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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Bill, what product do Americans regard much differently than the British?
(a) Cars.
(b) Over-the-counter drugs.
(c) Pet food.
(d) Clothing.

2. What does Bill say is a big improvement in America concerning business phone numbers?
(a) Business calls cannot be made into people's homes.
(b) The 1-800 numbers are easy to remember.
(c) They are only four-digits.
(d) They are preprogrammed on everyone's phone.

3. In "The Risk Factor," what does Bryson say an American is twice as likely to do as a British person?
(a) Die accidentally.
(b) Die in childbirth.
(c) Die of cancer.
(d) Die is hospital.

4. In "Lost at the Movies," which Jurassic Park movie did Bryson take his children to see?
(a) Lost World.
(b) Lost Innocence.
(c) Lost Dinosaurs.
(d) Lost Appetites.

5. Although the GDP is seen as a positive in economic terms, how does Bill say it can be negative?
(a) Some of it has to go to other countries.
(b) It is just too confusing.
(c) Production can cause pollution.
(d) It does not help the poor.

6. What does Bill say about American sports teams that would never happen in Britain?
(a) A team can move its franchise to a new city.
(b) The players are all polite.
(c) The players play for small salaries.
(d) The teams have cheerleaders.

7. According to Bill, which offense do the British commit that he takes offense to?
(a) Sloppy parking.
(b) Being rude.
(c) Charging to use public bathrooms.
(d) Not lining up for service.

8. Bryson says that 94% of Americans' trips from home involve the use of something in particular. What is that item?
(a) A car.
(b) A credit card.
(c) A cell phone.
(d) A snack.

9. What does Bill like about having a college as part of he town he lives in?
(a) It keeps the taxes down.
(b) It has snob appeal.
(c) His kids can go there for free.
(d) He and his family can use their facilities.

10. What mistake did Bill make that made him realize that he, along with many others, needs product guidance?
(a) He put his shoes on the wrong feet.
(b) He bought some tobacco and then put it in the mailbox.
(c) He injured himself with his letter opener.
(d) He left his bank card in the ATM.

11. After living in Britain for twenty years, what does Bill find refreshingly different about the United States?
(a) The government.
(b) The informality.
(c) The weather.
(d) The fashions.

12. What trait does Bill admit that he has in regards to simple everyday activities?
(a) He never forgets anything.
(b) He is perfect at everything he does.
(c) He is clumsy.
(d) He is absentminded.

13. What does Bill say it would take over 31,000 years to do?
(a) Make the tax system fair.
(b) Pay off the national debt.
(c) Travel to Mars and back.
(d) Count a trillion dollars.

14. What does Bill say about his hair?
(a) He has "very happy" hair.
(b) He wants to color the gray.
(c) He always covers it with a hat.
(d) He is losing it quickly.

15. In "Dying Accents," what is the name of the man who does carpentry around the Bryson house?
(a) Darby.
(b) Bob.
(c) Walt.
(d) Darryl.

Short Answer Questions

1. What New Hampshire town did the Bryson family settle in during 1995?

2. What particular product in American supermarkets fascinates Bill?

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

4. What does Bill say that he has to remember about going into restaurants?

5. What does Bill tell the reader about crime in New Hampshire?

(see the answer keys)

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