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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 are Katz and Bryson confronted with when they reach High Top?

2. What does the cabdriver suggest Bryson and Katz do to get to their destination?

3. What is the physical condition of Bryson and Katz when they reach Clingman's Dome?

4. What is the idea of Trail Magic that all AT hikers believe?

5. What kills the Chestnut trees along the Appalachian Trail?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the two things Bryson is shocked about when he goes to buy equipment for the hike.

2. Explain how a hiker manages to get on the Appalachian Trail at Amicola Falls State Park when it is seven miles from the nearest highway.

3. Summarize the realization that Bryson and Katz come to as they look at a map of the Appalachian Trail in Gatlinburg.

4. What are the benefits Bill Bryson believes he will get from hiking the Appalachian Trail?

5. Summarize what Mary Ellen says about Bryson and Katz when she meets other hikers on the trail.

6. What are some of the issues Bryson worries about with regard to hiking on the AT?

7. Describe the reaction Bryson and Katz have toward Hiawassee when they arrive there with Donna and her fiancé.

8. How does Bryson summarize the quality of Appalachian Trail maps?

9. Explain the type of hiking that Bryson and Katz will have to do through the Smoky Mountains.

10. Explain why Katz is angry with Bryson when he says that they are leaving Rainbow Springs in the morning to get back on the trail.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Describe the differences between Bryson's hike with Katz along the Appalachian Trail and the day hikes he takes through Pennsylvania.

2) Why is Bryson frustrated with his hiking experience in Pennsylvania?

Essay Topic 2

1) Describe the changes to the Appalachian Trail from the time it first came into being to the present day.

2) What differences from the original plan have been made?

3) What effect does the National Forest Service have on the trail?

Essay Topic 3

1) What is the message Bryson is trying to convey about the wilderness and civilization?

2) How does he depict a realistic and relevant view of human nature and the wild?

3) Are the human qualities of each character true to life? Explain.

4) How do the characters react to the everyday struggles of hiking the Appalachian Trail?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 642 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample