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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 Howard, what are the BNAs?

2. According to the narrator, how do Camper people drive?

3. What was the name of the corporate-owned ice cream parlor that moved into town?

4. Why does the narrator find the environmentally conscious bumper stickers on vans ironic?

5. How is the Johnson Smith catalog distributed?

Short Essay Questions

1. With what does the narrator credit the Johnson Smith catalog for being and how will it stand up as an American culture artifact?

2. Why do people find items such as those found in the Johnson Smith catalog to be humorous?

3. What are the differences in driving styles between the Camper Crowd and van people?

4. What scenario does the narrator imagine in which archaeologists discover television advertising and what are their perceptions of it?

5. What prompts the narrator's memory about the great ice cream war?

6. Why does the narrator focus on TV commercials as a true reflection of American society?

7. Describe the narrator's surprise inspiration in Algebra class and how he avoided looking like the failure he was sure he was.

8. What defense mechanisms did the kids in the back of the room develop in order to deflect the teachers' questions?

9. Who is Howard and why is he so depressed about the word "lemon"?

10. What human foibles does the Johnson Smith catalog prey on and why does the narrator appreciate it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the most striking characteristics of Shepherd's writing was his complete honesty. Explain why this is necessary to complete a book of this nature. Would a reader be able to see through fabrications and falsehoods in a book like this? Describe why this format is the perfect for Shepherd's personality.

Essay Topic 2

Humor takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 3

Create a "character" sketch of the state of New Jersey. What personality shines through for you for this state? Did Shepherd 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 New Jersey? Explain.

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