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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 many cases, an event may be noticed, but not ____________, according to the author.

2. Many people believe they are meant to be _____________ or they are not - no wiggle room between sides.

3. The concept of the Flow is a state in which one is so immersed in something that nothing else _________________.

4. Many still believe that happiness is defined by ___________, though the author says this is not the case.

5. The author states that the ______________ is a large part of the idea of human consciousness, containing all that a person has seen.

Short Essay Questions

1. What are two of the factors that can affect happiness which are completely out of the control of the person?

2. What does the author want people to realize about the idea of challenges?

3. What might happen if a person were to burst into an office demanding answers as to why they got passed over for a promotion?

4. What is the definition of flow, according to the findings of the author in this book?

5. How does the author say that happiness can be achieved, as he does not believe it is an unattainable goal?

6. Why does the author believe that we are limited in experiencing complete joy?

7. What does the author think would happen if a person did not have a consciousness?

8. What can the self give insight into, according to Csikszentmihalyi in this section of the book?

9. Since it is not necessarily the events in one's life that cause happiness, what does the author propose causes the happiness around events?

10. What are the five key factors that can assure that a child may have an optimum experience in his life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author says that many enjoyable acts involve challenges too, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

Part 1: Do you agree with the author's statement about enjoyment being intertwined with challenges?

Part 2: How do you think life would be different if there weren't any challenges? Or wouldn't it be different?

Part 3: Why do you think that challenges are a part of enjoyment?

Essay Topic 2

The author has come up with the concept of 'flow' and that this is the state in which happiness is found.

Part 1: How might you define 'flow' as it is seen in your own life?

Part 2: Why do you think the term 'flow' works for the discussion the author wants to have? Or doesn't it?

Part 3: In what ways do you think 'flow' affects everyday life? Or doesn't it? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

The author says that in order to change the world, one must change himself first.

Part 1: Do you agree with the statement of the author? Why or why not?

Part 2: How do you think people could begin to change themselves in order to change the world?

Part 3: Why do you think that some people believe that everyone else has to change for them?

(see the answer keys)

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