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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. How many times does Green estimate he has signed his name in his review of Hiroyuki Doi's Circle Drawings?

2. Which poet does Green cite in his review on Harvey?

3. What does Green write is one of the terrible consequences of excruciating pain?

4. What serious illness did Green contract in 2014?

5. Which toy company produces Monopoly?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Green and his wife Sarah visit the Bonneville Salt Flats?

2. How did Green's boss at Booklist treat him when he had to take time off for mental illness issues?

3. What was the original name of Elizabeth Magie's game that someone else essentially stole the idea for Monopoly from?

4. What is one drawback of traditional lawns that consist mostly of grass, and particularly of Kentucky Bluegrass, according to Green?

5. Why does Green have fond memories of going to the Indianapolis 500?

6. What idea did Clarence Saunders have after losing his fortune following the creation of Piggly Wiggly that failed to take off?

7. What was the most terrible symptom of meningitis for Green?

8. How does Green describe the "yips"?

9. How does Green describe the trajectory of a typical Monopoly game?

10. Why do you think Green tells the story about the cosmonaut Leonov in Part IV?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Green is quite pointedly critical about what he sees as the shortcomings of American politics, policies and culture at different points in this collection. Where, when, and how do you think his criticisms are most effective? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

How does Green himself describe this essay collection as a departure from - and, also, similar to - his earlier works of both fiction and non-fiction? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 3

How does Green use specific examples of products, experiences, and/or time periods from his childhood to explore topics like comfort and the pain of feeling like an outsider? Write an essay explaining your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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