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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How far does Simon lower Joe each time before he descends himself?
(a) Approximately 300 abseils.
(b) Approximately 300 meters.
(c) Approximately 150 feet.
(d) Approximately 300 feet.

2. When Joe falls and lands on the slope at the base of the cliff, what happens?
(a) He rips Simon off the mountain.
(b) He ruptures his left knee.
(c) He breaks his left leg.
(d) His right lower leg bone is forced through the knee joint.

3. What do Joe and Simon climb at the beginning of the ascent on Siula Grande?
(a) A granite spire.
(b) A buttress.
(c) A fluting.
(d) An ice wall.

4. What is blue ice?
(a) Rock that looks like ice.
(b) Glacial ice that is clear.
(c) Ice that turns blue when viewed through sunglasses.
(d) Ice that is blue in color.

5. When Joe and Simon move together along the ridge, how far behind Simon does Joe follow?
(a) One car-length.
(b) Within earshot.
(c) A full rope-length.
(d) 150 yards.

6. Joe says that what is infectious?
(a) Joe's knee.
(b) Simon's confidence.
(c) Joe's anger.
(d) Simon's fingers.

7. How are Joe and Ian rescued?
(a) By donkey.
(b) By Japanese climbers.
(c) By Simon.
(d) By rescue helicopter.

8. How do Peruvian flutings contrast to European flutings?
(a) They are made of snow.
(b) They are made of yellow rock.
(c) They appear to defy gravity.
(d) They are difficult to see.

9. What is another word for "abseil"?
(a) Bivi.
(b) Traverse.
(c) Climb.
(d) Rappel.

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

11. What side of Siula Grande do Joe and Simon have the ambition to conquer?
(a) The East Face.
(b) The South Face.
(c) The West Face.
(d) The North Face.

12. How does the weather look when Joe and Simon start up Siula Grande?
(a) Perfect.
(b) Dreadful.
(c) Blustery.
(d) Foggy.

13. At one of the lowering changeovers, Simon smiles at Joe, and Joe realizes that their partnership...
(a) Is accident-prone.
(b) Is just as effective and had turned from climbing to rescue.
(c) Has gone from bad to worse.
(d) Had been a bad idea.

14. After his accident with Ian, Joe regains his desire to climb, except for the dread of what?
(a) Bivouacs.
(b) Freezing.
(c) Shredded ropes.
(d) Falling.

15. How long is one length of climbing rope?
(a) 150 metres.
(b) 150 feet.
(c) A hundredweight.
(d) 300 feet.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Simon cut the rope?

2. What is the name of the rock that Joe and Ian climb?

3. What is a patina?

4. What description does Joe lend to the sounds of icicles breaking away?

5. How far from the nearest village do Joe, Simon, and Richard pitch base camp?

(see the answer keys)

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