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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. What is the name of the first Russian satellite launched in 1957?

2. What is the book written by the answer to #126 which is compared to Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath?

3. What shape is the Octagon House?

4. "South of Kankakee" takes place in what state?

5. At what age does Plowden begin to take photos?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Miriam Rothschild.

2. What is the significance of Blair House in Washington, D.C.?

3. According to McCullough, what are some of Washington D.C.'s best attributes?

4. Why does strip mining continue in many states?

5. What are the characteristics of Richter's writing style?

6. Who is Miriam Rothschild as described in this chapter?

7. What is the history of strip mining in Kentucky?

8. What is Miriams' affinity to fleas?

9. What closing words does McCullough offer the graduates?

10. Explain how Miriam is influenced by her Uncle Walter.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Theodore Roosevelt in his Dakota Badlands days. Why did he go to the region originally? What did he want to accomplish? Why did he later state that the time he spent in the Badlands was critical to his ultimate success?

Essay Topic 2

The aviators in the mid-1920s were gifted writers as well as aviators. Why do you think there is a connection between these two skills? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

As an historian, David McCullough would naturally be drawn to Washington, D.C. What does he especially like about the city? What important events in his life occurred there? Why does McCullough choose to live there? Do you think he likes "old" history as well as being close to the center of where much "new" history is made? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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