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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Bill say that he has to remember about going into restaurants?
(a) To wait to be seated.
(b) You need to show identification.
(c) They don't sell alcoholic drinks in the local eateries.
(d) He has to remove his baseball cap.

2. According to Bryson, why did a store in Michigan win a case brought against them by a customer?
(a) The store had a right to protect itself from shoplifting
(b) The customer had a history of suing every business in town.
(c) The store had a right to hire armed guards
(d) It had a really good lawyer.

3. In "Consuming Pleasures," what does Bill say about shopping in America?
(a) Everything must be bought in person.
(b) There is underproduction of goods.
(c) It is a boring and tedious activity.
(d) You can buy almost anything.

4. How does Bill know so much about motels?
(a) He used to own one.
(b) He belongs to a motel club.
(c) He has stayed at thousands.
(d) He is reading a book called "The Motel in America."

5. Why doesn't Bryson like gardening with his wife?
(a) She is English and thus an expert gardener.
(b) She expects him to garden for hours at a time.
(c) She screams if she sees any insects.
(d) He has to do all the work.

6. In "The Risk Factor," what does Bryson say an American is twice as likely to do as a British person?
(a) Die in childbirth.
(b) Die is hospital.
(c) Die accidentally.
(d) Die of cancer.

7. In "How to Have Fun at Home," why does Bill think having your groceries bagged for you is not so great?
(a) He has to make conversation with the bagger.
(b) It doesn't buy him any quality time.
(c) It makes him feel lazy.
(d) He has to tip the bagger.

8. According to Bryson, what is lacking in his New Hampshire town?
(a) Good entertainment.
(b) Pollution.
(c) Intelligent people.
(d) Crime.

9. What disappeared in the north woods of New Hampshire in 1996 and was never found?
(a) A van full of illegal aliens.
(b) A Lear jet.
(c) A helicopter.
(d) The Bryson's dog.

10. What does Bill say is a new shopping experience for him on his return to America?
(a) Personal service.
(b) Shopping insurance.
(c) Money-back guarantees.
(d) Outlet malls.

11. How many children do the Brysons have?
(a) Four.
(b) Three.
(c) Five.
(d) Two.

12. What does Bryson say about American gardens?
(a) They are mostly roses.
(b) They are mostly weeds.
(c) They are mostly lawn.
(d) They are mostly bushes.

13. What does Bill say is a big improvement in America concerning business phone numbers?
(a) Business calls cannot be made into people's homes.
(b) The 1-800 numbers are easy to remember.
(c) They are preprogrammed on everyone's phone.
(d) They are only four-digits.

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

15. According to Bill, what is the outstanding quality of Americans?
(a) Their business sense.
(b) Their ambition.
(c) Their friendliness.
(d) Their sense of humor.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Bill find strange about some U.S. commercials?

2. In "Why Everyone is Worried," which federal agency is not doing a very good job, according to Bryson?

3. In "Dying Accents," what is the name of the man who does carpentry around the Bryson house?

4. In the twenty years since Bryson left the United States, by how much have car numbers, roads, and mileage increased?

5. Why does Bill feel going to a restaurant is a discouraging experience?

(see the answer keys)

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