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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 tells one of Fischer's Sherpas to stay behind?

2. What has Krakauer worried when he reaches the summit, so much so that he can not enjoy his time there?

3. Which climber is found to be still breathing, but very near death. much to the surprise of everyone?

4. The Japanese team was quoted as saying, "Above 8,000 meters is not a place where people can afford ________."

5. What expedition also has just reached the top at about 4:00 P.M.?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Hall doesn't tell his group when they will be turning back when they reach the summit, what does Krakauer interpret this to mean?

2. What does Krakauer notice about the air in Seattle?

3. What does Krakauer observe about Beidleman?

4. What does Brashears radio into camp as many of the climbers are at Camp Two?

5. What risks go up as the oxygen in Krakauer's tank begins to decrease?

6. Which route did the Indian team take in order to reach the summit?

7. What does David Brashears note about the team Beidleman has taken into Camp Three?

8. What are the physical effects of Weathers' miraculous rescue and recovery from Everest?

9. What does Krakauer tell Hutchison to do?

10. What does Gau do in violation of his promise?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The idea of competition among the teams seems to also affect the outcome of the climb to the summit. Some feel it's a race rather than an achievement for themselves.

Part 1: What teams seem to be in competition during this story?

Part 2: Does the idea of competition seem to help the hikers or hurt them? Why? In what ways?

Part 3: How might competition have been avoided among the teams? Could it have been avoided? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The relationships between characters is something intriguing to the reader. At times, there is an open sense of competition, for others, there is a sense of camaraderie.

Part 1: What are some examples of positive relationships between hikers on the mountain?

Part 2: What are some examples of potentially negative relationships between hikers on the mountain?

Part 3: How might this difficult challenge of hiking to the summit affect those hikers on the mountain? What does such an impossible task do to those around the hikers? To their families?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 675 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample