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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. Two words likely to be found on the bumper stickers of vans are love and ____________.

2. What kind of car did the narrator's family have?

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

4. Which animals stun the archaeologists in the commercials?

5. Where did the narrator meet his friend, Howard, for lunch?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What has the NLGA done to try to counteract the negative perceptions of lemons?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how the narrator is always positioned as an "everyman" in each of the stories. Define what is meant by "everyman" and cite two examples in which the narrator assumes this role. Was he comfortable knowing he was neither brain nor brawn, but a curious observer? 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

Explain the narrator's childhood growing up in a small town in Indiana in the 1930s. What was his family life like? Who were his friends? What were his school experiences? How did these people and experiences form him into the adult he would become?

(see the answer keys)

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