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