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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. What was the name of the novelty and joke store Bryson used to frequent?
2. Who liked to harass smaller children in town?
3. What was a household item that people were buying in the 1950s?
4. For what publication did Bryson's father work?
5. In what month was Bryson born?
Short Essay Questions
1. How did the Thunderbolt Kid get his powers and what were the circumstances of the Thunderbolt Kid getting his costume?
2. What were the results on children of the U.S. bomb testings and what happened when the tests were moved underground?
3. What businesses came about as the result of more cars in America?
4. What is the premise of THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE THUNDERBOLT KID?
5. What were some of the appliances that people in the 1950s were excited about owning?
6. What other accessories did Bryson need to become the Thunderbolt Kid?
7. What importance did comic books have in the lives of Bryson and most other kids in the 1950s?
8. What form of exercise did Bryson's father like to practice and what was an unusual location for his exercise routine?
9. Where did Bryson go with his friend's family on a summer outing and why did he not look forward to it?
10. What was the only real danger in town and how did the Thunderbolt Kid take care of the situation?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Bryson is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them, and identify the technique which they embody.
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 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?
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This section contains 1,051 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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