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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. What does Ralston see overhead the next morning as he chips away at the chockstone?

2. What does Ralston do with his urine by day three in the canyon?

3. Back in solitude, Ralston listens to what band on his CD player?

4. Ralston reminisces about which family friend that is known to be full of positive thinking and attitude?

5. Near the halfway point of the canyon, Ralston must rappel down what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ralston react spiritually to his entrapment?

2. What missed opportunity does Ralston have to prevent his entrapment?

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

4. Although Ralston is adventurous, what are some instances in which he shows his rational side before jumping into situations?

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

6. Describe Ralston's first taping on his video recorder in the canyon.

7. How does Ralston feels he fits into Aspen's social class?

8. Although Ralston is trapped, why does he find it important to keep track of his bicycle lock key?

9. Describe Ralston's reaction to a black bear in his campground on his first solo overnighter?

10. What does "Geologic Time Includes Now" mean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Research near death experiences. Choose one and compare and contrast the person's life before and after the event. Then compare and contrast their changes to Ralston's changes. Are there similarities and differences amongst people who experience near deaths?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the trances Ralston slips into near the end of his week of entrapment. Analyze the trance. What does it mean? Why do you think Aron falls into this trance? Does it decipher any meaning from it? What actions does he take because of the trance? Does it change his way of thinking?

Essay Topic 3

Ralston refers himself as an Aspen local as opposed to the richer tourists that come through Colorado for the winter season. There is a separation of classes that are dependent on each other, yet they each feel elite in their own groups. Describe where Ralston stands and why he feels the way he does.

(see the answer keys)

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