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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. Which of the following is not a reason why strip mining is so popular?

2. According to McCullough, who is the last U.S. president to have a sense of history?

3. In what state is the Blue Mountain located?

4. From which university does Miriam hold an honorary degree?

5. In what state does the action occur in this story?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Miriam Rothschild.

2. How is Plowden both photographer and historian?

3. What is the subject of this chapter entitled "Extraordinary Times?"

4. What closing words does McCullough offer the graduates?

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

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

7. Which aviators does McCullough include in this chapter?

8. What is the subject of "Long Distance Vision?"

9. Explain the reason for Charles Lindbergh's loss of popularity in the United States.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

McCullough has respect for all of the people in the book but do you think he likes any one of them more than the others? Who would you choose to be your new friend among the people McCullough has chosen to portray? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

In 1872, a reporter from the Brooklyn Eagle observes that few who cross the Brooklyn Bridge will value the courage, faith and genius that underlie its successful building. What does he mean by this statement? Does the finding of the bridge builders' drawings increase the level of appreciation? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the life and career of Louis Agassiz. What was his background? What were his personal and professional motivations? For what is he best remembered?

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