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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Chapter 30: Feelings and the Culture of Niceness, Irving states that which element in her past caused her to face uncomfortable feelings by trying to escape from them?
(a) Socialization.
(b) Embarrassment.
(c) Discipline.
(d) Schooling.

2. Irving found that which element creates a state of fear, which then puts people into survival mode?
(a) Hatred.
(b) Powerlessness.
(c) Confusion.
(d) Deception.

3. What emotion does Irving now feel toward the group who approached her to explain intent and effect?
(a) Compassion.
(b) Indebtedness.
(c) Anger.
(d) Resentment.

4. What trait does Irving name as her husband Bruce's most prominent one?
(a) His ability to engage people.
(b) His altruism.
(c) His skills in mathematics.
(d) His honesty.

5. How many distinct groups of white mothers did Irving identity at the playgrounnd?
(a) 5.
(b) 4.
(c) 2.
(d) 3.

Short Answer Questions

1. Within what type of paradigm does America currrently operate?

2. How many years into her "waking-up process" (199) did Irving have the experience of seeing her appearance differently?

3. What kind of parade does Irving use as an example of exclusivity in schools?

4. What punishment did Irving earn for challenging her mother about giving Diane permission to see A Patch of Blue?

5. In Chapter 29: Intent and Impact, Irving compares a swimming pool to which other body of water?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who came to assist Irving after the conflict at the conference by and for people of color and how did they help?

2. How did Irving first become familiar with the city of Cambridge and for how many years had she lived there at the time of her writing?

3. What requirements were in place at the preschool where Irving enrolled her eldest daughter and how did the requirements shape the school's population?

4. What events led up to the experience with the mirror Irving describes in Chapter 33: Perception and Fear?

5. In what way does Irving indicate in Chapter 28: I Am the Elephant that growth can be painful?

6. Provide evidence for the conclusion that Irving wants to provide the reader of Waking Up White with practical advice.

7. In what way does the theme of isolation arise within Chapter 25: Belonging?

8. How does Irving go about outlining the privilege inherent in her own life?

9. How did the magic step activity change Gerrard's behavior and why?

10. How did Irving first come to work within the public school system?

(see the answer keys)

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