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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through At a Loss, Old News, Rules for Living, Our Town, Word Play, Last Night on the Titanic, Property News, Life's Technicalities, An Address and Coming Home: Part II.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Bryson, what did people in the past do when they flew?
(a) Bought insurance for every flight.
(b) Ate and drank through the whole flight.
(c) Dressed up for it.
(d) Got sick a lot.

2. What does Bill miss about television in Britain?
(a) Good news programs.
(b) No commercials.
(c) A lot of good comedy shows.
(d) A late night university program with free courses.

3. According to Bryson, what problem does he have with relating to New Englanders?
(a) They never watch television.
(b) They never want any "alone time."
(c) They don't trust people who read books.
(d) They love winter and winter sports.

4. What does Bryson mean by the "wasteland"?
(a) News programming.
(b) Commercials.
(c) The huge variety of television programs available.
(d) Canadian comedy shows.

5. What was Bryson disappointed about on his book tours?
(a) The waiting in stores for people to show up.
(b) That he had to sign so many books.
(c) Hotel room service.
(d) Interviewers who knew nothing about his book.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Bill like about having a college as part of he town he lives in?

2. What does Bill end up doing with all the food he buys at the supermarket?

3. According to "Rules for Living," what does Bryson believe should not be allowed when you are put on hold on the phone?

4. What word associated with Christmas does Bryson wonder about at the beginning of "The Mysteries of Christmas"?

5. What does Bill say is a big improvement in America concerning business phone numbers?

(see the answer key)

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