- 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) A Princeton professor
B) Bill Bradley
C) Woodrow Wilson
D) John McPhee
- 2. What sport is Bill Bradley famous for in this book?
A) Baseball
B) Tennis
C) Football
D) Basketball
- 3. Which university was Bill Bradley attending when McPhee profiled him?
A) Yale
B) Harvard
C) Stanford
D) Princeton
- 4. What prestigious scholarship did Bradley win to study at Oxford?
A) Marshall Scholarship
B) Fulbright Scholarship
C) Rhodes Scholarship
D) Gates Scholarship
- 5. What professional team did Bradley later play for?
A) New York Knicks
B) Boston Celtics
C) Chicago Bulls
D) Los Angeles Lakers
- 6. What political office did Bradley later hold?
A) Mayor of New York
B) U.S. Senator
C) U.S. President
D) Governor of New Jersey
- 7. From which state was Bradley elected to the Senate?
A) New York
B) Pennsylvania
C) New Jersey
D) Connecticut
- 8. Where did Bradley grow up?
A) Princeton, New Jersey
B) Crystal City, Missouri
C) New York City
D) Chicago, Illinois
- 9. What Olympic achievement did Bradley have?
A) Silver medal in 1960
B) Gold medal in 1964
C) Did not compete in Olympics
D) Bronze medal in 1972
- 10. What was Bradley's jersey number with the Knicks?
A) 33
B) 23
C) 24
D) 32
- 11. How does McPhee characterize Bradley's spatial awareness on court?
A) Exceptional court sense
B) Average awareness
C) Only good on offense
D) Poor positioning
- 12. What literary quality distinguishes McPhee's writing in this book?
A) Fictional dramatization
B) Detailed observational prose
C) Poetic verse
D) Satirical comedy
- 13. When was 'A Sense of Where You Are' first published?
A) 1965
B) 1985
C) 1975
D) 1955
- 14. How did Bradley prepare for games mentally?
A) No special preparation
B) Avoiding thinking about the game
C) Visualization and focus
D) Last-minute cramming
- 15. What was Bradley's height, making his skills unusual for his position?
A) 6'10"
B) 6'5"
C) 7'0"
D) 6'2"
- 16. How did Bradley develop his famous court awareness?
A) From video analysis
B) Through meditation
C) Through relentless practice
D) By studying geometry
- 17. How did Bradley view his academic work compared to basketball?
A) Academics were more important
B) Equally important
C) He neglected academics
D) Basketball was his priority
- 18. How did Bradley perform in big games according to McPhee?
A) Often choked
B) Excelled under pressure
C) Played the same as always
D) Avoided taking shots
- 19. How did Bradley's background influence his basketball career?
A) Small-town work ethic
B) Family of professional athletes
C) Urban street basketball
D) Wealthy private coaching
- 20. What was Bradley's relationship with his coach at Princeton?
A) Father-son like
B) Mutual respect
C) Distant and formal
D) Constant conflict
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