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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. Who is Krakauer impressed with in his group because he keeps up a steady pace?

2. What did Fischer climb Everest without in order to attract attention to his climbing skills and services?

3. Who decides to dress lightly, thinking the sun will warm him up, but instead finds out the wind makes him very cold?

4. From what country is the answer to #27?

5. While at the summit, Krakauer takes photos of ___________ and Andy Harris.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Krakauer alarmed to see other climbers doing as they prepare their equipment for their first acclimatization climb?

2. What happened to turn Base Camp into the tidy place it is in the 1990's?

3. How is Krakauer feeling when he arrives at Camp Two?

4. What does Krakauer describe Tenzing as saying about climbing Mount Everest?

5. Why does Hall only have his group walk a few hours a day?

6. After whom was Mount Everest named after?

7. Describe Krakauer's feelings when he reaches the summit in his description at the beginning of this book.

8. What do the Sherpas do in preparation for the climbers to begin the eventual ascent to the summit?

9. What phrase does Krakauer use to describe the people on the trip with him right now?

10. What does Krakauer help Ang Dorje with when they are back at Camp One?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The preparations one must make in order to be ready for a climb up Everest are astounding to those who do not already hike. But they are necessary in order to be ready for anything.

Part 1: What preparations are made before the hiking can even begin? What must the hikers do to prepare themselves?

Part 2: How do the group leaders and guides help to prepare for this journey?

Part 3: In what ways were the preparations not sufficient for the hike up to Everest?

Essay Topic 2

John Krakauer is the author of this book and a skilled hiker, though not with higher elevations. This is actually the case with many of the members of his team.

Part 1: Describe Krakauer's feelings about the inexperience of his team at the beginning of the story.

Part 2: What does Krakauer think of the hikers as the climbing continues? Does he feel more confident or less confident?

Part 3: Does this seem like a team that should have been going up Mount Everest? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of possible heroes in this story as the events unfold. Some people go above and beyond their duties and responsibilities to help others, while others simply fend for themselves.

Part 1: What is the definition of a hero?

Part 2: Who might be considered heroes in this story? Why?

Part 3: Which characters seem to have been unwilling to help others? Perhaps even selfish? Why do they seem this way?

(see the answer keys)

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