View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What excites Ralston most when he summits Maroon Bells in the wintertime?

2. How many fourteeners does Ralston climb in Colorado?

3. What does Ralston realize about his pinned limb?

4. Who is the region in which Ralston is trapped named after?

5. What conservationist author does Ralston and the other hikers admire?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it be natural for Betty Darr to come up in Ralston's mind during his entrapment?

2. How does Ralston's attitude about the outdoors change over time while growing up?

3. What does the sheriff's posse think of the outlaws?

4. When Ralston finally succeeds in chipping parts of the chockstone, why do you think he collects the larger flakes?

5. Compare Warren MacDonald and Betty Darr and their relationship to Ralston.

6. What remedy does Ralston give himself after sustaining an injury on Capitol Peak instead of going to the hospital?

7. In addition to the direct injury of his pinned arm, what other challenges does Ralston face from being stuck in one place?

8. Other than the technical skills Ralston learns from his friends about the outdoors, how does Ralston use his educational background to help him in the canyon?

9. What "clothing" does Ralston makeshift for himself to keep warm at night? What else does he do to stay warm from the chill?

10. Even before the expected predicament of Ralston occurs, what conversation foreshadows the eerie feeling of the canyon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

On occasion, Ralston is paid to give motivational speeches. Do you find this valid request? Why or why not? Why do you think Ralston gives these speeches?

Essay Topic 2

Ralston often says he expects to die in the canyon. However, he survives due to a variety of factors. Describe his character type and how this plays a role on his ability to survive. Cite examples. What other external factors outside of his control plays a role into his survival?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,073 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample