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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. In chapter six, Trillin states that Alice has a strong desire to ...

2. What is Alice's Law of Compensatory Cash Flow?

3. What is Alice's phrase for living in surroundings that are less than nice?

4. What is the Alice Tax?

5. In what publication is Alice's op-ed article on the subject of a smoking ban in New York City published?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Calvin Trillin show his wife Alice his rough drafts?

2. What reasons does Mina Shaughnessy give to justify her choice of clothing?

3. What is Alice's attitude toward cigarettes?

4. In what ways are Calvin Trillin and Alice lucky?

5. Why does Alice believe that "Herbie" deserves to be paid more than what he originally quoted for his contracting services?

6. Describe the Trillins' trip to Japan. What does their disagreement say about their marriage?

7. In chapter four, do you think Calvin Trillin is wise to not to take the advice of his colleague?

8. Why does Alice think that marrying Calvin Trillin means she has to live a modest lifestyle?

9. What is Alice's attitude toward spending money?

10. Does Alice ever exercise restraint when it comes to controversial subjects?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Select one of the major themes or subjects below from About Alice. Be sure to select a theme or subject about which you have not already written a detailed essay.

• The relationship between Calvin and Alice.

• Marriage.

• Perseverance.

• Loss.

• Cigarettes.

• Beauty

• The relationship between Alice and her parents.

• The relationship between Alice and her daughters.

• Gratitude.

• Social activism.

• Money.

• Parenthood.

Be sure to include quotes from the novel that help develop the theme.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you make an argument for or against the Alice Tax. Compare and contrast the Alice Tax with Alice's Law of Compensatory Cash Flow. Cite examples from the book in your response.

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