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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 term does the author use for what comprises the third layer of the Grand Canyon?

2. What is the current age estimate of the second layer of the Grand Canyon?

3. When did Fletcher's journey through the Grand Canyon begin?

4. What was Fletcher's only concern about the proposed trip?

5. Why might the Colorado River cause problems for Fletcher?

Short Essay Questions

1. If performed as proposed, what were some of the possible effects of the proposed projects Fletcher warns the reader about in the Epilogue?

2. What doubts, if any, did Fletcher have about the trek through the Canyon after he decided he wanted to do it?

3. How did Fletcher spend the year between his decision to travel through the Canyon and his actual start date?

4. What type of conference did Fletcher attend a few weeks after the end of his journey through the Grand Canyon, and what did he learn there?

5. What decision did Fletcher make in regard to obtaining information about the Canyon before his trip and why did he make this decision?

6. In "Chapter 10, Exit," what were three of the things, serious or not, Fletcher says he had gained from his journey?

7. Describe one realization Fletcher reached while sitting under the juniper tree in "Chapter 2, Dreams."

8. What town did Fletcher say he wanted to drive through on his way home from his journey through the Grand Canyon and why?

9. Describe the appearance of the Canyon as Fletcher describes it in "Chapter 2, The Dream."

10. How does Fletcher say the new perspective and understanding he gained on his journey changed him in society?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the Epilogue, Fletcher approaches the subject of preserving the Grand Canyon and other natural wonders. Explain what danger faced the Grand Canyon at that time. Give details about who was proposing the plan, what they intended to do, and what Fletcher believed could happen to the Canyon if they were allowed to continue. Include Fletcher's viewpoint on the matter.

Essay Topic 2

Describe Fletcher's experience when he spends four days gathering information with Doug Powell near the end of his journey. Include positive and negative elements. Include information about who Powell is and explain whether or not this experience would have been the same if they had the same meeting under different circumstances.

Essay Topic 3

In the Epilogue, Fletcher quotes Joseph Wood Krutch as saying, "When a man despoils a work of art we call him a vandal, when he despoils a work of nature we call him a developer." Discuss what this comment means and why it gives the reader insight into Fletcher's viewpoint on nature versus urban development.

(see the answer keys)

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