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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. What does Rankine say American voter registration laws can function as in some states?

2. Which Supreme Court Justice does Rankine take issue with for his assertion that he had no connections at Yale?

3. Which Saturday Night Live actress tweeted about harassment comparing her to an ape?

4. About how many whites do not have any Black friends, according to a study cited by the Washington Post reporter Christopher Ingraham?

5. What does Notes on the State of Virginia conclude about the memories of Blacks and whites?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part II, why does a white friend of Rankine's tell her she has to defend Rankine to her own white friends?

2. What historical document from the 1700s does Rankine include extensive sections of in Part II?

3. What is one major event in Rankine's life that she discusses in Part II as forcing her to reassess her life as a whole?

4. How does Rankine feel contemplating the overwhelmingly white parents and teachers at her daughter's school?

5. What statement of Hillary Clinton's does Rankine recall and quote on page 133, calling it appalling but not un-American?

6. What does Rankine describe Beyonce's album Lemonade as dealing with?

7. What reason does one white man offer to Rankine as an explanation as to why his son did not get accepted through early decision to Yale University?

8. Why does Rankine think it might be best for just her white husband to attend her daughter's parent-teacher conference?

9. What does a white friend of Rankine's tell her about white people speaking amongst themselves about racism?

10. What is a major reason Rankine decides to go to marriage counseling with her husband?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think Rankine chose to begin asking white men specifically in airports and on planes about their own perceptions of white male privilege? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay discussing the symbolism and significance behind blond hair in Rankine's lengthy analysis of it, especially regarding women of color's decision to dye their hair blonde.

Essay Topic 3

Why does Rankine's white friend's behavior at the play "Fairview" upset her so much? How does the white friend's written response change Rankine's view on the events of that night? Write an essay explaining your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 767 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample