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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What shape are the cuts made into the mountainsides in strip mining?

2. What is the book written by the answer to #126 which is compared to Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath?

3. Where does Richter make a surprise visit to McCullough?

4. What major award did Richter win in 1951?

5. Lindbergh is drawn to the Masai people's ________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. According to McCullough, what are some of Washington D.C.'s best attributes?

2. What are the characteristics of Richter's writing style?

3. Who is the subject of "Cross the Blue Mountain" and what is this person's association with McCullough?

4. What is Richter's background and the beginning of his writing success?

5. In what areas is life indelibly altered during this period?

6. What is the subject of "South of Kankakee?"

7. What is the subject of the chapter entitled "The Lonely War of a Good Angry Man?"

8. Describe Richter's personality.

9. What is the significance of Blair House in Washington, D.C.?

10. What are the long term effects of strip mining?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As an historian, David McCullough would naturally be drawn to Washington, D.C. What does he especially like about the city? What important events in his life occurred there? Why does McCullough choose to live there? Do you think he likes "old" history as well as being close to the center of where much "new" history is made? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Brave Companions is a volume of 17 previously published articles and addresses about diverse people and events selected by historian David McCullough. Why did McCullough decide to write these stories? Why did he choose these people and places? What overall message does McCullough want readers to understand?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the life and career of Alexander von Humboldt. What was his background? What were his personal and professional motivations? For what is he best remembered today?

(see the answer keys)

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