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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. Which beautiful Appalachian ranges are at the north and west of Pennsylvania?

2. What is the mountain that is a wall of rock 1,300 feet high above the Delaware River?

3. What does Bryson believe beauty has become for most Americans?

4. What happens to Katz in the Hundred Mile Wilderness?

5. What are the weather conditions like on Mount Washington?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how Bryson returns to the hotel room in Waynesboro after he walks to Kmart.

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

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

4. What is the decision that Bryson and Katz make after Katz gets lost in the woods.

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

6. Summarize the weather conditions in which most people fall victim to hypothermia.

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

8. Describe Kitattiny Mountain and how it was formed.

9. Describe what Bryson finds strange about the town of Centralia.

10. Describe Bryson's thoughts on areas through which he thinks the Appalachian Trail should pass.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

1) Compare and contrast the characters of Katz and Bryson with the Spring hikers they meet along the trail.

2) Summarize the impact each group has on one another.

3) How is each group realistic in its view of hiking?

4) How do their attitudes toward hiking differ? Cite examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

1) Analyze the character of Mary Ellen.

2) How is she depicted by the author?

3) How is she revealed through her own words and actions?

4) In what way is she revealed through other character's comments?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 601 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample