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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. Research in the late 1950s indicated that ___________ caused cancer.
(a) exhaust fumes.
(b) paint thinner.
(c) smoking.
(d) fiberglass.

2. What quality hindered Bryson in his work?
(a) Absentmindedness.
(b) Inaccuracy.
(c) Tardiness.
(d) Laziness.

3. Where did the elementary school students eat lunch?
(a) The cafeteria.
(b) At home.
(c) The auditorium.
(d) The junior high building.

4. What eroded the sense of security for people in the 1950s?
(a) The Great Depression.
(b) Soviet long range missiles.
(c) Polio.
(d) The Vietnam War.

5. What body part did Bryson break?
(a) Toe.
(b) Leg.
(c) Finger.
(d) Arm.

Short Answer Questions

1. At whose house was Bryson playing when he broke the body part in #133?

2. What did Bryson's grandparents do in their house on winter nights?

3. What exercise was held at the school each month?

4. None of the rides at the amusement park in #145 had ____________.

5. For how long was Bryson in a cast?

Short Essay Questions

1. What were some of the unpleasant issues Americans faced in 1957 even though the Gallup organization claimed it was a very happy year?

2. Describe the scenario of sleeping on his grandparents' sleeping porch in the winter.

3. What did the adult Bryson recall about the Des Moines of his youth?

4. How did the very long winter season impact the school children?

5. What did Bryson learn about his parents that pleased him and how did this change his views of his real parentage?

6. What did Bryson and his friends do when they went to the movie matinees?

7. What did Bryson usually do when he spent time at his grandparents' home?

8. What changes were occurring in Des Moines as the 1950s came to a close?

9. What was Bryson's opinion of staying in Des Moines versus moving to a bigger city?

10. How did the Bryson family end up staying in a hotel in Harlem?

(see the answer keys)

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