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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. With whom does Didion celebrate her daughter's birthday?

2. What does Didion find on the island?

3. What did the monster do in the movie?

4. Who happened upon the accident?

5. With whom does Didion go on the holiday?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the accident in the mountains.

2. Describe Alcatraz Island as depicted in this essay.

3. Why is Didion finding Los Angeles depressing in this essay?

4. What does Didion think of Newport Beach?

5. Why is Hawaii important to Didion?

6. Describe the movie on which Didion bases this essay.

7. Summarize the book.

8. Describe the history of Sacramento.

9. Describe Didion's time in Guaymas.

10. What problems does Didion face when she and her husband visit her family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following subjects to base a 500-word essay:

1) The hippie cultural influence on Sixties and Seventies America.

2) The true definition of moral behavior.

3) The importance of an extended family.

Essay Topic 2

Using two sources outside of the book, write a critical essay on one of Didion's own essays. Do you agree or disagree with central themes of her work? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Examine the book as a whole.

1) What is the central argument of the book?

2) How are the essays arranged to construct this argument?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 702 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample