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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. Who did Bryson think his real father must have been?

2. What was a popular spot for kids to play in in the 1950s?

3. What did Bryson, Buddy and Bill do to the Lincoln Logs to turn them white?

4. What became the joy of every family in the 1950s?

5. What kind of kit did Bryson get for Christmas one year that was disappointing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the events at the lake and why this was one of the best days of Bryson's life?

2. What particular times were especially long for kids?

3. What were some of the regulations about sex in the 1950s?

4. Name some of the things that showed that life was simpler and safer in the 1950s.

5. Who was Joseph R. McCarthy and what was his role in the fear of Communism that spread across America?

6. How did television change life for people in the 1950s?

7. What were some of the appliances that people in the 1950s were excited about owning?

8. What were the results of the hydrogen bombs dropped by the United States in 1952 and 1954?

9. Describe a typical experience of Bryson's family stopping to see his mother's family every time they went on vacation.

10. What sorts of things did Bryson and other kids do to help pass the long days?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Give some examples of humor in the book. Do you think Bryson appreciates slapstick humor or wit of a more sophisticated nature or both? Explain.

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?

(see the answer keys)

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