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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 Bryson's father's job at the publication?

2. What publication did most boys need to rely on to seem partially clothed girls?

3. What disease was a major concern during the 1950s?

4. What was outlawed in almost every state?

5. In what month was Bryson born?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What behaviors did teenagers exhibit in the 1950s?

3. How many siblings did Bryson have?

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

5. Where did Bryson's father work and what were some of the perks of the job?

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

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

8. Who was The Thunderbolt Kid?

9. How easy was it for Bryson to find somebody to play with?

10. How did Bryson get some insight into sex?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bryson had respect for all of the people in the book but do you think he likes any one of them more than the others? Who would you choose to be your new friend among the people Bryson introduced in the book. Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Create a "character" sketch of the city of Des Moines. 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 Des Moines? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Humor takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

(see the answer keys)

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