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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. What does Mencken state is neglected by those who are professional trained to investigate it?
(a) Idiosyncrasies.
(b) The vulgate.
(c) Formal grammar.
(d) Philological anomalies.

2. According to Mencken at the beginning of Chapter 1.3, what do the novelists and newspapermen on either side of the Atlantic ocean delight in?
(a) Intercommunication.
(b) Travel.
(c) Localisms.
(d) Publishing.

3. What word in American is used for the English word "shoe?"
(a) Footing.
(b) Sandal.
(c) Slipper.
(d) Boot.

4. In terms of politics, an American candidate "runs" for office. What does an English candidate do?
(a) Sprints.
(b) Stands.
(c) Sits.
(d) Jumps.

5. Which of the following was not used as a substitute for the once indecent term, for highly refined ears, "bull"?
(a) Male-cow.
(b) Standing-cow.
(c) Cow-creature.
(d) Gentleman-cow.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which letter of the alphabet do Americans differ in pronunciation from other English-speaking countries?

2. Who is the author of "Dissertations on the English Language"?

3. What "Anglomaniac affectation" did Noah Webster sneer at in 1789?

4. What does Mencken list as dominant the English alternative for the word "mail"?

5. What language does Mencken quote Sidney Low as saying is not taught to English youth?

(see the answer key)

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