- 1. A Sense of Where You Are by John McPhee is a compelling narrative that delves into the life and mind of the Princeton University basketball player Bill Bradley, exploring not only his athletic prowess but also his intellectual depth and philosophical insights. Through meticulous detail and vivid storytelling, McPhee paints a portrait of Bradley that transcends the basketball court, highlighting his unique ability to synthesize his experiences both as an athlete and a scholar. The book intricately weaves together themes of education, personal growth, and the nature of competition, while also reflecting on the American spirit and the quest for excellence. McPhee's writing is characterized by a rich, reflective style that captures the essence of Bradley's character and his approach to life, making it a profound exploration of what it means to truly understand one's place in the world.
Who is the central figure in John McPhee's 'A Sense of Where You Are'?
A) Bill Bradley
B) A Princeton professor
C) John McPhee
D) Woodrow Wilson
- 2. What sport is Bill Bradley famous for in this book?
A) Baseball
B) Basketball
C) Football
D) Tennis
- 3. Which university was Bill Bradley attending when McPhee profiled him?
A) Harvard
B) Yale
C) Stanford
D) Princeton
- 4. What prestigious scholarship did Bradley win to study at Oxford?
A) Fulbright Scholarship
B) Marshall Scholarship
C) Gates Scholarship
D) Rhodes Scholarship
- 5. What professional team did Bradley later play for?
A) Chicago Bulls
B) Boston Celtics
C) Los Angeles Lakers
D) New York Knicks
- 6. What political office did Bradley later hold?
A) U.S. Senator
B) Mayor of New York
C) U.S. President
D) Governor of New Jersey
- 7. From which state was Bradley elected to the Senate?
A) Pennsylvania
B) New Jersey
C) Connecticut
D) New York
- 8. Where did Bradley grow up?
A) Chicago, Illinois
B) New York City
C) Crystal City, Missouri
D) Princeton, New Jersey
- 9. What Olympic achievement did Bradley have?
A) Did not compete in Olympics
B) Silver medal in 1960
C) Gold medal in 1964
D) Bronze medal in 1972
- 10. What was Bradley's jersey number with the Knicks?
A) 32
B) 33
C) 23
D) 24
- 11. How does McPhee characterize Bradley's spatial awareness on court?
A) Poor positioning
B) Average awareness
C) Exceptional court sense
D) Only good on offense
- 12. What literary quality distinguishes McPhee's writing in this book?
A) Detailed observational prose
B) Fictional dramatization
C) Satirical comedy
D) Poetic verse
- 13. When was 'A Sense of Where You Are' first published?
A) 1975
B) 1985
C) 1965
D) 1955
- 14. How did Bradley prepare for games mentally?
A) Last-minute cramming
B) Visualization and focus
C) Avoiding thinking about the game
D) No special preparation
- 15. What was Bradley's height, making his skills unusual for his position?
A) 7'0"
B) 6'5"
C) 6'10"
D) 6'2"
- 16. How did Bradley develop his famous court awareness?
A) From video analysis
B) Through relentless practice
C) By studying geometry
D) Through meditation
- 17. How did Bradley view his academic work compared to basketball?
A) Equally important
B) Academics were more important
C) Basketball was his priority
D) He neglected academics
- 18. How did Bradley perform in big games according to McPhee?
A) Avoided taking shots
B) Played the same as always
C) Often choked
D) Excelled under pressure
- 19. How did Bradley's background influence his basketball career?
A) Small-town work ethic
B) Urban street basketball
C) Family of professional athletes
D) Wealthy private coaching
- 20. What was Bradley's relationship with his coach at Princeton?
A) Father-son like
B) Distant and formal
C) Mutual respect
D) Constant conflict
|