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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. Who is the last to be retrieved from the avalanche?

2. How does John Griffith get his nickname?

3. What is Ralston's biggest risk that can cause his death?

4. How is Ralston saved from the river?

5. What part of Ralston's arm is crushed between the boulder and the canyon wall?

Short Essay Questions

1. What remedy does Ralston give himself after sustaining an injury on Capitol Peak instead of going to the hospital?

2. What becomes of the second rate Wild Bunch boys from Roost Canyon?

3. How is Jack Moore connected to Butch Cassidy?

4. What does the sheriff's posse think of the outlaws?

5. What missed opportunity does Ralston have to prevent his entrapment?

6. In addition to the direct injury of his pinned arm, what other challenges does Ralston face from being stuck in one place?

7. Why is it be natural for Betty Darr to come up in Ralston's mind during his entrapment?

8. Describe the possible consequences Ralston faces if he decides to amputate his arm.

9. What are some signs that indicate Ralston is losing some of his rationale and cool?

10. What external events serve as a reminder to Ralston that he is lucky despite his risky adventures?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Over time in the canyon, Ralston begins to lose his practical way of thinking. Explore the causes of his inability to stay rational over time. What signs are there? Does Ralston notice? If so, what does he do to reframe his mind? Does he want to reframe his mind back to the way it used to be? Does this help him in any way?

Essay Topic 2

Research Aron Ralston's current life. What do you expect to find? Are your expectations met? Are there any surprises? What is the same or different about his life before and after his entrapment?

Essay Topic 3

Ralston is an avid solo climber who seems to prefer to do many activities alone. Yet he has many friends to party with and plenty worry and search for him. Explore Ralston's relationships with his family and friends. Does he seem close to any in particular? Is there a mutual respect between Ralston and his friends? What holds the bond between Ralston and his companions?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 988 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample