View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the names of the women who plait hair in "The Lazy River"?

2. Who is the woman that helps fit Miss Adele for a corset in "Miss Adele Amidst the Corsets"?

3. What does the woman say she would like to be on good terms with in the opening of "The Dialectic"?

4. How old is Wendy English described as in “Words and Music”?

5. How much money does it cost to attend Donovan's family's show?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the couple do when they retire to their room in "The Lazy River"? Why is this important?

2. What is the setting of “Just Right”? Why is this setting significant?

3. What is the significance of Café Loup in "Downtown"?

4. Describe the narrative style in “Words and Music.” What makes the narrative style stand out in this story?

5. What is the central theme of “Miss Adele Amidst the Corsets”? How does the author illustrate this theme?

6. What is the importance of Cassie's character in “Just Right”?

7. What settings are illustrated in “Words and Music”? Why are they important?

8. Describe the main characters in "The Dialectic." What are they doing in this short story?

9. Describe the character of Adele in “Miss Adele Amidst the Corsets.” What drives this character?

10. Describe the characters in “Words and Music.” How are they similar and different?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of race, racism, and gender expectations in the stories in Grand Union. Which stories focus on these themes primarily? How are the themes developed through setting? How are they developed through character and action?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the three main characters in “Escape from New York.” Who were these individuals in real life? Why has the author chosen to depict them in this narrative? How does the author depict the characters?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the plot structure of "Sentimental Education." What is the inciting incident in the story? Where is its climax? What information is related in the falling action and denouement of the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 850 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample