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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. Where did Bryson enjoy riding in the train?

2. Why did Bryson visit Melbourne the first time?

3. How much do most people know about Australia?

4. Captain Phillip anchored in the harbor now known as __________________.

5. Bryson was often _____________ in the natural environments of Australia.

Short Essay Questions

1. Who was James Cook and when did he set foot in Australia?

2. How did Bryson blend history and current interest in this book?

3. What particularly fascinated Bryson about the train ride across the desert?

4. After Thomas Austin's rabbit debacle, what immigrant animal is Australia's worst menace?

5. For what is Sydney's Circular Quay most famous?

6. To what city had Melbourne lost ranking and commercial success?

7. What makes Australia one of the world's most unique places?

8. Describe Bryson's trip east from Adelaide to Melbourne.

9. What was Bryson's standard itinerary while visiting cities and towns?

10. Why did Bryson find the sport of cricket somewhat amusing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Bill Bryson. What are his physical characteristics? What are his personality traits? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What else can you say about Bryson?

Essay Topic 2

One of the most striking characteristics of Bryson's writing is his complete honesty. Explain why this is necessary to complete a book of this nature. Would a reader be able to see through fabrications and falsehoods in a book like this? Describe why this format is the perfect for Bryson's personality.

Essay Topic 3

Create a "character" sketch of the city of Alice Springs. What personality shines through for you for this city? Did Bryson make you want to learn more and perhaps visit one day? What would you most like to see? What is the one fact or interesting feature that you can recall about Alice Springs? Explain.

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