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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 compare his trances and reality to?

2. Ralston compares his freedom to being born again, but with what important difference?

3. Why does Ralston take off his lycra padded shorts?

4. What do the mosquitoes indicate to Ralston?

5. What importance does the Elk Mountains Grand Traverse play in Ralston's life?

Short Essay Questions

1. Other than taste, what other factors does Ralston have to consider when deciding on whether to drink his urine?

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

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

4. Describe the conditions of the Elk Mountains Grand Traverse race and what complications it causes the racers.

5. If Ralston knows how to successfully amputate his arm days earlier, does the outcome be the same or different? How come?

6. What happens after the amputation that eventually leads Ralston to the helicopter?

7. According to Ralston's perspective, what is happening to time?

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

9. Describe the sequence of events the leads to locating Ralston's truck.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In reference to solo climbing all the fourteeners in winter, Mark states to Ralston, "I think it's great for you, as long as you're happy". Ralston notes that it is something he thinks about years before and feels he is indeed doing this for himself. Prove or disprove whether you agree or disagree with Ralston's affirmation.

Essay Topic 2

Over time in the canyon, Ralston begins to lose his practical way of thinking. Explore the causes of his inability to stay rational over time. What signs are there? Does Ralston notice? If so, what does he do to reframe his mind? Does he want to reframe his mind back to the way it used to be? Does this help him in any way?

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 1,274 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample