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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 the weather like in Virginia?

2. Which true story by author, Herrero, describes the injuries a grizzly can deliver quickly?

3. What surprises Bryson about his equipment shopping trip?

4. What does Bryson conclude is the best advice in dealing with a bear in your midst?

5. Who is one of the most famous thru hikers of the Appalachian Trail?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Bryson and Katz feel guilty about leaving Mary Ellen behind in the woods?

2. Summarize Katz's attitude toward hiking.

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

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

5. Explain why Bryson thinks woods are spooky.

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

7. Why does Bryson describe his first day on the trail as hell?

8. Summarize what Bryson reads about on winter nights before he sets out on the Appalachian Trail.

9. Summarize the plan that the Appalachian Trail Conference forms from Benton MacKaye's original idea.

10. Describe the physical condition of Bryson and Katz when they reach Clingman's Dome.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Interpret the feelings Bryson and Katz have for the trail in the first part of the novel with the emotions and reaction they have later in the novel.

2) What regrets do they have at the end of the novel with regard to their journey?

3) How does their relationship differ from the first part of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

The wilderness is the main constant throughout the novel. It is depicted in all the chapters of the book.

1) Explain the different images Bryson uses of the wilderness as the book progresses.

2) What is the significance of the wilderness in each part of the book?

3) What meaning does the wilderness have for Bryson and Katz?

Essay Topic 3

1) Examine how Bill Bryson uses humor throughout the book, even in dangerous circumstances.

2) Analyze and describe at least three instances of humor depicted in the story.

3) Explain why Bryson writes the situation with comical imagery and what is revealed to the reader through humor.

(see the answer keys)

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