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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Gladwell say that it is preferable to study science at a less competitive school?
(a) Because you have a better chance of getting individual attention.
(b) Because you are statistically less likely to fail out.
(c) Because you are more likely to make good connections.
(d) Because you have a better chance of distinguishing yourself, and therefore of getting a job.

2. What does Gladwell say is the benefit of bigger classes?
(a) More attention for each student.
(b) More resources for each student.
(c) Less stress on the teacher.
(d) More diversity.

3. What does Gladwell say the inverted-U curve expresses?
(a) The plateau effect.
(b) Stagnation level.
(c) Diminishing marginal returns.
(d) The sweet-spot theory.

4. Gladwell says that 77% of Americans would rather decrease class size than do what?
(a) Pay for new school books.
(b) Consolidate schools.
(c) Increase teacher pay.
(d) Fund job creation programs.

5. What did the best paintings get at the Paris Salon?
(a) Patrons.
(b) Medals.
(c) Financial awards.
(d) Purchased.

6. What modern weapon does Gladwell compare David’s slung stone to?
(a) A stun gun.
(b) A Taser.
(c) A bullet from a .45 pistol.
(d) A bullet from an AR-15.

7. What is the name of the valley in which David and Goliath faced off?
(a) Judaean.
(b) Elah.
(c) Shephelah.
(d) Aijalon.

8. How much of a basketball court does Gladwell say most teams concede to their opponents?
(a) 25%.
(b) 50%.
(c) 80%.
(d) 70%.

9. What does Gladwell get wrong about Affirmative Action?
(a) It is not for poor students.
(b) It is more effective than he gives credit for.
(c) It is not still running.
(d) It is not just for African-American students.

10. How many people had the courage to like a painting without Salon approval, according to Renoir?
(a) 12.
(b) 6.
(c) 10.
(d) 15.

11. How many men does Gladwell say T. E. Lawrence’s force captured?
(a) 6,000.
(b) 8,000.
(c) 1,200.
(d) 12,000.

12. What happened when the California governor announced plans to reduce class size?
(a) His popularity doubled.
(b) He was challenged in a primary.
(c) He was voted out of office.
(d) He was given a federal grant.

13. Where was Ranadivé’s team based?
(a) Menlo Park, CA.
(b) Portland, OR.
(c) Chattanooga, TN.
(d) Albany, NY.

14. What does Gladwell say caused Goliath’s enormous size?
(a) Rigorous training.
(b) Acromegaly.
(c) Genetics.
(d) Megacephaly.

15. How many paintings would painters submit to the Salon each year?
(a) Ten to twelve.
(b) Five to six.
(c) One.
(d) Two to three.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Gladwell say makes parenting more difficult for wealthier parents?

2. Who was most likely to be in Harvard’s “happy bottom quarter” (90)?

3. How did Brian Grazer turn his dyslexia into an advantage?

4. When do dyslexics typically get a diagnosis, according to Gladwell?

5. Who was the king of the Israelites when David fought Goliath?

(see the answer keys)

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