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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 quality is Krakauer impressed with as the answer to #110 comes down the mountain?

2. How might the conditions at Lobuje be described?

3. What did Bourkeev do that necessitated that Fischer descend to help a client?

4. Where does Krakauer land when he arrives in Nepal?

5. What does Krakauer says deepens when he hears that an inexperienced climber makes it to the top of Everest?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the Icefall.

2. What is different about this climbing experience from other climbing experiences Krakauer has had?

3. What are some examples of Krakauer's potential feelings of snobbery towards Mount Everest?

4. What is HACE?

5. Why are the climbers eager to leave Lobuje?

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

7. What did Rob Hall and his climbing partner, Gary Ball, achieve as climbers together?

8. What does Krakauer notice in the snow as they are climbing up to Camp Two?

9. Describe the character of Mike Groom.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

John Krakauer is the author of this book and a skilled hiker, though not with higher elevations. This is actually the case with many of the members of his team.

Part 1: Describe Krakauer's feelings about the inexperience of his team at the beginning of the story.

Part 2: What does Krakauer think of the hikers as the climbing continues? Does he feel more confident or less confident?

Part 3: Does this seem like a team that should have been going up Mount Everest? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In reaching the summit, it can be a amazing feeling of accomplishment. But it almost seems anti-climatic when you realize you still have to go back down - and quickly.

Part 1: Describe how Krakauer feels when he reaches the summit. Are his feelings positive? Negative? Mixed?

Part 2: Do you think hikers might rethink their plans if they knew they only had a few moments to spend on the summit itself? Why or why not?

Part 3: What might you do in the few moments you'd spend at the top of Everest?

Essay Topic 3

Krakauer offered to write an article about the commercialization of Mount Everest and how it's affecting the beauty of the area as well as its power.

Part 1: What are some examples of the way Mount Everest has been commercialized in this story?

Part 2: How might this commercialization affect the respect Mount Everest should have from those who climb it?

Part 3: Is there any way to stop the commercialization of this area? Isn't this book furthering its commercialization? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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