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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 Bryson tune in to a Canadian radio station?

2. How does Bryson get around paying the entrance fee to Colonial Williamsburg?

3. Who are the Melungeons?

4. What does Bryson think the Smithsonian is lacking today?

5. Why is Bryson concerned about Detroit?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Bryson have a problem with the Vanderbilts?

2. Does Bryson have an "authentic" New England experience?

3. Are the people of Roanoke, VA amiable to discussing the Melungeons? Why or why not?

4. How is Bryson similar to the pilgrims?

5. How does Bryson know how to socially categorize Hal and Lucia?

6. Has Bryson had good or bad experiences with strippers? What prompted this thought?

7. What is the unspoken connection with travelers?

8. Why does Bryson "believe" Littleton has been taken over by aliens?

9. How does Bryson feel after visiting Gettysburg? Why?

10. Why is Bryson concerned about Detroit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss why "The Lost Continent" is the title of this book.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the final portrait of "America" Bryson has painted by the conclusion of his journey.

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