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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Steinbeck live?

2. What is the name of Steinbeck's boat?

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

4. What do some of the migrant families use for shelter?

5. Steinbeck writes, "We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; _______________________

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Steinbeck's position on hunting?

2. How does Steinbeck communicate in the book?

3. What does Steinbeck share with the adults in the Canadian family as a gesture of good will?

4. What is Steinbeck's purpose for taking this trip?

5. What urge has Steinbeck felt all his life?

6. What is John Steinbeck's view on the journey he is about to take?

7. What does Steinbeck encounter that particularly unnerves him?

8. Describe Charley.

9. How does Steinbeck respond to his friends' concerns about the dangers of road travel?

10. What is Steinbeck's start date for his trip?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is Steinbeck changed after a Sunday morning service in a small Vermont town? What impresses him about the experience? Does Steinbeck prefer fire and brimstone over vague, feel-good preaching? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Steinbeck is amazed by all the garbage dumps and junk yards he sees along the way. What would Steinbeck's perception be if he were to encounter the waste management system in America today? What would he say about the sheer volume of consumption and waste in America today? Would Steinbeck be a vocal recycling proponent?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Steinbeck's writing style. How is he different from other writers of his time? What are some of his characteristic writing techniques? Identify some examples of his classic style in this book.

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