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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. Bryson sees a ______ dignitary in Washington D.C.

2. What does Bryson's friend, James Horner, observe about American youth today?

3. Why are the waiters in the restaurant in Cooperstown eager for Bryson to leave?

4. Why does Bryson tune in to a Canadian radio station?

5. Where do Bryson and his brother eat on their visit?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Bryson realize on a family trip when he witnessed a shooting?

2. How is Bryson similar to the pilgrims?

3. In visiting Colonial Williamsburg, how does Bryson feel about tourism?

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

5. In Bryson's opinion, how is poverty relative?

6. What has always been Bryson's reaction to inequality?

7. What revelation about poverty does Bryson have in Vermont?

8. Why is Bryson concerned about Detroit?

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

10. Why are Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island more to Bryson's liking?

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

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.

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