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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. In his essay, Bangs accuses Seger of ______ because his music is not much different than others.

2. Bangs recounts an episode in which he experienced a great deal of _______ going to the convenience store.

3. Bangs asserts that almost every band that is thought of as _______ was originally criticized for being terrible musicians.

4. Bangs himself died of drug related causes about _____ years after the essay about Laughner was written.

5. Bangs suggests that "Metal Machine Music" could also be used as a deterrent for _______.

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the man and the woman realize about themselves and about the things they share in common?

2. What is the opinion Bangs has of Reed when the interview is over versus when they first started?

3. What does Bangs conclude about the performances of Pop when he sees the show at the beginning of this chapter?

4. What does Bangs argue about the music that Lou Reed makes when it is good?

5. Why is Bangs surprised by the amount of racism that is present in punk rock and in punk rock music?

6. What are the opinions of the Lou Reed album, "How to Succeed in Torture Without Really Trying," including Bangs' opinion?

7. What does Bangs say about his times with Laughner when he decides to write about him?

8. What does Bangs note about any band which is now considered to be great in the eyes of the culture?

9. What does Bangs believe about the music of Bob Seger when he reviews his album?

10. What does Bangs do in order to go see the Tangerine Dream laser show at Avery Fisher Hall in New York?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In his writing, Bangs seems to have explanations for band names, which seem to be a little preposterous.

Part 1: Do you think you can believe everything that Bangs is saying?

Part 2: How do you think Bangs comes up with the answers that he shares with his readers?

Part 3: Why do you think Bangs feels the need to explain the band names and meanings?

Essay Topic 2

Bangs discusses himself and his life as well, as though it connected to the music lifestyle.

Part 1: Do you think it's self-indulgent to talk about oneself as a writer?

Part 2: Why do you think Bangs decides to share some personal information about himself?

Part 3: Do you think readers would respect Bangs more if he shared less of himself and of his life?

Essay Topic 3

The drugs that are found a lot in the music world are also found in Bangs, though he criticizes his friend for succumbing to that lifestyle.

Part 1: Why do you think drugs are often a part of the music world?

Part 2: How do you think a person could avoid the drug scene in the music world?

Part 3: How do you think you might react to a person that succumbs to drugs because they want to be a part of a certain lifestyle?

(see the answer keys)

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