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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 dog that harassed Bryson?

2. What was the landscape like in the area where Bryson's grandparents lived?

3. What time did Bryson have to get to work on Sundays?

4. What item at school did Bryson like for its intoxicating scent?

5. Students at the high school became preoccupied with _____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What were the weather extremes in Winfield?

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

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

4. Describe the Audio Visual Club and why the boys were anxious to join.

5. What did the adult Bryson recall about what happened to his parents and friends?

6. What was Bryson's job as a boy and how did his absentmindedness become a liability?

7. Where did Bryson's grandparents live and what did he love about the place?

8. Describe Riverview Amusement Park and why Bryson thought it was so awful.

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

10. What happened to The Thunderbolt Kid's sacred jersey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Bryson's parents. What were their physical characteristics? What were their motivations? What were their fears? What were their dreams? What else can you say about Bryson's parents?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 924 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample