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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. Bryson states that people who pass through Des Moines and stay for years are confused, but _____ in their decision.
(a) Serene.
(b) Unaffected.
(c) Angry.
(d) Hostile.

2. After visiting Ripley's Museum, Bryson feels he's had enough _______ for one day.
(a) Whining.
(b) Candy.
(c) Extravagance.
(d) Nostalgia.

3. What does Bryson observe most farmers are missing?
(a) Children.
(b) A dog.
(c) A wife.
(d) A limb.

4. What thought comforts Bryson about the pushy seniors at the "Little White House"?
(a) They don't know what they're doing.
(b) They won't enjoy the site.
(c) That soon they'll be dead.
(d) They'll get karmic payback.

5. What prompted "Lost Continent"?
(a) A very good offer from a publisher.
(b) The death of Bryson's father.
(c) Bryson's boredom with other countries.
(d) His distaste for the U.S.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the effect Charleston has on Bryson?

2. Bryson says the three things that kill a farmer are: "lightning, rolling over in a tractor, and _____".

3. What does Bryson tell the waitress he has just gotten out of prison for?

4. How long did Bryson stay in Kentucky?

5. Bryson feels that Columbus has pieces of _______.

Short Essay Questions

1. What effect does Bryson's visit to Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum have on him?

2. Why was Abe Lincoln's home more fun for Bryson and his generation that it is for the youth of today?

3. Why does Bryson name the town "Dullard"?

4. How does Bryson generalize towns from his youth?

5. How do the tourists in Warm Springs embody Bryson's dislikes?

6. Does Bryson view his grandparents critically or endearingly? How does he portray them?

7. What, in Bryson's opinion, is good about being from Des Moines?

8. What inspired Bryson's trip?

9. Do people ever get out of Des Moines, according to Bryson? Why or why not?

10. What is the most fun Bryson can have in Carbondale?

(see the answer keys)

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