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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. What does Bryson conclude is the best advice in dealing with a bear in your midst?

2. Who gives Bryson gear shopping etiquette instructions?

3. What are parts of the original Appalachian Trail plans that are never realized?

4. Where is Gatlinburg located?

5. What is the true creature of the Smokies?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the forest of the Appalachian Trail in 1948.

2. Describe the reaction Bryson and Katz have toward Hiawassee when they arrive there with Donna and her fiancé.

3. How does Bryson summarize the quality of Appalachian Trail maps?

4. Describe the town of Gatlinburg which is just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

5. Explain how a hiker manages to get on the Appalachian Trail at Amicola Falls State Park when it is seven miles from the nearest highway.

6. Summarize the details of the National Trails System Act which was passed in 1968.

7. Summarize the plan that the Appalachian Trail Conference forms from Benton MacKaye's original idea.

8. Why are Bryson and Katz looking forward to hiking the eight miles to Waynesboro?

9. Summarize the secret pact that Bryson and Katz make about how to get to Hiawassee.

10. Summarize the realization that Bryson and Katz come to as they look at a map of the Appalachian Trail in Gatlinburg.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Describe the differences between Bryson's hike with Katz along the Appalachian Trail and the day hikes he takes through Pennsylvania.

2) Why is Bryson frustrated with his hiking experience in Pennsylvania?

Essay Topic 2

1) Analyze the fears Bryson experiences throughout the book.

2) Describe three events in the story where Bryson's fears paralyze him.

3) How does Katz help Bryson with his fears?

Essay Topic 3

1) Discuss how Bill Bryson grows as a character from the beginning of the book to the end.

2) How do his attitudes change toward life and hiking?

3) How does his attitude about his lifestyle change?

4) What are the differences in his attitude toward civilization from the start of his journey to the end?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 625 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample