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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Bryson have to buy a whole new computer and fax system when he returns to the United States?
(a) All his electronics got lost on the way.
(b) The British have a different electrical system.
(c) He'd never owned a computer but now needed one for work.
(d) His kids were tired of using the family's 1980s model.

2. What does Bryson fondly remember about highway travel when he was a boy?
(a) The billboards.
(b) The lack of transport trucks.
(c) The rest stops.
(d) The scenery.

3. What does Bryson say about the long trip and back to take his son to college?
(a) Travelling on American highways is dull.
(b) It was sad.
(c) Travelling by car is one of his favorite things.
(d) It was quick.

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

5. What is Bryson's observations on the conveniences of life in America in the 1990s?
(a) He wishes England had more conveniences.
(b) They are the best improvement he came home to.
(c) They need to be banned.
(d) They are not necessarily better, but people think they are.

Short Answer Questions

1. How much energy does Bryson say the average American uses compared to the average European?

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

3. Where does Mrs. Bryson like to go in the summer that Bill can definitely live without?

4. What house feature does Bryson miss from his childhood?

5. In "Death Watch," what does Bryson dislike because they are "cold and bouncy and make odd noises."?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Life's Mysteries," Bryson lists a very large number of things that he doesn't understand. What are four of these things?

2. In "Ah, Summer!" what does Bryson say he likes about summers in New Hampshire? How does he compare them to summers in Iowa?

3. In "So Sue Me," what does Bryson say about American lawyers?

4. In "The Flying Nightmare," Bryson compares modern air travel with air travel from his youth in the 1960s and 70s. List three points he makes.

5. In "A Day at the Seaside," what does Mrs. Bryson suggest the family do? How does Bill react to this?

6. Bryson titled "The Waste Generation". Give three examples of why he thinks the generation of Americans in the 1990s is a wasteful one.

7. "Highway Diversions" is Bryson's look at highway travel, which he says is very dull. How does he compare modern highway travel to the highway travel of his youth?

8. In "Deck the Halls," Bryson tells his readers that he is not looking forward to Christmas decorating. Why is this?

9. Bryson explains the joys of living in a snowy climate in "Fun in the Snow." How does he give the reader the impression that he is not a natural athlete?

10. In "Hail to the Chief," Bryson looks at the American holiday of Presidents Day. Give three points about the day that Bryson mentions.

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