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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. Why does Green like signing his name?

2. Who is most often credited with creating Monopoly?

3. In his review of Plague, what years were the worst for that disease in terms of recorded deaths, according to Green?

4. Who was one of Green's roommates in 2003 who was glued to CNN while America Invaded Iraq?

5. In the section on Auld Lang Syne, what does Green identify as one of the strangest and most beautiful moments in world history?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Green's boss at Booklist treat him when he had to take time off for mental illness issues?

2. Why does Green have fond memories of going to the Indianapolis 500?

3. What happened when an American contestant beat a long-reigning Japanese champion in the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog eating contest in 2007?

4. What is one drawback of traditional lawns that consist mostly of grass, and particularly of Kentucky Bluegrass, according to Green?

5. What is one repetitive activity that Green has found gives him some peace when he is feeling stressed that he describes in Part IV?

6. Who does Green Google after encountering this person many years earlier, and why did he wait so long to check up on this person?

7. What did the Piggly Wiggly almost entirely replace once the stores got up and running?

8. Why does Green think the song "Auld Lang Syne" is popular in Hollywood?

9. What does Green think is one of the most terrible similarities between the Plague and the novel coronavirus?

10. What is one significant problem with CNN, according to Green?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Green describe his motivation for writing this collection to the reader, and what form did his reviews originally take? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Green explores both positive and negative aspects of human nature and of humanity's influence on the planet. Would you describe this collection as mainly positive in tone, mainly negative in tone, or neutral in tone? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions .

Essay Topic 3

Green is quite pointedly critical about what he sees as the shortcomings of American politics, policies and culture at different points in this collection. Where, when, and how do you think his criticisms are most effective? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

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