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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. Bryson states that people who pass through Des Moines and stay for years are confused, but _____ in their decision.

2. How did Bryson feel about Abe Lincoln's home when he was a boy?

3. Why were Bryson's family vacations always so dingy?

4. What does Bryson say is a relative term similar to a "scenic route" on a map?

5. Bryson says he "wouldn't hesitate to give an old person a shove, especially a _______."

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How is Tuskegee, AL a trip back in time for Bryson?

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

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

6. Why does Bryson draw ties to movies? How does this aid the narrative?

7. In Bryson's opinion, why do Farmers lose their limbs easily?

8. How does Bryson feel about signs and billboards?

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

10. Does Bryson have a conflicted relationship with North Carolina? What constitutes this relationship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of Bryson's observations are steered by his personal opinion rather than his objectivism. Discuss how Bryson's personal objectives cause him to manipulate facts--how does this affect him as a writer and the reader's perception?

Essay Topic 2

Bryson embarks on this trip alone, but with the objective of reminiscing about his youth and family. Discuss Bryson's conflict between his family unit and his independent nature. Which does he prefer? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the final portrait of "America" Bryson has painted by the conclusion of his journey.

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