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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How are Steinbeck's political views perceived by his family?
(a) As an insult to his upbringing
(b) As a nuisance
(c) As a radical
(d) As an uninformed person

2. What starts to slow Steinbeck's progress?
(a) Steinbeck is in awe of the scenery.
(b) Steinbeck diverts from his itinerary.
(c) Charley is having urinary trouble and their stops are taking longer.
(d) Steinbeck stops to take more photographs.

3. What commotion has erupted in the city where Steinbeck stops?
(a) Angry crowds denounce the desegregation of a grade school.
(b) The dock workers are on strike.
(c) The buses are running late today.
(d) The local electrician's union is on strike.

4. Why will Steinbeck never move back to Monterey?
(a) He wants to be away from his family.
(b) Monterey is too old fashioned.
(c) Monterey is too dirty.
(d) New York City is his home now.

5. What did Charley get at the hotel in Chicago?
(a) Special dog treats
(b) A good night's sleep
(c) A professional poodle grooming
(d) Play time with other dogs

6. What national park does Steinbeck visit while in Montana?
(a) Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
(b) Yellowstone National Park
(c) The Grand Canyon
(d) Yosemite National Park

7. What does Steinbeck consider the river crossing at Bismarck to be?
(a) The true demarcation between east and west
(b) The most beautiful place he has ever seen
(c) The most treacherous experience he has ever had
(d) The most boring place he has ever been

8. To which state would Steinbeck like to move?
(a) South Dakota
(b) North Dakota
(c) Montana
(d) Wyoming

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

10. Why does Steinbeck stay in Texas three extra days?
(a) Steinbeck is tired of driving.
(b) Charley needs veterinary care.
(c) Steinbeck finds it hard to say goodbye to his wife.
(d) The camper needs some engine work done.

11. What does Steinbeck enjoy in Idaho?
(a) Baked potatoes
(b) Snow-capped mountains
(c) Wildflowers
(d) Fly fishing

12. Who is Steinbeck drawn to at the rest stops?
(a) Families
(b) Tour groups
(c) Truck drivers
(d) Military personnel

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

14. Whose birthplace is Steinbeck anxious to visit?
(a) John F. Kennedy
(b) Sinclair Lewis
(c) Pocahantas
(d) Knut Rockne

15. What is the only valuable thing that happens on this day?
(a) Steinbeck has a good steak dinner.
(b) Steinbeck talks to his wife from a pay phone.
(c) Steinbeck writes in a journal.
(d) Steinbeck sees Niagara Falls.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Steinbeck believe was properly impressed with the country they trekked?

2. What does the park ranger warn Steinbeck about as he enters the answer to #130?

3. What does Steinbeck call the previous guest of a hotel room he waits in temporarily?

4. According to Steinbeck, what do people living in a bland world crave?

5. What historical attraction does Steinbeck visit in Montana?

(see the answer keys)

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