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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

4. In additional to regionalism, what has Steinbeck noticed about America so far during his trip?
(a) Creative differences
(b) A spirit of giving
(c) A bland oneness
(d) Industriousness

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Steinbeck head after spending the night among the sequoias?

2. Who is Steinbeck drawn to at the rest stops?

3. Aside from the unpleasant family visit, how does Steinbeck find the Monterey Peninsula?

4. What is Steinbeck's next destination?

5. What does Steinbeck see beneath the bluster and brag of the Texans he knows?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Lonesome Harry.

2. How does Steinbeck justify his opinion that the river crossing at Bismarck is the true demarcation between east and west?

3. What dashes Steinbeck's hopes for a good visit with his family?

4. What philosophical thoughts does Steinbeck have when he passes into Idaho?

5. What does Steinbeck learn about truckers when he takes breaks at roadside rest stops?

6. Why is the rock with the mica in it so important to Steinbeck?

7. Explain how the Badlands are a study in opposites.

8. What has Steinbeck learned about America so far?

9. What effect is the Cold War having on average Americans?

10. Why does Steinbeck believe in what author Thomas Wolfe meant when he wrote, "You Can't Go Home Again?"

(see the answer keys)

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