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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. Bangs describes "Lost Highway" as being marked by a certain cultural ______, especially when it comes to race.

2. At the conclusion of the interview, Bangs decides that he has changed his opinion of Reed and that he is a _______.

3. Bangs concludes the article by suggesting that "Metal Machine Music" is the most ______ album Reed has made.

4. In the essay "How to Succeed at _______ Without Really Trying", Bangs claims that he is not still fighting with Lou Reed.

5. In the essay "I Saw God and/or Tangerine Dream", Bangs decides to get intoxicated on _______.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Bangs consider Lou Reed to be a hero of his, according to his writings?

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

3. Why does Bangs believe that Elvis was able to be a rebel without being an outcast?

4. What does narcissism allow a person to do, according to the opinion of Richard Hell in Bangs' writing?

5. What happens when a person buys the fictitious Rolling Stones album that Bangs describes in this section?

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

7. Why is it difficult for Bangs to see Elvis as a tragic character in the music world?

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

9. What does the woman begin to realize about the man as their relationship continues on?

10. Why does Bangs believe Richard Hell's style of punk rock is necessary in the world?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bangs is quick to point out that much of the music of the time period is a reaction to the world around the musicians.

Part 1: Why do you think musicians chose to react to the world around them?

Part 2: How do you think music is influenced by society? And vice versa?

Part 3: Do you think that music should be impacted by society? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Bangs is a music critic, someone who is paid to talk about his opinions about music, which sometimes are stilted and unbalanced.

Part 1: Do you think a music critic should try to be more balanced in their writing?

Part 2: Do you agree with most of Bangs' ideas about music?

Part 3: How do you think a music critic is able to criticize music without letting their own tastes get in the way? Is this possible?

Essay Topic 3

The interpretation of song lyrics can be tricky and dependent on the person who does the translating.

Part 1: Do you think it's possible to definitively state that a song means one thing?

Part 2: Do you think you are objective when it comes to the interpretation of song lyrics?

Part 3: How do you think a person could be positive about the meaning of a song?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 700 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample