2. To what does Mary compare the experience of being nominated for presidency but never taking the position?
(a) A death.
(b) A natural disaster.
(c) A piece of classical music.
(d) A band-aid.

3. In what way did Erik constantly show care for his wife and Mary during their interview sessions?
(a) He regularly brought the women tea.
(b) He gave the women space to speak in private.
(c) He regularly told the women how proud he was of them.
(d) He gave the women should massages.

4. Which of the following is the theme of the final chapter of "Composing a Life"?
(a) Individual Humanity.
(b) Global Humanity.
(c) Societal Humanity.
(d) Familial Humanity.

5. After the debacle of her presidency, what did Mary learn was an important element to a happy life?
(a) Naivety.
(b) Trust.
(c) Skepticism.
(d) Strength.

6. According to Mary, what is the one thing all five women in the book are striving for?
(a) Perfection.
(b) Wisdom.
(c) Fame.
(d) Synergy.

7. According to Mary, what is the one thing productivity hinges on?
(a) Flexibility.
(b) Passion.
(c) Perseverance.
(d) Compassion.

8. Which woman does Mary claim learned to "compose the disparate elements of her life in new and less rigid ways".
(a) Ellen.
(b) Joan.
(c) Johnnetta.
(d) Alice.

9. According to Mary, what societal role is care taking usually assigned to?
(a) To mothers.
(b) To the wealthy.
(c) Care taking isn't assigned to any particular role anymore.
(d) To women.

10. How does Mary feel about full-time female workers that also come home and cook for their families?
(a) She feels they whine too much about their situation.
(b) She feels they are resilient and should be role models.
(c) She feels they are doing what gender roles demand of them.
(d) She feels they have an unfair life.

11. In what country did Mary spend her high school years?
(a) Zimbabwe.
(b) Egypt.
(c) Israel.
(d) Turkey.

12. Which word fills in the following sentence from the final chapter in "Composing a Life": All five women live with high levels of _____________?
(a) Ambiguity.
(b) Ambition.
(c) Adamance.
(d) Affection.

13. Which of the following activities helps Johnnetta deal with her stress?
(a) Swimming.
(b) Reading.
(c) Walking.
(d) Writing.

14. To which of the following activities does Mary compare the process of composing an identity?
(a) Washing windows.
(b) Baking a pastry.
(c) Folding origami.
(d) Learning to iron.

15. After a period of disillusionment, each of the women in the book have learned how to create commitment without what?
(a) Forgiveness.
(b) Dependence.
(c) Resentment.
(d) Romance.