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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Bryson found that although Australians are amiable, they also display ________________.

2. What government building did Bryson visit in Canberra?

3. How did Bryson characterize the yuppie town of Tanunda?

4. The devastation of vegetation by Austin's rabbits was followed by ________________.

5. When did Australia establish rules of citizenship for people born in Australia?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the most recognizable feature in Sydney and what was Bryson's personal favorite?

2. Explain why the 1950s saw a boom in Australia's population.

3. What particularly fascinated Bryson about the train ride across the desert?

4. How did Bryson spend his first day in Sydney?

5. To what city had Melbourne lost ranking and commercial success?

6. What did Bryson claim to have done that few Australians have ever done?

7. On what did Bryson tend to focus on while walking through Sydney and Canberra?

8. What was Bryson's former experience in Australia and what were his plans for this trip?

9. Who was James Cook and when did he set foot in Australia?

10. What fun did Bryson have with the world's biggest lobster?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Bill Bryson. What are his physical characteristics? What are his personality traits? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What else can you say about Bryson?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the book's title--IN A SUNBURNED COUNTRY. Why did Bryson choose this title? Is there an understood message in the title? Why was the book titled DOWN UNDER in its British release? Is there another title you can suggest that might be more appropriate?

Essay Topic 3

Create a "character" sketch of the city of Melbourne. What personality shines through for you for this city? Did Bryson make you want to learn more and perhaps visit one day? What would you most like to see? What is the one fact or interesting feature that you can recall about Melbourne? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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