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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. Which team climber falls to the ground when he reaches the summit?

2. Who says he is feeling lightheaded and unsure of himself, which might affect his decisions?

3. Who asks Krakauer to clear the ice from his oxygen equipment in order to make sure it's functioning?

4. In what month is Krakauer's article about the trip published in Outside?

5. Which climber is found to be still breathing, but very near death. much to the surprise of everyone?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Brashears radio into camp as many of the climbers are at Camp Two?

2. What does Groom say about the tanks of oxygen at the South Summit, even though Harris was mistaken about this fact?

3. What does Krakauer notice about the air in Seattle?

4. What does Krakauer observe about Beidleman?

5. What does Gau do in violation of his promise?

6. What does Krakauer tell Hutchison to do?

7. What is the eventual fate of Anatoli Bourkeev?

8. Why does Krakauer move quickly on his way up to Camp Three?

9. What has happened to Weathers, according to Hutchison's discovery?

10. What happens to Krakauer and other climbers from Hall's group when they fly back to Katmandu?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even with all of the possible ways that the trip up Mount Everest in the spring of 1996 could have been better, the events still seem to have been the most likely outcome.

Part 1: How could the hikers have better planned for weather conditions? Could they have done anything or was this truly out of their control?

Part 2: How might the health problems have been addressed better? Or were these events simply out of everyone's control as well?

Part 3: Does this trip seem 'cursed' from the start? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

The dream of going up to the summit of Mount Everest is one that many people might have, but never seriously attempt. Just as the top of the mountain is so far away from the ground, the dream seems too far out of reach.

Part 1: Why do you think people want to climb to the top of Mount Everest?

Part 2: Choose three characters and discuss their reasons for wanting to climb up Mount Everest.

Part 3: Are there ever any bad reasons for wanting to climb up Everest? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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