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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. How much do most people know about Australia?

2. What is the world's largest living thing located in Australia?

3. What sport did Bryson make fun of in the book?

4. Bryson was intrigued by a sign announcing _____________________.

5. What did Bryson do during the daylight hours on his visits to each city?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Bryson blend history and current interest in this book?

2. What man was unwittingly responsible for the barren land surrounding the town of Hay?

3. What national tragedy and embarrassment occurred at Cheviot Beach in 1967?

4. What is the nature and tone of Bryson's writing about his experiences in Australia?

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

6. What did early European explorers think Australia was when they saw it or landed on it?

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

8. After Thomas Austin's rabbit debacle, what immigrant animal is Australia's worst menace?

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

10. What makes Australia one of the world's most unique places?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the most striking characteristics of Bryson's writing is his complete honesty. Explain why this is necessary to complete a book of this nature. Would a reader be able to see through fabrications and falsehoods in a book like this? Describe why this format is the perfect for Bryson's personality.

Essay Topic 2

Explain some of the examples of regionalism found in the book. Can regionalism include more than accents and food? What else encompasses the culture and personality of a region? What are the major differences Bryson found as he traveled from place to place?

Essay Topic 3

Create a "character" sketch of the city of Adelaide. 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 Adelaide? xplain.

(see the answer keys)

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