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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. Who maps out the actual paths and begins construction?

2. What makes the trail easier for Bryson and Katz when they hike on after the snowstorm?

3. What is Bryson's joking impression of God's plan for him?

4. Where were twenty miles of trail lopped off in 1958?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Summarize the first decision Bryson and Katz make about continuing their hike along the AT.

5. Summarize Katz's attitude toward hiking.

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

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

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

9. Mary Ellen becomes a hiking companion to Bryson and Katz. Describe her experience as a hiker.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Discuss how Bill Bryson grows as a character from the beginning of the book to the end.

2) How do his attitudes change toward life and hiking?

3) How does his attitude about his lifestyle change?

4) What are the differences in his attitude toward civilization from the start of his journey to the end?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

1) Evaluate the relationship between Bryson and Katz.

2) Describe if they are good hiking partners or not ?

3) How do they interact with one another?

4) What are the qualities of the friendship?

5) Cite examples from the story proving their acceptance of one another for who they are?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 646 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample