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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. When Bryson's car begins to skid, what noise does he make?

2. While visiting Abe Lincoln's home-town, Bryson quickly becomes ______.

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

4. Bryson finds that most items advertised in the New York Times are _____.

5. What does Bryson observe has "eaten" Carbondale?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do people ever get out of Des Moines, according to Bryson? Why or why not?

2. How is Tuskegee, AL a trip back in time for Bryson?

3. What inspired Bryson's trip?

4. Why does Bryson like Charleston, SC?

5. How does Bryson feel about signs and billboards?

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

7. What was the effect of Bryson's "disturbed and erratic" childhood?

8. How do the tourists in Warm Springs embody Bryson's dislikes?

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

10. Why does Bryson like Tupelo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bryson occasionally detours to an anecdote while traveling. At times, the tie is clear but not so much in others. Discuss Bryson's use of anecdotes and how it fleshes out or conveys something about the moments Bryson diverges.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the effect of Bryson's extreme and definitive points of view on his writing and our experience of Bryson and America.

Essay Topic 3

Much of Bryson's observations are steered by his personal opinion rather than his objectivism. Discuss how Bryson's personal objectives cause him to manipulate facts--how does this affect him as a writer and the reader's perception?

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