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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 Tolstoy book was found inside the bus?

2. Still calling himself by another name, Chris met two drifters who befriend him. Who were they?

3. In what area do people who knew Chris agree that he was inexperienced?

4. What effect had Chris had on Ronald Franz?

5. What was the official verdict on the cause of death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain why Krakauer traveled to Carthage, South Dakota.

2. Discuss the difference between Chris's treatment of his parents and the way he treated strangers.

3. Why does Krakauer include the story of Everett Ruess in Chapter 9?

4. Describe the first indication that Walt and Billie McCandless had of where Chris might be.

5. Describe Westerberg's comments to Krakauer two months after Chris died.

6. What are some particulars about Alex (Chris) deciding to go to San Diego?

7. What was the relationship Chris developed with the Westerberg family?

8. Tell something about Chris's connection to Jan Burres and her boyfriend Bob.

9. How does Krakauer rebut the idea that Chris was a reckless idiot, a wacko, a narcissist?

10. Why was there a break in Chris's journal entries after he left Las Vegas in 1991?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Interview someone who has had an unusual travel adventure and write their story. It can be any kind of travel adventure and not just a solo trip living off the land. Ask questions about the people they met and the descriptions of the places they visited.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on your idea of living off the land. In the essay give specific details about the knowledge one would need before attempting to live that way. What skills would a person need as well? Where would be ideal locations for such an endeavor?

Essay Topic 3

Write about hitchhiking. What are the dangers? Why do people not pick up hitchhikers very much? Include Gaylord Stuckey, who seldom picked up hitchhikers, and Jim Gallien who picked Chris up even though he was carrying a rifle.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 770 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample