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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. In "Enough Already," which item comes in 18 varieties in American supermarkets?

2. Why does Bryson have to buy a whole new computer and fax system when he returns to the United States?

3. As Bryson was writing, which American President was suing the government for loss of earnings?

4. When Bryson takes his family to one of the last drive-ins in the area, what is the experience like?

5. In "On Losing a Son," why does Bryson decide to play baseball with his youngest child?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

3. What does Bryson tell the reader about drive-in movies in "At the Drive-In"?

4. In "The Wasteland," what is Bryson criticizing? Name three points of his criticism.

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

6. In "On Losing a Son," what does Bryson say his main activities are as a father sending his son off to college?

7. "Book Tours", Bryson talks about his fondness for book tours. Why does he like them?

8. 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.

9. Bryson looks at obesity in "The Fat of the Land." Name three statistics he mentions in relation to obesity.

10. In "Hail to the Chief," Bryson looks at the American holiday of Presidents Day. Give three points about the day that Bryson mentions.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define what is meant by "style" in writing. Discuss what kind of style is used in traditional nonfiction, creative nonfiction, and novels. Which style was used in the writing of "I'm a Stranger Here Myself"? Support your answer with four examples.

Essay Topic 2

"I'm a Stranger Here Myself" is a first person narrative, told from Bill Bryson's point-of-view. Briefly explain how the first person narrative is effective and how it is limited. Give four specific examples that show how the memoir is effectively told from Bill Bryson's point of view. How is our vicarious experience enhanced by Bryson's choice of first person?

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think Bill Bryson included Essay 69, "An Address to the Graduating Glass of Kimball Union Academy"? What do you think his intent was? Discuss three points of advice that he included in his speech.

(see the answer keys)

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