A Rock and a Hard Place Test | Final Test - Hard

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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. By Tuesday evening, who calls the police to file a missing persons report.

2. The day before getting trapped, what activity does Ralston indulge in?

3. What does the dispatcher fail to tell those that file Ralston's missing persons report?

4. During Ralston's predicament when surveying a ski race route, what does he have to do?

5. What does Ralston compare his trances and reality to?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Steve Patchett help with the search from New Mexico?

2. Sleepless in the canyon, Ralston is reminded of what other occasion in his life and why?

3. Summarize Brad and Leah's weekend after leaving Ralston near Mount Sopris. Note the circumstances that affects the timing of Ralston's rescue.

4. Describe common themes in Ralston's memories.

5. What symptoms does Ralston observe about his body and mind that shows signs of dehydration and lack of sleep?

6. How does Donna react to Brian's initial phone call? How does her reaction compare to Ralston's characteristics?

7. How does Ralston's trances help him?

8. What is the feeling and mood of Ralston's trances?

9. How does Ralston survive a night outside in a whiteout storm?

10. As time continues in the canyon, what does Ralston's water supply mean to him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are times Ralston almost loses his life before Blue John Canyon. There are times he has seen his friends almost lose their lives. Compare how Ralston values his own life and his friends' lives, based on the risks he is willing to take.

Essay Topic 2

Ralston is an avid solo climber who seems to prefer to do many activities alone. Yet he has many friends to party with and plenty worry and search for him. Explore Ralston's relationships with his family and friends. Does he seem close to any in particular? Is there a mutual respect between Ralston and his friends? What holds the bond between Ralston and his companions?

Essay Topic 3

Ralston constantly updates the video camera of his current situation. He assumes he dies in the canyon and expects a stranger one day finds his body and his camera. Explain the reasoning behind Ralston's need to constantly talk to the camera and detail his entrapment.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,170 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample