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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. The narrator compares Van Culture with the ___________________.

2. How did the narrator manage to escape taking the final Algebra exam?

3. What is sprinkled throughout the catalog?

4. What is the picture on the side of the bus that stops beside the narrator?

5. In what class did the narrator's back row fakery defenses not work?

Short Essay Questions

1. How was the great Ice Cream War another example of brains vs. brawn in the narrator's life?

2. What is the imaginary Sociology lecture the narrator gives on car culture and describe the differences between the Camper Crowd and Van people.

3. What prompts the narrator to think of the Johnson Smith catalog?

4. Describe how Mr. Leggett managed to drive The Happy Cow out of business.

5. What are the typical bumper sticker messages found on campers as opposed to the stickers found on vans?

6. How does the narrator recall growing up in his family in small-town Indiana?

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

8. How does the narrator speculate that the archaeologists might think the commercials are somehow religious media?

9. What ironies does the narrator point out in the actuality of camper and van usage as opposed to the typical perceptions of the vehicles?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Give some examples of humor in the book. Do you think Shepherd appreciated slapstick humor or wit of a more sophisticated nature? Or both? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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