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