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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where does Sedaris see Olivier working when Oliver is about 20 years old?
(a) At the local college.
(b) In a clothing boutique.
(c) At the hypermarket.
(d) On a landscaping crew.

2. In "Highfalutin," what does Sedaris ultimately decide his idea of perfect happiness is?
(a) Eating ice cream while watching a documentary about Jim Jones.
(b) Sitting on the deck of Sea Section with Hugh, watching the ocean.
(c) Shopping and laughing with his sister Amy.
(d) Taking a long bath at a great hotel before giving a reading.

3. What is ironic about Lisa turning out to be the better shooter?
(a) David Sederis actually has more experience shooting than does his sister Lisa.
(b) Their siblings placed bets on the outcome, and David was heavily favored.
(c) David Sedaris is the one who wanted to go to the gun range, not Lisa.
(d) The instructor clearly believes that David will be the better shooter because he is male.

4. In "Hurricane Season," what comment does Sedaris make about the names of hurricanes?
(a) They are too old-fashioned.
(b) They should include names with diverse ethnic origins.
(c) They are too innocent-sounding.
(d) They should include traditionally male names.

5. Where were Sedaris's friends living when the man drove a vehicle into their home?
(a) In a converted church.
(b) In a national park.
(c) At an airport.
(d) At a marina.

6. In "To Serbia with Love," during what time of year do Sedaris and Patsy travel together?
(a) August.
(b) April.
(c) December.
(d) June.

7. In "Highfalutin," where have Sedaris and Hugh moved just before the lunch with Amy takes place?
(a) North Carolina.
(b) Sussex.
(c) New York.
(d) Normandy.

8. In "To Serbia with Love," what is Patsy's job in Paris?
(a) Interior decorator.
(b) Museum curator.
(c) Tour guide.
(d) Personal shopper.

9. In "Themes and Variations," what does Sedaris compare the main branch of the Chicago Public Library to?
(a) A nightclub.
(b) A palace.
(c) A morgue.
(d) A bus station.

10. What do Harrison and Austen prefer to spend their time doing?
(a) Watching cartoons on television.
(b) Watching TikTok and YouTube videos.
(c) Scrolling through social media.
(d) Playing Nintendo Switch games.

11. In "Unbuttoned," what does Sedaris notice on the floor of his father's house?
(a) A pool of blood.
(b) Feces.
(c) A cat skeleton.
(d) A dead mouse.

12. In "To Serbia with Love," what do the problems Sedaris lists with potential travel companions have in common?
(a) They involve choosing active experiences with nature over cultural engagement.
(b) They involve sacrificing convenience for a cheaper price.
(c) They involve overscheduling time at the expense of real relaxation.
(d) They involve choosing variety over depth of experience.

13. In "Highfalutin," how does Sedaris contrast Amy's perspective with his own?
(a) She lives in the moment, while he does not.
(b) She is empathetic, while he is not.
(c) She takes the long view, while he does not.
(d) She is self-centered, while he is not.

14. In "Highfalutin," what does Amy describe cutting up while under the influence of psychedelics?
(a) Bills.
(b) Scripts.
(c) Clothing.
(d) Carpet.

15. In "Themes and Variations," what are the details of the airport McDonald's employee's appearance intended to convey?
(a) Sedaris pities her because he thinks she is unattractive.
(b) Sedaris admires how much she does with few resources.
(c) Sedaris feels guilty for misjudging the woman.
(d) Sedaris understands how fortunate he is to be healthy.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Hurricane Season," how does Sedaris characterize the difference between his own anger and Hugh's?

2. In "Bruised," what aspect of his identity makes Sedaris afraid that people will not believe him if Olivier tells lies about his behavior?

3. In "A Speech to the Graduates," what is Sedaris's purpose in mentioning Gretchen's program of study and Amy's work at Second City?

4. In "Unbuttoned," which of Sedaris's siblings says that Lou is their best friend?

5. In "Hurricane Season," what motivates Hugh to lock Gretchen and Sedaris out of the house?

(see the answer keys)

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