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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 is described as a difficult man who has deceived many people and created enemies on the mountain?

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. In what year did the Mount Everest tragedy as described in the book take place among the climbers in Rob Hall's and Scott Fischer's teams?

4. Who led an effort to clean up Base Camp when it was dirty in the 70's and 80's?

5. Krakauer sees a dead body wrapped in a ______________ as they are climbing their second acclimatization climb.

Short Essay Questions

1. Who were the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest?

2. Why does Doug Hansen stay behind while the rest of the climbers head up to Camp Three?

3. Describe Krakauer's feelings when he reaches the summit in his description at the beginning of this book.

4. How is the influence of Western culture seen in the village of Namche?

5. Describe the character of Mike Groom.

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

7. List some of the amenities the climbers have while at Base Camp.

8. What does Krakauer help Ang Dorje with when they are back at Camp One?

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

10. Describe the character of Pete Shoening.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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