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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 percentage of through hikers who make it to the Hundred Mile Wilderness?

2. Why does Katz stay in his room while staying in Waynesboro?

3. What do Katz and Bryson decide to stop pretending?

4. How far had Bryson and Katz hiked when they parted ways?

5. What is the name of the mountain Bryson is hiking when it begins to rain?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize Bryson's experience hiking in Pennsylvania.

2. Describe Chicken John's claim to fame.

3. Explain why Katz starts drinking again.

4. Describe the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire.

5. What has Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, inspired?

6. Describe Kitattiny Mountain and how it was formed.

7. Summarize the behavior of the hikers that Bryson and Katz meet in Gravel Springs Hut.

8. Summarize why Bryson is so angry about Katz drinking again.

9. Summarize what Katz does to pass the time while Bryson is at Kmart.

10. Summarize the plans Bryson and Katz make now that they have completed the first stage of their hiking journey.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

1) Explain the reasons Katz begins drinking again when he returns to the Appalachian Trail in August.

2) What does he reveal about himself to Bryson about his emotional condition?

3) Describe the effect his drinking and change of attitude affect the hike. Cite examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 555 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample