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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Bryson, what did people in the past do when they flew?
(a) Dressed up for it.
(b) Ate and drank through the whole flight.
(c) Bought insurance for every flight.
(d) Got sick a lot.

2. What is Bryson's observations on the conveniences of life in America in the 1990s?
(a) He wishes England had more conveniences.
(b) They need to be banned.
(c) They are not necessarily better, but people think they are.
(d) They are the best improvement he came home to.

3. Why is Bryson not impressed with the spell checker on his computer?
(a) It only displays in red.
(b) It doesn't recognize nonstandard spelling.
(c) It often just does not work at all.
(d) It doesn't recognize surnames.

4. Which American business name mystifies Bryson?
(a) Toys R Us.
(b) Dunkin' Donuts.
(c) Burger King.
(d) IHOP.

5. According to Bryson, what does the Travel Industry Association of America say about shopping?
(a) The Grand Canyon needs a mall.
(b) Without it, the American economy would crash.
(c) It is the number one holiday activity of Americans.
(d) Americans should shop more, not less.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Bryson's parents give him for Christmas when he was eight?

2. According to Bryson, which man from his childhood state deserves more credit in American history?

3. In "The Great Indoors," what does Bryson say people in America have developed a dislike of?

4. Who does Bryson say designed the snowmobile?

5. How many "new" consumer products does Bryson say are launched every year in the United States?

Short Essay Questions

1. "Your Tax Form Explained", what does Bryson satirize? Give three examples of how he does this.

2. In "Deck the Halls," Bryson tells his readers that he is not looking forward to Christmas decorating. Why is this?

3. In "So Sue Me," what does Bryson say about American lawyers?

4. In "Lost in Cyberland," what kind of adventures does Bryson have with technology in America?

5. In "The Flying Nightmare," Bryson compares modern air travel with air travel from his youth in the 1960s and 70s. List three points he makes.

6. Find three examples from "The Great Indoors" that Bryson cites as reasons he thinks Americans spend too much time indoors.

7. Bryson relates his sad tale of trying to rent a car when he went to the Boston airport in "How to Rent a Car." What are some of the problems he encountered?

8. In "A Day at the Seaside," what does Mrs. Bryson suggest the family do? How does Bill react to this?

9. Bryson explains the joys of living in a snowy climate in "Fun in the Snow." How does he give the reader the impression that he is not a natural athlete?

10. "The Best American Holiday," Bryson explains why he loves Thanksgiving so much. List three things that he enthuses about the holiday.

(see the answer keys)

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