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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. Mark teaches Aron what skills for future climbing adventures?

2. What does Ralston do with his urine by day three in the canyon?

3. Despite the futility of chipping away at the chockstone, why does Ralston continue to do so?

4. Sonja spends Thanksgiving camping at Havasupai Canyon with whom?

5. After the near drowning incident, what does Ralston share with Sonja that night?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What "clothing" does Ralston makeshift for himself to keep warm at night? What else does he do to stay warm from the chill?

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

5. How do you describe the feeling Ralston has at the peak of the Maroon Bells in wintertime?

6. What are some of the possible outcomes when Ralston initially ponders after he pins his arm?

7. Although Ralston usually prepares himself before setting out on his adventures, what event(s) occur(s) at Havasupai that shows Ralston does not always look before he leaps?

8. Ralston responds to his near-drowning in a couple different ways. How does his discussion with his sister differ from the way he reacts in front of his friends.

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

10. Compare Warren MacDonald and Betty Darr and their relationship to Ralston.

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

Ralston makes many friends that love climbing and skiing as much as he does. Yet, each of their motivations are unique. Compare and contrast Ralston and his friends' motivation to ski and climb as much as they do.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the trances Ralston slips into near the end of his week of entrapment. Analyze the trance. What does it mean? Why do you think Aron falls into this trance? Does it decipher any meaning from it? What actions does he take because of the trance? Does it change his way of thinking?

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