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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Wallace believe references to pop-culture are necessary?
(a) It defines the style.
(b) It makes the work more realistic.
(c) It makes the piece more fun.
(d) He was paid to say this.

2. Why does Wallace see the baton twirling competition as dangerous?
(a) Because they throw the batons into the crowd.
(b) Because they twirl blindfolded.
(c) Because they twirl very fast.
(d) Because the batons are on fire.

3. According to Wallace, why do Midwesterners take their vacations to be around people?
(a) Because they need to belong.
(b) Because they need to be complimented.
(c) Because they're isolated otherwise.
(d) Because they are claustrophobic.

4. What do the stall in the Expo Building sell?
(a) Camping equipment.
(b) Television infomercial products.
(c) Handmade crafts.
(d) State propaganda.

5. According to Wallace, why does television seem real?
(a) The stories reflect real life.
(b) The actors are skilled at ignoring the camera.
(c) People are stupid enough to believe it.
(d) The definition is very clear.

6. What is Wallace's objective in describing the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" references in an episode of St. Elsewhere?
(a) Explaining television is becoming completely self-referential.
(b) Explaining that everything is interconnected.
(c) To convey his interest in the shows.
(d) Explaining that there is a meaning behind every episode.

7. Why does Wallace believe television is primarily detrimental to Americans?
(a) Because they watch so much.
(b) Because it only discusses America.
(c) Because it's selfindulgent.
(d) Because they are stupid.

8. What does Wallace attribute his tennis success to?
(a) Wind.
(b) Sun.
(c) Emotions.
(d) God.

9. What is Wallace's explanation for why Midwesterners are alienated?
(a) Because their home is like a factory.
(b) Because they have different ethical values.
(c) Because they speak differently.
(d) Because they enjoy different movies.

10. At Wallace's games, how do people respond to a tornado warning?
(a) They ignore it.
(b) They gather together.
(c) They scatter.
(d) They get in a ditch.

11. According to Wallace, why do Easterners take their vacations to be isolated?
(a) Because they're always around people.
(b) Because they are agoraphobic.
(c) Because they love nature.
(d) Because they are antisocial.

12. What ride is Wallace kicked off of?
(a) A ride meant for the elderly.
(b) The one he vomited on.
(c) A broken ride.
(d) A ride meant for small children.

13. Why does Wallace feel the theme of consumption is appropriate for this state fair?
(a) There's nothing to do but eat in the state.
(b) Its economy is based on agriculture.
(c) There's good food there.
(d) The people are overweight.

14. When did Lynch first become critically reviled?
(a) When he started working in TV.
(b) When he got divorced.
(c) After "Blue Velvet."
(d) After the second season of "Twin Peaks."

15. The clogger competition leaves Wallace with a sense of a specific ______.
(a) Community.
(b) Journey.
(c) Rhythm.
(d) Talent.

Short Answer Questions

1. Wallace explains that "Kmart People" can only be found in ________.

2. Why do the students disagree with their professor in "E Unibus Pluram"?

3. On his second day of the desert competition, why does Wallace repeatedly use the bathroom?

4. Wallace believes that commercials have evolved into appealing to a sense of ______.

5. At the livestock barns of the fair, Wallace observes that horses are _______.

(see the answer keys)

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