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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What has Steinbeck become over the years?
(a) A sentimental fool
(b) A cantankerous old man
(c) An expert on travel
(d) A famous, contemporary writer

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

3. What does Steinbeck invite the Canadian family to do?
(a) Sing around a campfire
(b) Have dinner with him
(c) Play cards
(d) View the inside of his camper

4. What is the first prerequisite for travelers?
(a) A passport
(b) Good walking shoes
(c) Luggage on wheels
(d) A reason for traveling

5. What is unusual about the inn Steinbeck finds?
(a) It has valet parking
(b) Its neon sign flashes that it is open and has vacancies but no one is there.
(c) It is not in any guidebook.
(d) It is not open on weekends.

6. How many years ago did Steinbeck travel the United States?
(a) 5
(b) 20
(c) 25
(d) 15

7. What kind of dog is Charley?
(a) Poodle
(b) Jack Russell Terrier
(c) German Shephard
(d) Dachshund

8. What book does Steinbeck read as he drinks coffee at a rest area?
(a) The Spectator
(b) Quo Vadis
(c) East of Eden
(d) The Hawaiians

9. In this book, Steinbeck's style is neither ______________ in nature nor completely ________________.
(a) crafty, entertaining
(b) journalistic, poetic
(c) informative, ascetic
(d) entertaining, boring

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

11. What does Steinbeck buy at a farmhouse?
(a) Cured bacon
(b) Fresh eggs
(c) Smoked ham
(d) Dog food

12. What does Steinbeck see when he takes Charley for a walk?
(a) The Aurora Borealis
(b) A fire at a gas station
(c) A Little League baseball game
(d) Two lovers in a car

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

14. What does Steinbeck mean by a "blown-in-the-glass" bum?
(a) A traveler who will only drink out of crystal.
(b) A traveler who drinks too much.
(c) A traveler who is as fragile as glass.
(d) A traveler who works as a glassblower.

15. Where does Steinbeck re-anchor his boat?
(a) Closer to the coastline
(b) At a new marina
(c) A hundred yards into the bay
(d) At the next pier

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Steinbeck call this state of journeying?

2. What is Steinbeck's destination on the next day?

3. Where has Steinbeck's friend made a reservation for him?

4. Of what is Steinbeck an avid collector?

5. Who wants to accompany Steinbeck on the trip?

(see the answer keys)

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