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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Bryson say the reason might be for being bewildered with modern television?
(a) In the America of his youth, and in England, there were only 4 channels.
(b) He cannot follow the plot lines of the cop shows.
(c) His eyesight and hearing are failing.
(d) His kids like to watch a lot of shows that are just junk.

2. According to Bryson, which man from his childhood state deserves more credit in American history?
(a) Adlai Stevenson.
(b) Mark Twain.
(c) Washington Carver.
(d) Herbert Hoover.

3. What does Bryson do in the section called "Life's Mysteries"?
(a) Wonders why the English act the way they do.
(b) Answers questions about things most people don't understand.
(c) Talks about unsolved murder cases in New Hampshire.
(d) Asks questions about things he doesn't understand.

4. In "The Waste Generation," what does Bryson think is getting worse in the United States, compared to his youth?
(a) Global warming.
(b) Poverty.
(c) Crime.
(d) Pollution.

5. What did Bryson's parents give him for Christmas when he was eight?
(a) Skis.
(b) Skates.
(c) A chemistry set.
(d) A doll.

6. How is "Your Tax Form Explained" structured?
(a) It is in a nonsense language.
(b) It is the actual tax form Bryson submitted.
(c) It is a mock tax instruction sheet.
(d) It runs backwards.

7. What is the main point Bryson is making in "Your Tax Form Explained"?
(a) No one should try to fill out a tax return.
(b) Paying taxes is unavoidable.
(c) It is easy to understand.
(d) That it is very confusing.

8. Which American tourist attraction does Bryson describe as a "Total Indoor Environment"?
(a) Yellowstone Park.
(b) Las Vegas.
(c) Opryland.
(d) Disney World.

9. What is Bryson satirizing in "Your New Computer"?
(a) Computer salespeople.
(b) Computer manuals.
(c) Computer stores.
(d) Bill Gates.

10. In "Highway Diversions," how does Bryson like to pass the time when he is driving on the highway?
(a) By yelling at other drivers.
(b) By counting the red cars.
(c) By reading the slogans on license plates.
(d) By making up songs about the towns they pass.

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

12. What is Bryson's opinion about most American lawyers, according to "So Sue Me"?
(a) They know very little about the legal system.
(b) They overcharge for everything.
(c) They are honest.
(d) They know the legal system very well.

13. What animal got trapped in the Bryson house soon after the family moved in?
(a) A squirrel.
(b) A rat.
(c) The neighbor's cat.
(d) A skunk.

14. Bryson compares modern airplanes to _______________.
(a) Winged cars.
(b) Trains in the air.
(c) Subways above ground.
(d) Winged buses.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. In "Drowning in Red Tape," what is Bryson frustrated about acquiring for his wife?

3. What February holiday does Bryson say is new to him on his return to the United States?

4. When Bryson takes his family to one of the last drive-ins in the area, what is the experience like?

5. According to Bryson, when was the first official Thanksgiving held in the United States?

(see the answer keys)

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