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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 observes that people have _____ Lake Erie.

2. Why did Bryson's father choose to walk through the park at Gettysburg?

3. What do the imaginary business cards Bryson wants to hand out to New Yorkers say?

4. Why is Mackinac City closed down?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Bryson mind bad service in restaurants?

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

3. How does Bryson imagine he should act in New York?

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

5. Why is Bryson concerned about Detroit?

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

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

8. What is the unspoken connection with travelers?

9. Why is Bryson relieved to be back in Iowa?

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

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss who Bryson's audience is: who is he writing for? What are subtleties in his writing that imply an aim at a certain audience? Who is he trying to appeal to and why?

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