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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 10.1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How is the "portmanteau-word" formed?
(a) By finding the true root in the word.
(b) By blending two words.
(c) By mixing parts of words with the same meaning in different languages.
(d) By onomatopoeic creativity.

2. Which of the following did the African slaves NOT introduce to American English?
(a) Gumbo.
(b) Banjo.
(c) Goober.
(d) Voodoo.

3. In what location does Mencken say both the American and English orthographies flourish side by side?
(a) Canada.
(b) Hong Kong.
(c) Australia.
(d) New England.

4. According to Mencken, how do the English pronounce "been?"
(a) Bean.
(b) Bein.
(c) Bin.
(d) Bain.

5. Which reporter first brings colloquial Americanisms to the written word, according to Mencken in Chapter 9.2?
(a) J.C. Neal.
(b) Josh Billings.
(c) Ring W. Lardner.
(d) George Ade.

Short Answer Questions

1. From what language does the English word "moose" come?

2. What is the physical basis to which the nasal twang of Americans is ascribed?

3. Who is apparently the first literary critic to point out the "enormous gap between the literate and unliterate American"?

4. What does Mencken say, in colloquial American, has obliterated the verb?

5. From which of the following have the English changed their spelling?

(see the answer key)

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