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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What word does Wallace use to define "Lynchian"?
(a) Tomfoolery.
(b) Macabre.
(c) Kitchy.
(d) Happy.

2. What does Wallace believe about the dialogue in six hours worth of television?
(a) People can learn a lot from it.
(b) There is too much to be digested.
(c) There are hidden jems.
(d) Little of substance is being said.

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

4. When does Wallace realize he is no longer a Midwesterner?
(a) When he notices he dresses differently.
(b) When he realizes he can't enjoy the carnival.
(c) When he can't understand the accent.
(d) When he gets lost on a farm.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Wallace, commercials make people watch more television because they want to understand the _______.

2. By the end of the state fair, what has Wallace realized about the purpose of fairs?

3. What article of clothing distinguishes a "Kmart Person"?

4. Gilder believes technology can be solved with ________.

5. What does Wallace attribute his tennis success to?

Short Essay Questions

1. What connection does Wallace see between tennis, geography, and the wind?

2. Why does Wallace feel the Desert Competition is appropriate for Illinois?

3. Why was Wallace assigned to the Illinois State Fair article for Harper's?

4. According to Wallace, what is a "Kmart Person"?

5. Does the plot of "Lost Highway" make sense? Is it supposed to make sense?

6. What does Wallace observe as ironic in television? Does he see this as detrimental? How?

7. Does Wallace's visit to the stockyard barns affect Wallace at all? Why or why not?

8. According to Wallace, are commercials self-aware? What is the effect of this on the viewer?

9. Does Wallace admire Lynch? Why or why not?

10. Does Wallace agree with Hix's argument about "authors"? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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