monsters

Instructions
This writing placement course requires that you
Read the article below.
Summarize the article.
Write an essay based on the article.
Save a copy of your summary and essay (together in one file) so that you can get back to it if there is any problem with your uploaded file.
Upload and submit a copy of the one file containing both your summary and essay.
First, read the article below. Instructions for writing and submitting your summary and essay follow the article.
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"Monsters" by Anna Quindlen
THE monster under the bed finally arrived at our house the other night. I've been waiting for him to show up for four years. Peter Rabbit had been read, discussed, analyzed and placed nearby for easy access. The little brother was coiled under his blankets, waiting to leap out and seize forbidden tow trucks and alphabet blocks as soon as the sound of the parents' footsteps had faded to a faint thump. The bathtub faucet was drip drip dripping in the next room. The drinks of water had been parceled out, demanded again, refused. The overhead light was off. The night light gleamed.
"Mom?"
"Yes."
"I have something very important to tell you."
"What?"
"There is a monster under my bed."
Do you have any idea how close I came to replying, "Well, it's about time"?
It seems that the monster showed up under my bed just the day before yesterday. I always thought he was a hairy beast with a lot of teeth, a cross between Godzilla and a Gahan Wilson drawing. He never got me, but that was because I was quick and brave and careful. After I finished reading in bed, I would go across to the switch next to the door and turn out the light. Then I would hoist my nightgown up to my knobby knees, take a deep breath, run three steps and leap up onto the mattress. Don't break stride, don't look down - those were my rules of survival. I knew that if I had eyes in my chin I'd see a long nasty arm whipping