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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 its mild climate and upscale life-style, the Provence region is often referred to as what?

2. Elegant old buildings are located on one side of the square, while a ____________________ is located on the opposite side.

3. The Lubéron is described in a recent issue of American Vogue as what?

4. After the ___________ hour is over, the Mayles make their way to the stadium.

5. Although the wise men in the village had promised rain by ____________, conditions remain dry and parched.

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the drought and fire risk affect Mayle? How does this chapter end? Why does it end this way?

2. Why do the Mayles skip the morning dog show trials? Do you find this part of the dog show unusual or odd? Why or why not?

3. What does Massot find in the area? What is his next suggestion? Is this a good suggestion? Why or why not?

4. What fashion icon promotes this region of France? Why?

5. How does Male find gold coins? Why does this matter to him?

6. How does this market show cultural differences between the French and other cultures?

7. How does the author describe Place Pie? What does this reinforce about him?

8. What is pastis? Why is there a chapter about it?

9. How is the real estate market affected in Luberon? How is this both good and bad?

10. What does Mayle learn from a woman during the concert? Do you believe her? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The book opens with the author of the book going to a pharmacy.

Part 1) Why might the book open this way? What does it reveal about the author? What does it reveal about France? How does this aspect of France compare to America?

Part 2) How does the book proceed? How does one story lead to the next? Why does the book progress in this way? Do you find this to be an effective and engaging way of organizing a book? Why or why not?

Part 3) What do you believe are the most important parts of the book? Why? How do these parts of the book affect your opinion of the book, the author, and Provence?

Essay Topic 2

Peter makes observations about summers in Luberon.

Part 1) Describe Peter's observations. How does he share these observations with the reader? How does this style of writing compare to the rest of the book? What are your thoughts on the way Peter presents this information?

Part 2) Why are the summers in Luberon important to the author? How are the summers compared to other seasons? How are the details of these summers tied to Provencal and French culture?

Part 3) What are summers like in your own community? How do they compare to summers in Luberon? What are the reasons for these similarities and differences? Would you prefer to be in Luberon or your own community for the summer? Why?

Essay Topic 3

There is an influx of visitors to Provence.

Part 1) Describe this influx of visitors. What led to this increase? How has this increase in visitors and other newcomers to Provence affected the region? How does Peter feel about these effects? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

Part 2) How can this influx in visitors be both positive and negative? What might Provence be like today? Do you believe there is still a draw to South France? Why or why not?

Part 3) Describe a region in the U.S. that has seen an influx in visitors. Why has travel to this region increased? How might this have affected the region? How has your own community seen growth or decline over time? What has caused this growth or decline? How has this affected your community?

(see the answer keys)

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