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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. How much more likely are people to laugh with others than by themselves?

2. Which Greek figure does Harold compare himself to in his journal when discussing anger?

3. According to Brooks in Chapter 1, what surprises all people when they meet a possible mate?

4. What does Brooks say both Julia and Rob worry about doing when they meet?

5. What is the term that Antonio Damasio coins?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Brooks describe the day-to-day life of the Composure Class?

2. Who is Elliot, and how did he become involved with Antonio Damasio?

3. Describe young Harold's relationship with falling things.

4. What great skill does Harold have in high school?

5. What does Damasio determine about living without emotion in Chapter 1?

6. How did Brooks come up with the idea of telling a story to illustrate his social critique?

7. How is Brooks' book different from other social studies?

8. Describe Ms. Taylor.

9. According to Brooks in the introduction, why are Harold and Erica so successful?

10. How does Ms. Taylor shape Harold's interest in the classical world?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about Erica's consulting firm. What compels her to start her own business, and what understanding of business and humanity does she bring to it? Discuss the path to success she has, and what role Harold plays in this success. How does her business grow, and how does it suffer as a result of the Great Recession? What personal toll does the death of her company have on Erica?

Essay Topic 2

Seemingly in the name of evenhandedness, David Brooks presents two protagonists with disparate backgrounds. Write a three-part essay comparing and contrasting the early lives of Harold and Erica. How are their lives different? What effect does this background have on the worldview of each? Do you think this is a realist portrayal of this life experience?

Part 1) Racial background.

Part 2) Hometown and neighborhood.

Part 3) Education.

Essay Topic 3

The narrative of "The Social Animal" details how two talented, curious individuals achieve great success. Because these are not prodigies, their paths cross many mentors and preternatural talents. Write an essay about three mentors and talents. How does this person interact with Harold and Erica? What information does he or she impart? How does this personal unveil talents in one or both of the protagonists?

Part 1) Ms. Taylor.

Part 2) Raymond.

Part 3) Richard Grace.

(see the answer keys)

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