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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. Klosterman theorizes in Chapter 2 that many who play The Sims enact what?

2. Which of Monroe's marriages does Klosterman discuss the most in Chapter 6?

3. In Chapter 6, which Comedy Central show does Klosterman claim is detrimental to society?

4. Which serial killer claimed pornography was detrimental to society?

5. What is the first thing Klosterman asks Riley about in their Chapter 8 interview?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Klosterman hate Coldplay?

2. What does Klosterman hate about Spike Lee films?

3. What is fake love?

4. Why did Klosterman fail as a little league coach?

5. Why did Puck and Pedro transcend The Real World frame?

6. What is the difference between the sexuality Monroe represents and the sexuality Anderson represents?

7. Why is Sim Chuck rejected in love?

8. Why do women have an illogical opinion of John Cusack, according to Chuck Klosterman?

9. In Chapter 4, how does Klosterman explain Bruce Springsteen's appeal?

10. Describe Chuck Klosterman's holiday tradition.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chuck Klosterman's essays fall into the category of literary nonfiction, or new journalism. Most famously practiced by such writers as Norman Mailer, Joan Didion, and Truman Capote, this practice involves the journalist placing him or herself at the center of the story. Write an essay about three essays in which Klosterman plays a pivotal role in the reading of events. How is he an active player here? How does his presence affect the story? What does this alter about what else would have been a straightforward relating of events?

Essay Topic 2

In several chapters, Klosterman makes note of a shift that occurred in the film industry with the release of Star Wars. Write an essay about this shift. What types of films were being produced, making money, and winning awards before Star Wars? What new strategy did studios develop to replicate the Star Wars boon? What does Klosterman think about this shift and its effect on films in the 1980s and 1990s?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about the personality that Klosterman creates for himself through his writing. What does he look for in friendship and romance? What cultural mores does he value? What angers the author about his own generation? Use the intra-chapter musings throughout the book to corroborate your thesis in the essay.

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