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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. What was the landscape like in the area where Bryson's grandparents lived?

2. In what year did the Thunderbolt Kid's sacred jersey meet its fate?

3. What entertainment venue did Bryson really enjoy?

4. What was the end of the dog in #114?

5. What was Bryson's parents' response to the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was Bryson's opinion of staying in Des Moines versus moving to a bigger city?

2. What were the circumstances when, for the second time, Bryson realized that adults could not be trusted?

3. Who was Dewey and how did he impact Bryson's job?

4. What changes were occurring in Des Moines as the 1950s came to a close?

5. What did the adult Bryson recall about what happened to his parents and friends?

6. What was the irony of sending Bryson to the cloakroom as a punishment?

7. Describe Riverview Amusement Park and why Bryson thought it was so awful.

8. What were the weather extremes in Winfield?

9. Describe the Audio Visual Club and why the boys were anxious to join.

10. What did Bryson usually do when he spent time at his grandparents' home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a "character" sketch of the city of Des Moines. 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 Des Moines? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Bryson is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them, and identify the technique which they embody.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,036 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample