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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 last long stretch of hiking for Katz and Bryson before ending the first part of their trek?

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

3. How many Union troops does Stonewall Jackson capture at Harper's Ferry?

4. How large were the Appalachian Mountains eons ago?

5. How many hotels were scattered in the White Mountains by the 1890's?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize Bryson's experience hiking in Pennsylvania.

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

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

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

5. Describe what is killing the hemlock trees along the AT in the Blue Ridge Mountains and how is it being treated.

6. How do Bryson and Katz adapt to hiking through Maine's wilderness?

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

8. Describe the circumstances when Bryson comes close to becoming a hypothermia victim.

9. Summarize the statistics Laurie Potteiger, the Information Specialist at Harper's Ferry, gives to Bryson about the number of thru hikers who hiked the Appalachian Trail the year before.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Compare and contrast the characters of Bill Bryson and Stephen Katz.

2) Summarize the impact each character has on the other.

3) Which character is the stronger character of the two both physically and emotionally? Defend the answer with examples.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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