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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 the retired colonel who enjoys climbing because it gives him a mission in his new civilian life?

2. What is keeping the men in the tent from getting out of their sleeping bags?

3. What role is Krakauer becoming less comfortable in, as the climbers in his group have not been told of the actual reason for his presence?

4. What is the cruising altitude of the plane that makes Krakauer realize how absurd it seems to climb that distance as it is so close to Everest's summit measurement?

5. Who does Krakauer help when they reach Camp One?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Scott Fischer.

2. Why does Hall only have his group walk a few hours a day?

3. Why does Sir Edmund Hillary criticize Rob Hall and similar Everest guides?

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

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

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

7. What has Goran Kropp been doing on Mount Everest?

8. Describe the Icefall.

9. Why are the climbers eager to leave Lobuje?

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

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

The determination to live and to survive seems to be the only reason why people like Gau and Weathers actually made it through their ordeals. There was no other reason for them to live and to make it through the night.

Part 1: What happened to Gau during his time on Mount Everest?

Part 2: What happened to Weathers during his time on Mount Everest?

Part 3: What makes these two characters stronger than the other hikers who perished, in your opinion?

Essay Topic 3

Giving into death must seem the easier route when you're stuck up on a mountain, waiting for someone to rescue you.

Part 1: Which hikers were stranded on the mountain while they waited for help?

Part 2: In what ways did they try to survive and to live through the night?

Part 3: What are some other ways hikers might have been able to keep themselves moving and motivated to live?

(see the answer keys)

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