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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 set up the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy in 1785?

2. What became of the grand hotels that were built on Mt. Washington?

3. What is the percentage of through hikers who make it to the Hundred Mile Wilderness?

4. What prevents Bryson from continuing his hike in Pennsylvania when he is just hitting his stride?

5. How large were the Appalachian Mountains eons ago?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. 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.

8. Describe Kitattiny Mountain and how it was formed.

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

10. Summarize Bryson's experience hiking in Pennsylvania.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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) 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)

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