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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 11.1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Mencken states that the "Meyers" are the "Smiths" of what country?
(a) Lichtenstein.
(b) Slovenia.
(c) Austria.
(d) Poland.

2. According to Benjamin Franklin, what was roughly the population of the colonies in 1751?
(a) 500,000
(b) 1,000,000
(c) 10,000,000
(d) 50,000,000

3. What does Mencken say that a proper understanding of words and their meanings will enable their speaker to do, in Chapter 11.1?
(a) Speak without ever using slang.
(b) Create new slang all the time.
(c) Alter the course of language.
(d) Mingle slang and proper speech effortlessly.

4. What word does Mencken find Dr. John Dewey using in place of the word "opium?"
(a) Poppy.
(b) Skag.
(c) Crack.
(d) Dope.

5. Which reporter first brings colloquial Americanisms to the written word, according to Mencken in Chapter 9.2?
(a) J.C. Neal.
(b) Ring W. Lardner.
(c) Josh Billings.
(d) George Ade.

Short Answer Questions

1. What Anglo-Saxon word does Mencken report the colonists refused to replace with an Old Norse word of similar meaning?

2. Where was the broad "a" principally established prior to the Civil War?

3. Which of the following is one of the three great causes of change in language according to Sayce, as reported in Chapter 9.3?

4. What does Mencken state is neglected by those who are professional trained to investigate it?

5. What word was "coatee" used as a diminutive for?

(see the answer key)

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