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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. Where did Cal and Beth go when Conrad was in the hospital?

2. Where do Beth and Cal take Conrad when they get home from their trip?

3. Why is Conrad so upset after his fight?

4. Why does Cal's mentor write him off?

5. What activity does Beth partake in when they are visiting family?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Cal and Beth are in Texas, why doesn't Beth discuss Conrad with her family?

2. Describe Conrad's life at the end of the novel.

3. Why does Conrad want to call Karen?

4. Describe the trip that Cal and Beth took to Spain.

5. Why does Conrad feel vulnerable after Karen's suicide?

6. How has Conrad starting working to achieve his goals?

7. What are Cal's hopes for his vacation with Beth in Texas?

8. Why is Conrad angry at Jordan?

9. Describe Conrad's first date with Jeanine.

10. Why does Conrad confront Cal about in chapter 31?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the lowest point of Conrad's life in the novel? What is the highest point? Provide evidence from the novel to strengthen your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Conrad is obsessed with not failing. The other characters also have fears. Analyze the fears of three different characters. Why are these fears significant to the progression of the novel? Do their fears become obsessions? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Many of the characters in "Ordinary People" feel guilty. For example, Conrad feels guilty over the death of his brother, Jordan. How is guilt one of the major themes in the novel? What characters experience guilt and why?

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