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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. According to Bryson, what is the result of the "abundance of choice" in America?

2. What does Bryson find the most "mind-numbing" feature of modern television?

3. When looking for a place to live in the United States, what was the only thing Bryson liked about Adams, Massachusetts?

4. What animal got trapped in the Bryson house soon after the family moved in?

5. How is "Your Tax Form Explained" structured?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Hail to the Chief," Bryson looks at the American holiday of Presidents Day. Give three points about the day that Bryson mentions.

2. In "A Day at the Seaside," what does Mrs. Bryson suggest the family do? How does Bill react to this?

3. In "So Sue Me," what does Bryson say about American lawyers?

4. "Your Tax Form Explained", what does Bryson satirize? Give three examples of how he does this.

5. In "Life's Mysteries," Bryson lists a very large number of things that he doesn't understand. What are four of these things?

6. Bryson titled "The Waste Generation". Give three examples of why he thinks the generation of Americans in the 1990s is a wasteful one.

7. Bryson explains the joys of living in a snowy climate in "Fun in the Snow." How does he give the reader the impression that he is not a natural athlete?

8. "Book Tours", Bryson talks about his fondness for book tours. Why does he like them?

9. "The Best American Holiday," Bryson explains why he loves Thanksgiving so much. List three things that he enthuses about the holiday.

10. In "The Flying Nightmare," Bryson compares modern air travel with air travel from his youth in the 1960s and 70s. List three points he makes.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define "the writer's purpose" and give four examples of different genres of writing. Explain the writer's purpose for each one. Apply the definition to "I'm a Stranger Here Myself" and discuss Bill Bryson's purpose in writing the memoir. If you think he has succeeded, give examples to back up your assertion.

Essay Topic 2

What are some techniques Bill Bryson uses to make the real events of his life back in the United States come alive? Illustrate with one or two examples for each technique.

Essay Topic 3

What role does the Bryson family play in the memoir "I'm a Stranger Here Myself"? Are they as important to the narrative as the author and the environment? Give four examples where the other members of the family are central to the story-telling. Give four examples where the narrative is focused only on Bill and the community/the United States.

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