1. While Joe struggles to dig a snow cave, Simon struggles to do what?
(a) To thaw out his fingers.
(b) To dig his own snow cave.
(c) To repair his head torch with his bare fingers.
(d) To repair his sticht plate with his bare fingers.

2. After lowering Joe down, what is Simon's signal that Joe needs to take his weight off the rope?
(a) Three flashes of his head torch.
(b) Three arm waves.
(c) Giving slack to the rope.
(d) Three tugs on the rope.

3. What does Simon insist that Joe not do on this trip?
(a) Snore.
(b) Drink beer.
(c) Smoke marijuana.
(d) Smoke cigarettes.

4. What is a patina?
(a) A Peruvian flatbread that Gloria cooks for Richard.
(b) A thin layer that appears slowly over time.
(c) The ceiling of a snow cave.
(d) A type of mountaineering skate used to descend slopes.

5. What is a Karrimat?
(a) A sleeping mat.
(b) A belay seat.
(c) A sleeping bag.
(d) A karabiner mat.

Short Answer Questions

1. A character in the book recounts an incident where one climber is dragged off a cliff while roped to his partner. What nationality are these climbers?

2. How long do Joe and Simon expect to be gone on their climb of Siula Grande?

3. When Joe follows Simon, he is careful to do what?

4. What collapses under Simon's feet?

5. Joe says that what is infectious?

(see the answer key)

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