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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Debi doing outside of her house when Alma sees her as she and Pammy reach the house?
(a) Planting roses.
(b) Painting her house.
(c) Sweeping her sidewalk.
(d) Mowing her lawn.

2. Who is the author of "Mother's Day"?
(a) George Saunders.
(b) David Foster Wallace.
(c) George Orwell.
(d) John Cheever.

3. What is Pammy doing while they walk Pine Street, which Alma finds nearly absurd?
(a) Telling everyone to wish her mother a Happy Mother's Day.
(b) Holding Alma's hand.
(c) Talking loudly.
(d) Yelling at strangers.

4. What did Alma feel her children ruined when it came to her and Paul, Sr.'s relationship?
(a) Their vacationing.
(b) Their communication.
(c) Their sex life.
(d) Their financial stability.

5. What does Alma recall doing when she had once found Paul, Sr. passed out on their porch?
(a) She called the cops on him.
(b) She poured cold water on his head.
(c) She helped him to bed.
(d) She kicked him.

6. Where does Alma say she wants to go when Pammy suggests they walk up Pickle Street?
(a) To the movies.
(b) Paul, Sr.'s grave.
(c) Out for lunch.
(d) Dress shopping.

7. What did Paulie try to give Alma and Paul, Sr. when they nearly lost their house?
(a) A couple of crumpled dollar bills.
(b) Several gold pieces.
(c) His life savings.
(d) A cup of pennies.

8. What was Paul, Sr.'s occupation?
(a) Gardener.
(b) Cab driver.
(c) Salesman.
(d) Arborist.

9. What does Alma think the place Pammy works smells like?
(a) Hemp.
(b) Crap.
(c) Sweat.
(d) Patchouli.

10. In what industry does Paulie work?
(a) Construction.
(b) Banking.
(c) Education.
(d) Ad sales.

11. What does Alma recall Paul, Sr. doing the time Pammy slapped her?
(a) He walked by and said nothing.
(b) He yelled at Alma for bugging Pammy.
(c) He slapped her back.
(d) He punished Pammy for two weeks.

12. How does Alma feel about what her daughter tries to point out to her as the walk Pine Street at the start of the story?
(a) Frightened.
(b) Impressed.
(c) Excited.
(d) Apathetic.

13. What is Alma thankful Pammy and Paulie had not been bugging her about during this visit?
(a) Her drinking.
(b) Her looks.
(c) Her smoking.
(d) Finding a boyfriend.

14. What does Pammy wear while out with her mother on Mother's Day?
(a) A torn sweater and ripped jeans.
(b) A t-shirt with a half-naked guy on it.
(c) A sweatshirt with a crossed-out machine gun on it.
(d) A very short dress.

15. In addition to working "dumb jobs" (3) and never marrying, what are Pammy and Paulie always doing?
(a) Going on fad diets.
(b) Asking Alma for money.
(c) Talking about their feelings.
(d) Moving from one apartment to another.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Paulie miss the Mother's Day outing with Pammy and Alma?

2. Who is Elieen who Alma recalls when thinking of Pammy and Paulie's younger days?

3. Why did Alma begin wearing "the wildest underthings" (4) when her children were young?

4. Where does Pammy work?

5. What did Paul, Sr., once call Alma while he was drunk?

(see the answer keys)

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