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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 meets Krakauer at the airport when he lands in India for his climbing journey?

2. What was the nationality of the two climbers who are thought to have reached the summit first, although they never returned to camp?

3. Who is the overachieving doctor, one who is actually hooked on climbing for its real challenges?

4. What has NOT left Krukauer feeling drained when he reaches the summit?

5. What did Fischer climb Everest without in order to attract attention to his climbing skills and services?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Andy Harris and what Krakauer learns about him as they hike.

2. What do the Sherpas do in preparation for the climbers to begin the eventual ascent to the summit?

3. What happened to turn Base Camp into the tidy place it is in the 1990's?

4. Describe Scott Fischer.

5. Why are the climbers eager to leave Lobuje?

6. What alarms Krakauer as he begins to make his own descent from the summit?

7. How experienced are the climbers in Hall's group?

8. Describe the character of Mike Groom.

9. What phrase does Krakauer use to describe the people on the trip with him right now?

10. Describe the character of Rob Hall.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During this particular time period, there are a number of teams up on Mount Everest, all trying to reach the summit on the same date or similar dates.

Part 1: Name three of the teams that are on the mountain at the time of this story.

Part 2: How does the number of teams affect the hiking schedule and the ascents to the summit?

Part 3: If there were fewer groups up on the mountain, would this have made a difference in terms of the eventual events of the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

There are female and male hikers up on Mount Everest, of all ages and abilities. That said, it seems the mix of hikers may also have contributed to some of the problems.

Part 1: List the female hikers that are described in the story by Krakauer.

Part 2: What are some of the ways the female hikers may have hurt their group's progress?

Part 3: What are some of the ways the male hikers may have hurt their group's progress?

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of possible heroes in this story as the events unfold. Some people go above and beyond their duties and responsibilities to help others, while others simply fend for themselves.

Part 1: What is the definition of a hero?

Part 2: Who might be considered heroes in this story? Why?

Part 3: Which characters seem to have been unwilling to help others? Perhaps even selfish? Why do they seem this way?

(see the answer keys)

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