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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Joe knocks down a row of large icicles, he curses the pain of a...
(a) Cracked tooth.
(b) Shattered femur.
(c) Broken knee joint.
(d) Broken heel.

2. At the end of "The Final Choice", how does Simon feel?
(a) Thirsty and lonely.
(b) Like he has broken his leg.
(c) Watched.
(d) Relieved.

3. Joe is thrilled at the prospect of achieving what?
(a) A base jump.
(b) A solo climb.
(c) His father's dream.
(d) A first ascent.

4. What is the elevation of Siula Grande?
(a) 21,000 metres.
(b) 21,000 feet.
(c) 29,000 feet.
(d) 4,500 feet.

5. On what route do two climbers witness the deaths of two other climbers?
(a) The Red Granite Spire.
(b) The Croz Spur.
(c) Mount Everest.
(d) Siula Grande.

6. At the beginning of the chapter "On the Edge", on which side of Siula Grande are Joe and Simon descending?
(a) The West Face.
(b) The East Face.
(c) The South Face.
(d) The North Face.

7. On what mountain range do two climbers witness the deaths of two other climbers?
(a) The Spanish Pyrenees.
(b) The Himalayas.
(c) The French Alps.
(d) The French Andes.

8. How many hours do Joe and Ian hang on the rope before being rescued?
(a) 2.
(b) 21.
(c) 12.
(d) 1.

9. What animals do the climbers use to transport their gear to base camp?
(a) Llamas.
(b) Donkeys.
(c) Mules.
(d) Yaks.

10. A hundredweight of icicles falls on Joe's head. How much is this?
(a) 100 grams.
(b) 100 pounds.
(c) About 100 icicles.
(d) 100 kilograms.

11. What do the climbers run out of in the chapter "On the Edge"?
(a) Gas.
(b) Snow for melting into water.
(c) Worry.
(d) Food.

12. When referring to their experience on the ridge, Simon tells Joe that he is...
(a) Disoriented.
(b) Not recalling what happened.
(c) Freaked out.
(d) Ready to do it again.

13. When Joe follows Simon, he is careful to do what?
(a) Avoid Simon's footsteps entirely.
(b) Keep Richard informed of their progress.
(c) Not lose sight of Simon.
(d) Follow Simon's footsteps exactly.

14. What is verglas?
(a) A thin glaze of glass-like ice covering the rock.
(b) Vertical ice.
(c) A type of eye lens used to help climbers with vertigo.
(d) Vertical scree.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What do the climbers use to help them see at night?

2. What does Joe do while he is waiting for Simon between lowerings?

3. While Joe struggles to dig a snow cave, Simon struggles to do what?

4. What are Joe Simpson and Ian Whittaker doing when the ground breaks out from underneath them?

5. At one of the lowering changeovers, Simon smiles at Joe, and Joe realizes that their partnership...

(see the answer keys)

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