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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 is a major drawback to accepting a ride in the Pontiac?

2. Why is Katz walking most places at the time he calls Bill?

3. What types of trees grew in the forest of the Appalachian Trail in 1948?

4. What is an accurate description of Bryson and Katz's new friend?

5. What makes Bryson and Katz decide not to hike the whole Appalachian Trail?

Short Essay Questions

1. How long is the Appalachian Trail and in what states does it begin and end?

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

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

4. Describe the Chattahoochee Forest.

5. Describe Stephen Katz, Bryson's hiking partner.

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

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

8. What is the reaction of Katz and Bryson when they come out of the wilderness to the civilization of Knoxville?

9. Describe the forest of the Appalachian Trail in 1948.

10. Summarize why the US Forest Service builds so many roads.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Analyze Bill Bryson's reasons for wanting to hike the Appalachian Trail.

2) In what ways did he accomplish what he set out to do?

3) In what ways is the hike a disappointment for him?

Essay Topic 2

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 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 617 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample