View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why couldn't Bryson and Sherwin swim in the cove next to their hotel?

2. What are the lichen-like creatures that Bryson viewed at Sharks Bay?

3. Uluru is the Aboriginal name for what famous rock formation?

4. How many Aborigines were living on the continent by the time the Europeans arrived to colonize Australia?

5. During their trip Bryson and Sherwin explored during the day and ____________ at night.

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Bryson learn from a journalist about the Myall Creek incident and how it is not even noted by most people?

2. Who joined Bryson for his next trip to Australia and how does their adventure begin?

3. What is the story of the plane called Kookaburra and its role in the search for aviation legend Charles Kingsford Smith?

4. What did Bryson report about the indiscriminate murder of Aborigines and the Myall Creek incident in particular?

5. How did Bryson and Sherwin spend their time while waiting out the monsoon in Cairns?

6. How did Bryson wistfully end this book?

7. Bryson visited Glenrowan and learned about which famous outlaw?

8. What famous tree did Bryson and Sherwin see in the town of Daly Waters?

9. What unusual trees are important to Australia and where did Bryson walk among the tree tops?

10. Describe the Devils Marbles.

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

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 3

Create a "character" sketch of the city of Sydney. 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 Sydney? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,207 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample