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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where was Cheryl's first supply stop on the PCT?

2. What river flows through Kennedy Meadows?

3. Who is the author of The Dream of a Common Language?

4. What mountains does Chery describe to the west of Mojave in Chapter 2: "Splitting"?

5. On what date was the Pacific Crest Trail officially designated by an act of Congress?

Short Essay Questions

1. What encounters with animals does Cheryl describe along her journey in Chapter 5: “Tracks”? What realizations do these encounters lead her to?

2. Where does Cheryl's hike of the PCT begin? What thoughts does Cheryl have upon arriving at her starting point in Chapter 2: “Splitting”?

3. How does Cheryl describe her early childhood and her biological father in Chapter 1: “The Ten Thousand Things”?

4. What symbolism is revealed to be connected to the feather that Cheryl carries in Chapter 8: “Corvidology”?

5. How long does it take Cheryl to reach Golden Oak Springs? How much time does she spend there in Chapter 5: “Tracks”?

6. What information does Cheryl learn during her detour in Chapter 6: “A Bull in Both Directions”?

7. Describe Cheryl's encounter with the fox in Chapter 9: “Staying Found.” What inner emotions are revealed in this excerpt of the memoir?

8. What map does Cheryl describe in the beginning of Chapter 2: “Splitting”?

9. How does the author introduce herself and her mindset regarding her journey in the memoir's Prologue?

10. What book inspired Cheryl's journey? Where did Cheryl first encounter this book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Cheryl’s references in Wild to American naturalist and author John Muir and the establishment of the Sierra Club. When was the Sierra Club founded? What was its mission? How does Cheryl describe her feelings about John Muir and his causes?

Essay Topic 2

Describe some of the oversights that Cheryl made when preparing for her trip. What are some oversights Cheryl made when packing her supplies? How might Cheryl have prevented some of the conflicts in the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the setting of Kennedy Meadows in California and discuss the origin and history of “trail angels” along the PCT. What are trail angels? What do they do to assist hikers? How many miles had Cheryl hiked when she reached Kennedy Meadows? What is the terrain like in this area?

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