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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. Based on a misunderstanding with his parents in Chapter 5, what does Harold fear will happen if he does not behave?

2. At the end of Chapter 5, what regular event is a constant trauma in Harold's life?

3. What sport does Brooks associate with the children of his establishment set in Chapter 1?

4. Which of the following ridiculous items is listed in the homework requirements in Chapter 5?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the Composure Class?

4. What did John Bowlby's research reveal about childhood?

5. What are mirror neurons?

6. What trauma does Harold experience at the end of Chapter 5?

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

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

9. How does Brooks use the meeting of Julia and Rob to illustrate the surprise of similarities?

10. What is Harold's goal from conception on?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In an essay, discuss the role of imagination and play in the development of children. How does Harold's imagination function both as a gift and as a liability? What fears does it engender in his parents? What delineations does Brooks draw between play in affluent children and p[lay in working class children? How does each type of play reflect a cultural stratus, and how does it indicate future development?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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