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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Thompson unable to explain about his preferred candidate in "October?"
(a) McGovern's shady past.
(b) McGovern's lack of success in the polls.
(c) McGovern's lack of public speaking skills.
(d) McGovern's inability to make a firm decision.

2. What strikes Thompson the most about Mankiewicz's recent, violent tendencies?
(a) Mankiewicz notably claims to be anti-violence.
(b) Mankiewicz was a conscientious objector for Vietnam.
(c) Mankiewicz has a history of violence.
(d) Mankiewicz used to be a hippie.

3. In a tongue-in-cheek reference to his employment by the "Rolling Stone," how does Thompson refer to his position as a political writer?
(a) "Bob Dylan with a pen."
(b) "Like Hendrix without the guitar."
(c) "The Keith Richards of journalism."
(d) "Rock-n-roll emissary."

4. According to the author, which readers does he expect will understand his decision to defuse the situation with Mankiewicz?
(a) People who have a background in fighting.
(b) Military.
(c) Writers.
(d) Peaceful protestors.

5. What two people does Thompson compare to the Yin/Yang?
(a) Nixon and McGovern.
(b) Kennedy and McCarthy.
(c) Mankiewicz and Ziegler.
(d) Wallace and Muskie.

6. What happens between Mankiewicz and Thompson in "August?"
(a) Thompson buys the other man a drink.
(b) Thompson is assaulted by the other man.
(c) Thompson crashes his motorcycle into Mankiewicz's car.
(d) Mankiewicz reveals some campaign secrets to Thompson.

7. What does Thompson explain as being the result of an intense situation in regards to the reserve personnel during a campaign?
(a) The people act out.
(b) The people grow touchier.
(c) The people begin to rebel against their tight schedule.
(d) The people isolate themselves.

8. What does the author believe Americans want and need?
(a) Leaders who will take power away from the government.
(b) Leaders who have military experience.
(c) Leaders who will take power away from the public.
(d) Leaders who are representatives of America's reality.

9. Who does Thompson quote when he says, "Richard Nixon represents the dark side of the American spirit?"
(a) Bobby Kennedy.
(b) John Kennedy.
(c) Timothy Leary.
(d) George McGovern.

10. How does Thompson chronicle "November Concluded?"
(a) A timeline of events.
(b) The form of an interview with himself and Ed.
(c) An index for the rest of the book.
(d) An outline for a new book.

11. As a result of what happened between Mankiewicz and Thompson in "August," what do Thompson and his friend suspect Mankiewicz will do in the near-future?
(a) Mankiewicz will pretend nothing ever happened.
(b) Mankiewicz will return to assault Thompson again.
(c) Mankiewicz will owe Thompson a favor in return for not reporting him.
(d) Mankiewicz will likely apologize.

12. What is particularly noteworthy of Thompson's writing style, in regards to the tales of his and his colleagues more indulgent behavior?
(a) Disdain for drug addiction.
(b) Honesty.
(c) Meticulous editing.
(d) Omission of details.

13. According to those who approve of professional speech writers, what purpose do the writers serve for the politicians?
(a) The writers control the campaign.
(b) The writers are merely there to edit the speeches.
(c) The writers can catapult a politician to stardom with the right words.
(d) The writers enhance the politician's performance.

14. During "August," from his memory of a previous campaign, what is Thompson primarily concerned about?
(a) Recording every badge number of every police officer who used unnecessary force.
(b) Hanging on to his bag of marijuana.
(c) Washing the gas from his eyes.
(d) Helping a young hippie get some first aid.

15. How does Thompson describe the unity sought by the journalists who indulged in some of the more raucous behaviors?
(a) "Rock-n-roll lifestyle compressed to a typewriter."
(b) "A pathetic attempt to unify us as one."
(c) "Gonzo journalism."
(d) "Rock-n-roll journey politick."

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the poem that ends "November Concluded?"

2. Whom did Bobby Kennedy refer to as "the most decent man in the Senate?"

3. According to those who disapprove of professional speech writers, what is revealed when politicians use these writers?

4. In Miami in 1972, how do the sit-ins and protests compare to Thompson's experiences on other campaign trails?

5. According to the author, in what ways can deceit be considered relatively harmless?

(see the answer keys)

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