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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Aside from the unpleasant family visit, how does Steinbeck find the Monterey Peninsula?
(a) It is much dirtier than he remembered.
(b) It is too industrialized to suit him.
(c) It is more attractive but has lost its sense of wildness.
(d) It is sadly declining.

2. What does Steinbeck contemplate as he drives through Louisiana?
(a) The only black family he had known while growing up--the Coopers
(b) How he can't wait to get home
(c) How he hopes his new book will be a success
(d) What to give his wife for Christmas

3. What impresses Steinbeck at the rest stops?
(a) The really clean facilities
(b) The friendliness of other travelers
(c) The dog walking areas
(d) The variety of goods in the vending machines

4. Where does Steinbeck head after leaving California?
(a) The Rocky Mountains
(b) The Tetons
(c) The Grand Canyon
(d) The Mojave Desert

5. What does Steinbeck call the previous guest of a hotel room he waits in temporarily?
(a) Lonesome Harry
(b) The Invisible Man
(c) Johnny on the Spot
(d) Marvel the Magician

6. Who does Steinbeck believe was properly impressed with the country they trekked?
(a) Pioneers
(b) Lewis & Clark
(c) Civil War soldiers
(d) Native Americans

7. In what city in North Dakota does Steinbeck stop?
(a) Fargo
(b) Bismarck
(c) Minot
(d) Grand Forks

8. Why is Steinbeck forced to turn back?
(a) It starts to get dark.
(b) Steinbeck twists his ankle on a trail.
(c) Charley reacts violently to the sight of bears.
(d) Charley gets sick on a trail.

9. Near what river does Steinbeck spend the night?
(a) Maple River
(b) Mississippi River
(c) Ohio River
(d) Colorado River

10. What does Steinbeck notice that have sprung up near urban centers?
(a) Baseball diamonds
(b) Industrial parks
(c) Trailer parks
(d) Drug stores

11. What impresses Steinbeck with its strange rock formations?
(a) The Wisconsin Dells
(b) The Grand Canyon
(c) Mount Rushmore
(d) Yosemite

12. What does Steinbeck see beneath the bluster and brag of the Texans he knows?
(a) Sensitivity
(b) Bad tempers
(c) Intelligence
(d) Ignorance

13. What returns for Mrs. Steinbeck when she talks to a fellow Texan?
(a) Her Texas accent
(b) Her manners
(c) Her distrust
(d) Her temper

14. What does Steinbeck do to accelerate his trip?
(a) Drives more hours each day
(b) Hits the multi-lane highways
(c) Changes his itinerary
(d) Exceeds the speed limits

15. To what political party does Steinbeck belong?
(a) Independent
(b) Libertarian
(c) Democratic
(d) Republican

Short Answer Questions

1. What holiday does Steinbeck celebrate with his wife in Texas?

2. What is Steinbeck's next destination?

3. What is the occupation of Steinbeck's camping neighbor for the night?

4. In additional to regionalism, what has Steinbeck noticed about America so far during his trip?

5. What does Steinbeck admire most about Texans?

(see the answer keys)

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