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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 point of trying to "stage" the press conference?

2. Ben learns about love and opera from

3. In what way are Beth and her father, Bill, alike?

4. Ellen arranges a lunch meeting for herself, Nick and Beth at

5. What is Pat's attitude toward Beth taking new jobs?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the reader learn about Beth's weekend in Chicago and Candy's wedding photos?

2. When Candy announces she will be married, what does Beth decide?

3. Where has Beth been spending time in Chicago, and why?

4. Why does Tree's husband curse at her for announcing her pregnancy?

5. What conversation sets off Reese's heart palpitations while in Dr. Kilgore's office?

6. Discuss the hotel's delicate treatment of Beth and Pat as they leave the Tremont Hotel. Is there layered meaning in their gestures? If so, describe them.

7. An example of how 12-year old Vincent is having to care for his sister is provided in this chapter. Describe it.

8. Beth does not know much about her children. What is an example?

9. How does Christmas eve turn into a debacle at the Cappadoras'?

10. Who volunteers to identify the body of a child at the morgue, and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Do a careful reading of the story's preface, wherein Beth looks back at the incident that changed her life forever. She encapsulates what the story will reveal about her state of mind; analyze her decisions, her behavior and her choices in response to Ben's absence.

Essay Topic 2

Research theme restaurants. Choose two that you find the most interesting, and find out more about them. Write about amenities, menus and ambience and, if possible, do an interview with the manager to learn about their most popular dishes, and details of their success.

Essay Topic 3

The elder Cappadoras served cannolis to the police force during the search for Ben. As caterers, they prepare Italian foods for many different occasions. Do a study of authentic Italian food and create a menu for a typical Italian dinner, including dessert and beverages. In addition, provide recipes for each dish.

(see the answer keys)

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