View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Joe encounters Simon's footprints, he describes them as sinuous. What does this mean?
(a) Reckless.
(b) Meandering.
(c) As if he had been running.
(d) Equally spaced.

2. Besides the commands of the voice, what does Joe rely on to keep him going?
(a) Simon.
(b) The glacier.
(c) His watch.
(d) The heat.

3. What does Joe lack the courage to do?
(a) Move his leg.
(b) Climb out.
(c) Commit suicide.
(d) Talk.

4. What does Simon say he and Joe have changed by climbing the mountain?
(a) Nothing.
(b) Everything.
(c) The mountain face.
(d) The record books.

5. Gloria and Norma are gawping at Simon. Why?
(a) They want to know what Simon and Richard are going to give them.
(b) They can't believe what they are seeing.
(c) They think Simon murdered Joe.
(d) They feel sorry for Simon.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the weather like when Simon begins to descend the mountain alone?

2. After coming to the conclusion that Joe is dead, Simon is determined to do what?

3. What name does Joe shout over and over in the crevasse?

4. What fifth step does Joe add to his pattern of movement through the moraines?

5. While crawling through the crevasse section of the glacier, what does Joe frequently do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Joe tells of the most difficult thing he has ever done, and the best view he has ever seen. What are these?

2. Before setting out across the moraines, what does Joe do with his Karrimat?

3. While trying to reach base camp, what single thought springs Joe into action, but also holds the possibility of being the final death of him?

4. When does the "voice" utter its first words of discouragement? What does it tell Joe?

5. In the moraines, what device plays a crucial role in Joe's survival?

6. What logic does Joe use to assume that Simon believes he is dead?

7. What are some of the reasons Richard gives for their expeditious departure?

8. Why does Joe decide to descend deeper into the crevasse?

9. While crawling away during his escape from the crevasse, what is Joe's most common excuse for stopping, and what persuades him to continue?

10. As Simon descends Siula Grande at the beginning of "Silent Witness", how does he feel about the mountain?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,041 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample