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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 name of the pastor’s wife who Jael describes in her journal at the start of “Jael”?

2. What does the narrator of “Instructions for Married Christian Husbands” say the man can do if he wants to before he leaves?

3. How does the woman describe her tone is the “Feelings” section of “Instructions for Married Christian Husbands”?

4. What does Lyra decide at 2 a.m. when she considers inviting Eric up to her hotel room, in "How to Make Love to A Physicist"?

5. What is Jamie doing when Jael walks by his house after school after the first time she went there?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Jael describe in her first journal entry and what does she think of that person?

2. Where do Eric and Lyra meet in “How to Make Love to a Physicist”?

3. What are some of the things Lyra says she does not discuss with Eric when they first meet at the conference in “How to Make Love to a Physicist”?

4. In “How to Make Love to a Physicist,” why does Lyra decide against inviting Eric up to her room when it is 2 a.m. and they have spent the entire day talking?

5. What does the narrator of “Instructions for Married Christian Husbands” say she will do if she ever develops feelings for him under the section “Feelings”?

6. What information does the narrator of “Instructions for Married Christian Husbands” offer in the “About Me“ section?

7. What information does Granny get from the news and from her friend Barbara regarding Jamie McWhite and the large booming sound that she had slept through?

8. How does Granny describe the way Jael reacted when she hit her when she was six?

9. What does Eric tell Lyra he is going to need her to do if they are going to try to make it work when he calls her after he receives the sketch she sent him as an apology in “How to Make Love to a Physicist”?

10. Describe Daughter’s date with Tony in “When Eddie Levert Comes.”

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of colorism, prejudice against those with darker skin tones is prevalent in several of the short stories in The Secret Lives of Church Ladies. Write an essay exploring the theme of colorism in at least two of the short stories from The Secret Lives of Church Ladies.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay explaining the significance of the title of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies. How does the title support the overall narrative tone and theme of the short story collection?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about the sensory details used in “Snowfall.” Be sure to explain the deeper meaning and thematic significance of these details.

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