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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. What adjective does David use to describe Nic's kindergarten in San Francisco?
(a) Progressive.
(b) Snobby.
(c) Enriching.
(d) Expensive.

2. How does Nic get out of jail the first time he is arrested?
(a) His charges are dismissed.
(b) He serves his sentence.
(c) David bails him out.
(d) He escapes.

3. In addition to incompatibility, what else does David say occurs within his marriage to Vicki?
(a) He cheats on her with a family friend.
(b) She cheats on him with a family friend.
(c) He cheats on her with her sister.
(d) She cheats on him with his brother.

4. Nic decides to attend what university?
(a) UC Berkeley.
(b) Arizona State University.
(c) The University of Illinois.
(d) The University of Washington.

5. In what year does Chapter 1 begin?
(a) 1994.
(b) 1982.
(c) 1979.
(d) 1987.

Short Answer Questions

1. When thinking about how Nic is unlike the children his age affected by addiction, what is NOT an adjective David applies to Nic?

2. From what country was the chemist who first synthesized amphetamine?

3. Who owns a small cabin in Inverness, California?

4. How old is Jasper the first time Nic is arrested?

5. Whom does Nic call his "worry doctor" (22)?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the symbolism of the word everything?

2. How do the themes of secrecy and deception emerge within the memoir's introduction?

3. What major revelation does David make to the reader upon describing his son's admission of crystal meth use?

4. What is the author's purpose for using a quote from The Tempest as an epigraph for Part II?

5. What is Charles's first close call with drugs and how is David involved?

6. What advice do many "drug counselors tell parents" of David's "generation" (52) with respect to drug use and honesty?

7. What negative milestone takes place in Nic's life takes place just before Nic's eighteenth birthday?

8. What is the strongest evidence of Nic's negative feelings about his parents' divorce?

9. What is the first altercation between David and Nic about Nic's use of substances?

10. Which of Nic's childhood heroes commits suicide?

(see the answer keys)

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