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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to the author, in what ways can deceit be considered relatively harmless?
(a) When it is used to undermine another person.
(b) When it is used to calm the masses.
(c) When it is used to keep the peace.
(d) When it is used to claim power.

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

3. What level of recognition is finally granted to Thompson during "September?"
(a) He is given an award for his campaign coverage.
(b) He is allowed to travel with the politicians themselves.
(c) He is finally made a member of the Presidential Press Corps.
(d) He is given an interview with McGovern.

4. According to those who disapprove of professional speech writers, what is revealed when politicians use these writers?
(a) False promises.
(b) The artifice of politics.
(c) A lack of direct thought.
(d) The inability of people to think for themselves.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. For people who are uneasy with Thompson's style of political writing, what sort of writers does he suggest they follow to stay up-to-date with politics?

2. During "August," what concerns are raised about Frank Mankiewicz on the campaign trail?

3. At the writing of this book, what do Americans realize about politics?

4. What does Thompson combine with whiskey in "November?"

5. In Thompson's account of the airplane arrangements, how do several people view being forced onto the Dakota Queen II?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did passengers on the Zoo plane keep the politicians from boarding?

2. How does Eagleton affect McGovern's campaign run?

3. In "November Concluded," what stories did Thompson tell about one of the female journalists?

4. What are some ways the author and his colleagues pass time on the airplane?

5. How does Thompson relate the politics of the campaign to the partying of the personnel?

6. How does Thompson describe the varying roles of and attitudes toward professional speech writers?

7. Why do Thompson and his friend decide to resolve the Mankiewicz situation by leaving?

8. What are some of the behaviors exhibited by the journalists on the Zoo Plane?

9. In what ways is Thompson introducing new readers to the world of politics?

10. Why is Thompson in such a dark mood in "October?"

(see the answer keys)

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