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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Ah, Summer!, A Day at the Seaside, On Losing a Son, Highway Diversions, Fall in New England, The Best American Holiday, Deck the Halls, Fun in the Snow, The Mysteries of Christmas, Life in a Cold Climate.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Bryson say about the New England summers?
(a) They are dull and rainy.
(b) They are boring.
(c) They are too hot.
(d) They are short.

2. In the twenty years since Bryson left the United States, by how much have car numbers, roads, and mileage increased?
(a) By 100%.
(b) By half.
(c) By 10%.
(d) By two times.

3. What do U.S. post offices do once a year that Bill likes a lot?
(a) Have a charity softball game.
(b) Give customers free stamps.
(c) Give customers free donuts, pastries, and coffee.
(d) Give out door prizes.

4. What does Bryson like to do when he picks up his mail on winter mornings?
(a) Test his tolerance for the cold.
(b) Take a thermos of hot tea with him.
(c) Walk his dog.
(d) Give his snowblower a work out.

5. What does Bryson find amazing about the geography of the United States?
(a) That the United States has no Arctic region.
(b) That it is smaller than Canada.
(c) That there is very little variety.
(d) That so much of the country is empty of people.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Consuming Pleasures," what does Bill say about shopping in America?

2. In "On Losing a Son," why does Bryson decide to play baseball with his youngest child?

3. In "Dying Accents," what is the name of the man who does carpentry around the Bryson house?

4. What does Bill say is ridiculous about a VCR?

5. What does Bryson hate about Christmas?

(see the answer key)

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