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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Pages 83-111.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Wallace see fighting irony as "impossible"?
(a) It is too powerful.
(b) People enjoy it.
(c) It's an integral part of the world.
(d) It insults those who question it.

2. According to Wallace, why does watching television beget more television?
(a) The world can't live up to the standards of television.
(b) They want to see more of the world.
(c) People become addicted.
(d) People feel persecuted for watching it, so they watch more.

3. After discussing sexual harassment with Native Companion, what does Wallace realize about East Coast women?
(a) They don't enjoy anything.
(b) They enjoy complaining.
(c) They never get harassed.
(d) They are afraid of men.

4. According to Wallace, how do commercials respond to the pressure for people to stop watching so much television?
(a) Commercials convince people they need more products.
(b) Commercials convince people they need television.
(c) Commercials convince viewers they are smart.
(d) Commercials convince people television is reality.

5. Why do the students disagree with their professor in "E Unibus Pluram"?
(a) They believe their professor is always right.
(b) They believe all writing must take place in a specific time.
(c) They believe writing should be composed primarily of historical references.
(d) They believe writing is better when it's not time specific.

Short Answer Questions

1. Wallace claims that television teaches viewers that _______ is the most important quality in a person.

2. What does Wallace blame for his failure as a tennis player in college?

3. Why was Wallace fascinated by tornados?

4. Wallace's thesis is that irony and ridicule are simultaneously entertaining and _______.

5. What is Wallace's explanation for why Midwesterners are alienated?

(see the answer key)

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