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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. After close inspection, what does Joe determine the "floor" of the crevasse to be?
(a) The fragile ceiling of a lower cavern.
(b) Snow-covered rock.
(c) A dead end.
(d) Not really snow at all.

2. How does Simon view the climb after determining that Joe has died?
(a) One for the record books.
(b) Brilliant.
(c) Awesome.
(d) Pointless.

3. While crawling through the crevasse section of the glacier, what does Joe frequently do?
(a) He vomits.
(b) He stands up to check the progress of his route.
(c) He digs bucket seats.
(d) He bleats out obscenities.

4. When Joe finally reaches Bomb Alley, he immediately finds a trickle of water. How long has he gone without food or water?
(a) Eight days.
(b) "Forever."
(c) One whole day.
(d) Three days.

5. Who does Simon dread talking to upon his return to civilization?
(a) The police and Customs officials.
(b) Joe's parents and Joe's wife.
(c) The police and Joe's parents.
(d) Spinoza and Richard.

Short Answer Questions

1. At seven o'clock on the eve of their departure from base camp, Simon and Richard hear a strange cry in the distance. What does Richard suggest it is?

2. Besides the commands of the voice, what does Joe rely on to keep him going?

3. Simon recalls that he wanted to see Bolivia before returning to London. What country does Joe want to see?

4. Who does Richard go to see about getting donkeys for transporting their gear?

5. When Joe finally musters the courage to look down, what does he see in disbelief?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. 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?

6. As Simon turns for one last look at Siula Grande, what goes through his mind?

7. When Joe finally clears the crevasses of the glacier and arrives at the moraines, what painful condition does he realize that he is stricken with, and how does he describe it?

8. How does Joe describe his night in the moraines under the stars?

9. What does Joe discover upon reaching the "bottom" of the crevasse?

10. Describe Joe's one article of clothing that Simon can't bring himself to burn.

(see the answer keys)

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