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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 word does Howie feel he says too often?

2. An image of __________ gave Howie the idea for his deodorant discovery.

3. At what age does Howie start to worry about dying brain cells?

4. What does Howie use the cardboard from his dry cleaned shirts for?

5. Who was the most help to Howie when he was learning to tie shoes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Howie believe to be the four reasons why it is good for brain cells to die?

2. What is awkward about Howie trying to sign the poster Tina has gotten for Ray the janitor?

3. What are Howie's thoughts on shopping bags?

4. How does Howie celebrate what he considers to be the realization that he is an adult?

5. Where is Howie when he believes that his great period of growth as a human has ended?

6. Why does Howie consider the purchase of a rubber stamp to be one of his advancements?

7. What does Howie mean by "vibratiuncles of comparison"?

8. What is the treat that Howie gives himself after making a resolution to not get carried away by nostalgia?

9. What is Howie's feeling about ice cube trays?

10. What is Howie's focus in Chapter 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the time sequence of the novel and how it adds or detracts from the reader's ability to connect with the narrative.

Essay Topic 2

What is the climax of the book in Chapter 14? How does this tiny moment define the entire novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the metaphorical significance of the escalator and how it is used as a vehicle of thought throughout the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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