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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 old is Lauren's father's new girlfriend?

2. Which of the following is NOT something Lauren is self-conscious about?

3. When Paul visits his mother in Boston, how long had it been since he spoke to his father?

4. According to the rumors, what does Sara plan to do about her pregnancy?

5. What type of cuisine does Sean invite Paul out for?

Short Essay Questions

1. What event prevents Paul from meeting Sean for their "date"?

2. Why does Lauren feel guilty about having sex with Franklin at a party?

3. How does Paul react when he hears that someone is dropping love notes in Sean's mailbox?

4. How does Sean react when he is turned down for sex by Roxanne at a party?

5. What does the mystery girl think is going to happen when she attends the "Dressed to Get Screwed" party?

6. What type of mysterious letters are being dropped in Sean's mailbox, and who does he think the letters are from?

7. What is the reaction of friends when word spreads that Tim has gotten Sara pregnant?

8. According to Paul's perspective of the evening, what happened when Sean leaves the party and comes back to his house?

9. How does Mitchell treat Paul after the first time they sleep together?

10. Who is Henry, and why is he depressed about his life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ellis depicts many of the young people in his novel as as sex-crazed drug addicts. Do you think this is a fair representation of youth culture? Why or why not? Do you think Ellis was being serious in his representation of youth or satirical? How can you tell?

Essay Topic 2

When Lauren breaks up with Sean, he tries a few very lame attempts to kill himself and tries to convince Lauren that his death is imminent at the Halloween party. First, describe the various suicide attempts that Sean tries after his break up with Lauren. How does the reader know that Sean is not serious about trying to end his own life? Then, describe Sean's outburst at the Halloween party after he sees Lauren dancing with another man. How does Lauren react to this violent outburst? What does Lauren's reaction tell the reader about her relationship with Sean?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, the reader sees glimpses into Sean's romantic history, including stories of many ex-girlfriends. First, create a time line of significant romantic relationships in Sean's life and the lessons he learned from each one. Then, use the time line to explain Sean's treatment of Lauren, particularly at the end of their relationship. Do you think Sean's behavior in his relationship with Lauren was inevitable? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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