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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. What is the name of the magazine that hosts the party where Calvin first meets Alice?

2. According to Calvin, what leads to his success in courting Alice?

3. At the end of chapter three, Calvin describes an event in Alice's life that takes her by surprise. What happens?

4. At which institution does Alice teach English in her mid-twenties?

5. Where does Calvin keep one of the photos of Alice from the article in chapter three?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Calvin Trillin's father-in-law.

2. What is one positive quality that Alice inherits from her father? Why do you think this quality is especially beneficial to Alice?

3. In chapter two, Calvin Trillin reveals that he never stops trying to impress his wife Alice. Give an example of this.

4. In chapter three, why does Alice accept the request to be photographed in a fashion issue of a magazine?

5. Calvin Trillin states that from the day he meets Alice, he never stops trying to impress her. Why?

6. In chapter one, the reader learns that there is one condolence letter that makes Calvin Trillin laugh. Why?

7. In what ways is Alice's beauty a hardship?

8. In what ways do you think Alice serves as Calvin Trillin's muse? Include characteristics that inspire his writing.

9. In what ways are Alice's looks, coupled with the superficial facts about her background, misleading?

10. What event causes Alice to feel as though she loses her looks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Do you agree with Trillin's definition of an intellectual in About Alice? Why or why not?

Part 1) According to Trillin, in what ways is Alice an intellectual?

Part 2) Does Trillin believe he is intellectually superior to Alice? Why or why not?

Include specific references to the book to support your essay.

Essay Topic 2

Write about the levels of perseverance exhibited by Alice and Calvin.

Part 1) In what ways does Alice or Calvin exhibit perseverance?

Part 2) What keeps them hopeful?

Part 3) Do either person ever lose hope? If so, when? What is the outcome?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you discuss the Trillin family mottos of "Pull Up Your Socks" and "No Kvetching". What do these mottos say about their values? In what ways does Alice live her life in accordance with these mottos?

(see the answer keys)

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