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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. When Joe looks at the frayed end of the cut rope, what colors are the nylon filaments?
(a) Green and brown.
(b) Red and blue.
(c) Purple and yellow.
(d) White and pink.

2. After seeing that the rope had been cut, Joe falls asleep. What wakes him?
(a) Someone shouting.
(b) The cold.
(c) A nightmare of falling.
(d) The sounds of the glacier.

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

4. After reciting a soliloquy as a preoccupying game, Joe realizes what?
(a) That he is desperately thirsty.
(b) That last night's storm is not over.
(c) That he's in a snow cave.
(d) That he hates Shakespeare.

5. While crawling through the crevasse section of the glacier, what does Joe hear in his head in addition to the voice?
(a) Voices of dead people.
(b) Pop song lyrics.
(c) Birdsong.
(d) Prayers.

Short Answer Questions

1. Joe reaches an open void while abseiling deep into the crevasse, and he struggles to continue. He compares the sensation to which experience?

2. What is the first thing Richard gives to Simon?

3. What does Simon do with Joe's clothes?

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

5. After waking from his nightmare, what does Joe see?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Joe so worried about losing Simon's tracks?

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

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

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

6. After learning that the rope had been cut and after getting some sleep in the crevasse, what are Joe's thoughts about the end of his life?

7. While abseiling to the right of the wall over which Joe had tumbled, why does Simon suddenly stop his descent?

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

9. When Simon sees the cliff over which Joe had been hanging, how does he feel?

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

(see the answer keys)

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