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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 causes Ralston to have an erratic heartbeat and sunken eyes?

2. What sign leads Ralston to believe he is not yet fully dehydrated?

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

4. Ralston reminisces about past thirst-quenchers. Which type does he most often think about?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Emery County know to send a helicopter even before they find Ralston?

2. As time continues in the canyon, what does Ralston's water supply mean to him?

3. What is Ralston's agenda between leaving his house on Spruce Street on Thursday and the Saturday he becomes trapped in the canyon?

4. How does Ralston's trances help him?

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

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

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

8. Once Ralston is missing, how does his friends handle the situation?

9. Describe common themes in Ralston's memories.

10. From Ralston's perspective, what significance is there in knowing what his friends are doing during his entrapment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

For nearly a week, Ralston is trapped in the canyon with nothing but his own thoughts. He reminisces on many things. What are some of his more important memories? Discuss why they are important to him. What revelations does he have as he remembers past events while stuck in the canyon?

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,159 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample