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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Who is the narrator when italic print is used in the book?
(a) Richard.
(b) The editor.
(c) Joe.
(d) Simon.

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

4. How does Joe describe Simon's eyes?
(a) Blue and laughing.
(b) Brown and mad.
(c) Bright green.
(d) Steel blue.

5. What does Joe try to use to climb up the rope?
(a) A Prussik knot.
(b) A karabiner.
(c) A sticht plate.
(d) A "Friend".

Short Answer Questions

1. While Joe ponders the notion of being left, the rope goes slack. What does this mean?

2. How does Joe try to gauge their height on the mountain?

3. On what mountain range do two climbers witness the deaths of two other climbers?

4. What is a pitch?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. When Joe and Simon start their ascent of the first ice wall on Siula Grande, what is Joe's attitude toward what they are doing?

2. What happens on The Bonatti Pillar on Les Petits Drus in the French Alps?

3. In "Storm at the Summit", how does Joe get a bloody lip and a cracked tooth?

4. Explain how Joe feels for the two days immediately prior to setting out for Siula Grande.

5. Joe describes the beginning of their practice climb on Yantauri as 'inauspicious' (p24). Why?

6. Why do Simon and Joe avoid the issue of discussing their game plan after Joe's injury?

7. What observation does Joe make about tents in the opening scene of the book?

8. After Joe tells Simon that he has broken his leg, he describes the pitiful look that Simon gives him as, 'a distance given to a wounded animal which could not be helped' (p74). From Simon's point of view, why does he give him this look?

9. Joe says that a 'warm feeling' stays with him while Simon lowers him. What 'warm feeling' is he referring to?

10. What is Joe's plan of action if Simon falls through, or off, the ridge again?

(see the answer keys)

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