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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Design Flaws, Room Service, Consuming Pleasures, The Numbers Game, Junk-Food Heaven, How to Have Fun at Home, Tales of the North Woods, The Cupholder Revolution, Number, Please and Friendly People.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Bill explain the popularity of motel chains in America?
(a) Good marketing.
(b) Privately owned ones are expensive.
(c) People want the same thing wherever they go.
(d) The chains are clean and efficient.

2. What does Bill discuss at the beginning of his essay on design flaws?
(a) His son's running shoes.
(b) His daughter's jewelry.
(c) His wife's clothing.
(d) His son's jeans.

3. How does Bryson begin "Tales of the North Woods?"
(a) He talks about a college student who left a party and died in the woods.
(b) He talks about shoveling snow.
(c) He talks about using a snowmobile.
(d) He talks about the town that disappeared, and no one has found it.

4. What does Bill like about having a college as part of he town he lives in?
(a) It keeps the taxes down.
(b) He and his family can use their facilities.
(c) His kids can go there for free.
(d) It has snob appeal.

5. Why did Bill decide to write "Friendly People?"
(a) Because he thought it would be funny.
(b) Because his editor wanted him to.
(c) Because he had to make good on a bet.
(d) Because his wife told him all he did was complain in his columns.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Bill say about the way people of the world eat?

2. According to Bill, which offense do the British commit that he takes offense to?

3. In "Design Flaws," what does Bill complain about, in regards to his computer?

4. Bill is amazed that thousands of Americans end up in the emergency rooms every year from using certain things. What are they?

5. What does Bill Bryson like about his new home town?

(see the answer key)

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