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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. Who is the top favorite from America at the Mr. Universe Competition?

2. What title does Arnold win at this competition in 1967?

3. What is Arnold's achievement at the Best Built Man of Europe competition?

4. What character trait describes Arnold in his first days working with Reg Park?

5. What is Arnold's job in the Army?

Short Essay Questions

1. After Arnold enters military service, he leaves his boot camp base without permission in order to compete in the Junior division of the Mr. Europe Junior contest. Describe your reaction to the risk that Arnold took.

2. How does Arnold become the protégé of the bodybuilders in the gym in Graz when he is fifteen years old?

3. What does Arnold say about having a girlfriend in Munich in 1967?

4. What are some of the criticisms leveled at Arnold by others in Graz during this teenage period of his early bodybuilding career?

5. Why is Arnold concerned about an upcoming event with Dennis Tinnerino?

6. Why is Arnold considered a hero by the senior army officers?

7. Describe the influence that Reg Park has on Arnold in his teenage bodybuilding days.

8. Why do the federation judges back out of their commitment to pay Arnold's way to the Mr. Universe contest in London?

9. Despite creating his own separate body training routines, careful attention to meals between training sessions, and goals to win two more upcoming competitions, Arnold has feelings of inadequacy. Why do you think this is so?

10. What is the result of Arnold's first training attempts at the gym in Graz?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Considering the entire book, analyze the reasons that you think motivated Arnold to write this book. Discuss all aspects: personal, familial, professional, and entrepreneurial. Cite examples from the book to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

As a teenager, Arnold has an unfulfilled need for recognition. After meeting men who serve as role models at the gym in Graz, he realizes that becoming a bodybuilder can provide that recognition.

Discuss reasons why men who exercise at a gym and are much older than Arnold emerge as sources of inspiration for a teenager who is hungry for recognition.

Why does bodybuilding seem to be an unlikely choice for a teenager? Discuss the appeal of bodybuilding as a vehicle for Arnold to gain recognition. If Arnold's experience occurred now, do you think bodybuilding would be a logical choice? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

With Barbara, Arnold enters into his first positive, longer term relationship with a woman in America. But after several years, she leaves him when she decides he isn't capable of being in a committed relationship.

Explain why you think Arnold is unable to make the compromises necessary to have a career and a rewarding relationship at the same time.

With the disappointment of the breakup, discuss what Arnold learns about relationships based on his two years with Barbara.

Do you see evidence later in the book that Arnold has used what he learned from this relationship in his future endeavors?

(see the answer keys)

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