judea in "Faith in the Afternoon"?

4. What happened to the boys in the family described in "Gloomy Tune"?

5. Who is the narrator of "An Interest in Life"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Eddie help the narrator find a job in "The Floating Truth"? Why does she become upset about work at the end?

2. Why does Josie tell Liz she should be the one making Browny breakfast? How does Liz react to this?

3. Describe the young boys from "Gloomy Tune."

4. Describe John and Virginia's relationship after her husband leaves in "An Interest in Life."

5. What is the only thing the narrator says she ever wanted in "Wants"? What does she do in the story that she feels is a sign change is possible?

6. What does Rose tell Lillie to tell her mother at the end of "Goodbye and Good Luck"? Why?

7. Why is Shirley's mother uncomfortable about her performing in her school's Christmas play? What theme does Shirley note in the play?

8. Where does Virginia's husband say he is going at the start of "An Interest in Life"? What gift does he give her? How does she feel about this gift? What does she tell Mrs. Raftery when she asks where her husband is going?

9. In "Faith in a Tree," why was Faith put on a commercial airline as a baby? What does she think of this?

10. What becomes of Eddie and Carl at the end of "Time Which Made a Monkey of Us All"?

(see the answer keys)

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