View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How is Frank's ex-wife best described as?

2. As a result of his accident, what has the football player Frank is interviewing become?

3. Who did Frank spend an evening speaking with prior to his divorce?

4. Who is Paul?

5. What major theme seen throughout the book is seen in Frank's interview with the football player?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Walter feel drawn to Frank?

2. How is the theme of quiet despair seen in the interview with the football player in Detroit?

3. Why does Frank go through Vicki's purse?

4. What has become a ritual for Frank and X?

5. Frank returns to the hotel in Detroit after the interview to find Vicki depressed. Why is Vicki depressed?

6. How is Frank's desire to both be a part of his family again and to allow his ex-wife to go on with her life without him evident?

7. What makes Frank's human-interest story, the interview with the football player in Detroit, difficult to write?

8. What happens when Frank is met by his doctor while waiting in line at the airport?

9. Does Frank think X can go on with her life without getting married?

10. How does Frank's meeting with the football player in Detroit go? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ralph's death from Reye's Syndrome caused a big shake up in the lives of Ralph's family, eventually even leading to divorce. How can Ralph's death be viewed as a foreshadowing event for both Frank and X? Be sure to include details and examples from the story to defend your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In a conversation Frank has with X's father-in-law, X's father-in-law calls Frank's relationship with Vicki a rebound relationship. Why does X's father-in-law call this relationship a rebound relationship? What causes X's father-in-law to make this statement? What is Frank's reaction to this comment and do you agree with the comment? Why / why not?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout "The Sportswriter," there are many friendships that are established. Pick one friendship that is established and explain what characteristics makes this friendship specifically between the two friends mentioned. Students can choose from Vicki and Frank, Selma and Frank, X's father-in-law and Frank, Walter and Frank or any pair of characters from the story.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 806 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample