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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. Which of the following statements about Alice is true?

2. According to Calvin, his wife enjoys spending money on which one of the following?

3. According to Calvin, Alice has especially strong views about which of the following subjects?

4. Finish this sentence: Calvin states that if he works in a corporate job ...

5. Alice serves on the board of what organization for children with cancer and other illnesses?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the SEEK program? Why is it important to Alice?

2. Explain the Alice Tax.

3. What is Alice's attitude toward cigarettes?

4. In chapter five, following Alice's bypass operation, what warning does Alice's surgeon give Calvin Trillin?

5. In chapter six, explain Calvin Trillin's theory about the person who makes out the mortgage check in a marriage.

6. True or false: Alice shies away from taboo subjects. Explain your answer.

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write about the messages in this memoir about parenting.

Part 1) Does Calvin Trillin agree with his wife Alice about the importance of attending their children's school plays and eating dinner together? Why or why not?

Part 2) To what extent does Alice's parenting style differ from that of her husband?

Part 3) Why does Trilllin spend so much time on the subject of parenting in About Alice?

Part 4) Trillin provides brief glimpses into the points of view of Abigail and Sarah. What do their statements say about the parenting they receive?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 2

A few years after his wife Alice's diagnosis with lung cancer, Calvin Trillin is suddenly overcome with emotion in an airport.

Part 1) Describe the event and its significance in the memoir.

Part 2) What does this event say about Trillin's ability to process his wife's illness?

Part 3) Is Trillin in denial? If so, does he admit to it?

Essay Topic 3

Calvin Trillin states that Alice takes on a caretaker role with her parents early on in life.

Part 1) Compare and contrast the type of relationship Alice has with her parents with that of Alice's relationship with her own daughters.

Part 2) Who is a better role model, Alice or Alice's mother? Why?

Include examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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