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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 said he just kept moving and didn't look back when he saw Namba couldn't stay upright in order to get back to camp?

2. Who is on the summit ridge and needs help as per his radio call?

3. Whose flag had Krakauer brought with him to pose with at the summit, although he leaves it in his bag?

4. Who is not wearing his goggles, although he is quickly reminded to do so?

5. Who is concerned that neither Fischer nor any of his other clients have reached the top at this point?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Krakauer tell Hutchison to do?

2. What does Krakauer realize about the hiker he thought to be Harris?

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

4. What happens to Krakauer and other climbers from Hall's group when they fly back to Katmandu?

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

6. What does Krakauer observe about Beidleman?

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

8. Why does Pittman fall to the ground as they are approaching the summit?

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

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

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 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

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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