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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 9.2 | Chapter 9.3.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What sound did Webster object to inserting in words such as "gradual" and "nature," before the "u"?
(a) T.
(b) Dh.
(c) Ch.
(d) Y.

2. Which of the following is not one of the minor differences Mencken lists in Chapter 8.7?
(a) Fruit.
(b) Specialty.
(c) Aluminum.
(d) Alarm.

3. What does Mencken state is neglected by those who are professional trained to investigate it?
(a) Formal grammar.
(b) The vulgate.
(c) Philological anomalies.
(d) Idiosyncrasies.

4. In what year did Noah Webster die?
(a) 1843.
(b) 1898.
(c) 1912.
(d) 1799.

5. What is the American substitute for the English word "tin"?
(a) Can.
(b) Cup.
(c) Dish.
(d) Bucket.

Short Answer Questions

1. What "great humorist" does Mencken cite in Chapter 1.3 as "celebrating 'the vigorous new vernacular of the occidental plains and mountains'"?

2. Which of the early presidents does Mencken identify as archetypal of the new American?

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

4. Who is the author of "A Doll's House," who puts bad grammar into Nora Helmar's mouth?

5. How do the English pronounce the first syllable in "lieutenant"?

(see the answer key)

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