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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Great Indoors, Death Watch, In Praise of Diners, Shopping Madness, The Fat of the Land, Your New Computer, How to Rent a Car, The Wasteland, The Flying Nightmare and Enough Already.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Bryson, when was the first official Thanksgiving held in the United States?
(a) In September of 1922.
(b) In October of 1640.
(c) In November of 1864.
(d) In August of 1863.

2. When looking for a place to live in the United States, what was the only thing Bryson liked about Adams, Massachusetts?
(a) The people there.
(b) All the houses were built before 1950.
(c) It had a wonderful old-fashioned diner.
(d) The library.

3. In "Death Watch," what does Bryson dislike because they are "cold and bouncy and make odd noises."?
(a) Frozen pizza rolls.
(b) Small planes.
(c) Snowmobiles.
(d) Japanese cars.

4. What particular product in American supermarkets fascinates Bill?
(a) Cereal.
(b) Laundry soap.
(c) Meat.
(d) Pet food.

5. How does Bryson begin "Tales of the North Woods?"
(a) He talks about using a snowmobile.
(b) He talks about shoveling snow.
(c) He talks about a college student who left a party and died in the woods.
(d) He talks about the town that disappeared, and no one has found it.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which American business name mystifies Bryson?

2. In the twenty years since Bryson left the United States, by how much have car numbers, roads, and mileage increased?

3. In "How to Have Fun at Home," why does Bill think having your groceries bagged for you is not so great?

4. In "The Numbers Game," what does Bill say is beyond the comprehension of everyone?

5. According to Bryson, what does the Travel Industry Association of America say about shopping?

(see the answer key)

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