View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Bryson's generalization, who will people from Des Moines marry?

2. What does Bryson believe his grandparents would do while awaiting the family's arrival?

3. Why does Bryson miss billboards on the highway?

4. Why does Bryson leave Pine Mountain so quickly?

5. Bryson states that people who pass through Des Moines and stay for years are confused, but _____ in their decision.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Bryson name the town "Dullard"?

2. What effect does Bryson's visit to Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum have on him?

3. What, in Bryson's opinion, is good about being from Des Moines?

4. What is the greatest barrier Bryson faces in southern towns?

5. What is disappointing about the Mississippi to Bryson?

6. How does Bryson feel about signs and billboards?

7. How does Auburn, AL prompt more of Bryson's criticisms of youth?

8. What is the most fun Bryson can have in Carbondale?

9. Does Bryson view his grandparents critically or endearingly? How does he portray them?

10. How does Bryson generalize towns from his youth?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bryson expressed his objective of returning to the land of his youth at the beginning of the book. Discuss Bryson's successes or failures in his objective.

Essay Topic 2

Bryson frequently refers back to issues of money: either in that he is bitter against wealthy people, inconvenienced to pay entrance fees, or perturbed by the impoverished. Discuss Bryson's relationship with wealth and poverty.

Essay Topic 3

A majority of Bryson's trip is centered around sightseeing. Discuss tourism as a tool in Bryson's journey of discovering America and self-discovery.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 860 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample