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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Steinbeck not take another person on the trip?
(a) Another person would talk too much.
(b) Another person probably wouldn't like the radio stations he likes.
(c) Another person would change the experience from observation to interactivity.
(d) Another person would probably change the itinerary.

2. What does Steinbeck consider himself to be?
(a) A simple storyteller
(b) An American writer
(c) A sophisticated writer
(d) An adequate writer

3. What is the subject about which Steinbeck is noted for writing?
(a) Europeans
(b) Asians
(c) Hispanics
(d) Americans

4. What impact does the storm have on the Steinbecks' home?
(a) The roof is blown away.
(b) A tree crashes onto the roof.
(c) It is completely demolished.
(d) The wind forces in a window.

5. To what does Steinbeck compare the futility of trying to control a trip?
(a) Trying to control a marriage
(b) Trying to herd cats
(c) Trying to swim upstream
(d) Trying to shoot fish in a barrel

6. What does Steinbeck notice that surrounds the small towns and villages?
(a) Industrial parks
(b) Car dealerships
(c) Fast food restaurants
(d) Garbage dumps and junk yards

7. What do Steinbeck's friends warn him about regarding this trip?
(a) That he will get bored very quickly.
(b) That he will not be able to travel incognito.
(c) That he will realize that his life at home was preferable.
(d) That he will not have the perseverance to complete it.

8. How is Steinbeck able to travel unnoticed?
(a) He wears a wig and sunglasses.
(b) He gains a lot of weight.
(c) People do not expect famous authors to be traveling in a trailer with a dog for a companion.
(d) He dyes his hair black.

9. Why does Mrs. Steinbeck shout at Steinbeck?
(a) She is frustrated by his lack of attention.
(b) He has been knocked unconscious.
(c) He heads out into the storm to tend to his boat.
(d) He cannot hear her over the sound of the wind.

10. What urge has Steinbeck felt all his life?
(a) The urge to be someone else.
(b) The urge to be an athlete.
(c) The urge to be somewhere else.
(d) The urge to be an artist.

11. What is the tone of this book?
(a) Juvenile
(b) Lofty
(c) Forbidding
(d) Approachable

12. Where has Steinbeck's friend made a reservation for him?
(a) Kennebunkport
(b) Mt. Killington
(c) Niagara Falls
(d) Deer Isle

13. When does Steinbeck plan to set off on his journey?
(a) The day after the Fourth of July
(b) The day after New Year's
(c) The day after Christmas
(d) The day after Labor Day

14. How do New Englanders talk?
(a) In long, drawn out sentences
(b) In rambling speech patterns
(c) In single words or short phrases
(d) They answer questions with questions

15. What material is everything in the motel made of, with the exception of the bedding and curtains?
(a) wood
(b) brass
(c) glass
(d) plastic

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Steinbeck buy at a farmhouse?

2. Where does Steinbeck go to church on his last morning in New England?

3. What has come over the country since Steinbeck's last trip?

4. In what direction does Steinbeck head on his first day?

5. With what was the vehicle outfitted?

(see the answer keys)

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