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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 4.4 | Chapter 4.5.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How many classifications of Americanisms does Gilbert M. Tucker provide in 1921?
(a) Thirteen.
(b) Twenty.
(c) Twelve.
(d) Two.

2. Which is the second factor that Mencken identifies as an impediment to the growth of the American language in Chapter 3.1?
(a) Regional diversity.
(b) Political disharmony.
(c) Territorial expansiveness.
(d) Lack of a national literature.

3. To what phrase did Benjamin Franklin, Noah Webster, and Robert Southey object as a base Americanism, as discussed in Chapter 2.3?
(a) To process.
(b) Free endorsement.
(c) To indulge.
(d) To advocate.

4. Whose clarity of prevision does Mencken praise in the opening of Chapter 1.1?
(a) Jefferson.
(b) Madison.
(c) Waldo.
(d) Franklin.

5. Which term do English dictionaries all describe as an Americanism from the comparative list in Chapter 4.1, despite the English version being frequently used in America?
(a) Freight.
(b) Rooster.
(c) Railroad.
(d) Hog-pen.

Short Answer Questions

1. What vowel sound was dominant in 18th century New England pronunciation, despite common protests to the contrary?

2. What word was "coatee" used as a diminutive for?

3. According to the report of Beverley, what did a group of soldiers turn into after eating some Jimson Weed?

4. What is the American substitute for the English word "tin"?

5. What event does Mencken credit with strengthening the obfuscation of distinction between American and British English?

(see the answer key)

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