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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Highfalutin," what does Sedaris say is the "saddest development in New York" in the last few decades (82)?
(a) The decrease in tourism.
(b) The cleanup of the Time Square area.
(c) The advent of online retail.
(d) The increase in homelessness.

2. In "Unbuttoned," what do the Sedaris siblings see out the window at Lou's house?
(a) A drone.
(b) A doe.
(c) A lightning strike.
(d) A naked woman.

3. What is the name of the nursing home that Lou moves into?
(a) Hillcrest.
(b) Springmoor.
(c) Mayview.
(d) Oakpointe.

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

5. In "A Speech to the Graduates," what does Sedaris say causes the resiliency of people in their early twenties?
(a) Inexperience.
(b) Good health.
(c) Idealism.
(d) Physical attractiveness.

6. In "Highfalutin," what is Sedaris insulted at being mistaken for?
(a) A sales clerk.
(b) A dentist.
(c) An architect.
(d) A real estate agent.

7. What comedian also named "David" do the nurses confuse Sedaris with in "Father Time"?
(a) Chappelle.
(b) Cross.
(c) Letterman.
(d) Spade.

8. In "Unbuttoned," what question does Lou ask his children?
(a) Whether he is going to die.
(b) Whether he is real to them.
(c) Whether they forgive him.
(d) Whether they miss their mother.

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

10. What is Hugh and Sedaris's house on Emerald Isle called?
(a) Tip Sea.
(b) Sea Section.
(c) Afterdune Delight.
(d) XtaSea.

11. In "A Speech to the Graduates," what does Sedaris mention having purchased at Sotheby's?
(a) A Picasso painting.
(b) A first-edition copy of Tom Sawyer.
(c) A Piguet watch.
(d) A Ming-Dynasty vase.

12. How is the term "highfalutin" introduced into the essay "Highfalutin"?
(a) Tiffany calls Amy and Sedaris this when they are shopping together.
(b) Sedaris suggests it as a name for a medication.
(c) Sedaris claims that this is what Hugh first wanted to call the Pink House.
(d) This is what Sedaris and his sister Amy called their play production company.

13. How does Sedaris feel when Harrison tells him that he has never heard of Sedaris's books?
(a) Hurt.
(b) Indignant.
(c) Superior.
(d) Amused.

14. 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?
(a) They illustrate his point that the post-college years can be the best years of a person's life.
(b) They are examples of artistic career choices that contrast with safer career choices.
(c) They demonstrate that gifted artists generally succeed quickly.
(d) They are a warning about the instability of non-traditional career choices.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. In "Themes and Variations," what are the details of the airport McDonald's employee's appearance intended to convey?

3. In "Bruised," what does Sedaris criticize as lacking charm?

4. In "Highfalutin," who are Lex and Germalina?

5. Where is the farmhouse that Hugh owns in "Bruised"?

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