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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When does Calvin read the obituary of Dick Francis' wife?
(a) A year after Alice dies.
(b) The year before Alice's bypass surgery.
(c) The year Alice is diagnosed with lung cancer.
(d) A year before Alice dies.

2. Calvin states that he never sees Alice read which type of magazine?
(a) Fashion.
(b) Literary.
(c) Medical.
(d) Finance.

3. Where does Calvin keep one of the photos of Alice from the article in chapter three?
(a) On his bedside table.
(b) On his mantle.
(c) On his living room wall.
(d) On his desk.

4. Where does Alice attend college?
(a) Wellesley College.
(b) City University of New York.
(c) New York University.
(d) Hofstra University.

5. In chapter two, how does Calvin characterize his behavior during his second meeting with Alice?
(a) A boring college lecture.
(b) A desperate comedy routine.
(c) A rough draft in need of edits.
(d) A winning job interview.

6. What is the name of Calvin's youngest daughter?
(a) Maggie.
(b) Isabelle Alice.
(c) Sarah.
(d) Abigail.

7. What is Alice's reasoning for agreeing to be photographed in a fashion issue of a magazine?
(a) Alice thinks it helps her parents receive better treatment by the nurses at the nursing home where they live.
(b) Alice thinks it helps her launch a modeling career.
(c) Alice thinks it helps her husband receive better reviews of his work by critics.
(d) Alice thinks it is a good way to make money.

8. In the days when he is renovating his home, Trillin has this quote above his typewriter.
(a) "Money doesn't grow on trees."
(b) "Words Is Money."
(c) "Writing doesn't pay."
(d) "Time is money."

9. According to Calvin, what kinds of men are attracted to Alice?
(a) Lawyers.
(b) Contractors.
(c) Guys with pipes.
(d) Comedians.

10. Where does Alice's father grow up?
(a) New York City.
(b) New York's Westchester County.
(c) Rural North Carolina.
(d) Nova Scotia.

11. According to Calvin, what photo of Alice appears on the cover of the program at her memorial service?
(a) A photo of Alice gardening. It is taken when she is in her forties.
(b) A photo of Alice wearing a hat. It is taken when she is in her twenties.
(c) A photo of Alice teaching in a classroom. It is taken when she is in her thirties.
(d) A photo of Alice taken in Italy. It is taken when she is in her fifties.

12. What is the headline for Alice's obituary in the Times?
(a) Educator, Author and Muse.
(b) Social Activist, Author and Muse.
(c) College Instructor, Mother and Wife.
(d) Educator, Wife and Mother.

13. What is the name of the Calvin's eldest daughter?
(a) Abigail.
(b) Sarah.
(c) Mary.
(d) Maggie.

14. Which phrase best characterizes the relationship that Alice has with her parents?
(a) Alice admires her parents and models her own parenting style on theirs.
(b) Alice is spoiled. She is the center of her parent's lives.
(c) Alice acts as caretaker to her parents.
(d) Alice's parents solve all of her problems for her.

15. In chapter three, Calvin includes a quote from a friend of Alice who speaks at her memorial service. Who is this person?
(a) Alice's father.
(b) Mary Francis.
(c) Mina Shaughnessy.
(d) Nora Ephron.

Short Answer Questions

1. In chapter one, Calvin includes an excerpt from a letter that Alice writes to a woman who is victimized. What Shakespeare play does she reference in her letter?

2. In chapter one, what object does Alice wave in the air following Calvin's speech?

3. Where does Alice spend her childhood?

4. At the end of chapter two, Calvin states that he is reviewing the galleys of a book. What is the book's subject?

5. Who writes the condolence letter that makes Calvin laugh?

(see the answer keys)

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