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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. How do Bryson and Katz feel once they realize they will never walk to Maine?

2. What is the name of the blind man who hikes the entire Appalachian Trail with his seeing eye dog?

3. Which is another of Bryson's fears?

4. What is causing Bryson and Katz to hurry the descent of Blood Mountain?

5. What is a major drawback to accepting a ride in the Pontiac?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the contrast between the weather in the south with the weather a hundred miles further north in Virginia.

3. Describe the Chattahoochee Forest.

4. Why does Bryson describe his first day on the trail as hell?

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

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

7. Describe the first look Bryson and Katz have of the Smoky Mountains.

8. Describe the vision Benton MacKaye has for Appalachian Trail.

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

10. Describe the two things Bryson is shocked about when he goes to buy equipment for the hike.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Evaluate the elements of cause and effect in this story using examples from the book.

2) Choose three events from the story which cause either Bryson's or Katz's life to undergo a change.

3) How does he react to the events and their effects?

4) How does he grow emotionally in his own life and in his attitude toward the hike because of these changes?

Essay Topic 2

1) Compare and contrast the characters of Bill Bryson and Stephen Katz.

2) Summarize the impact each character has on the other.

3) Which character is the stronger character of the two both physically and emotionally? Defend the answer with examples.

Essay Topic 3

1) Evaluate the relationship between Bryson and Katz.

2) Describe if they are good hiking partners or not ?

3) How do they interact with one another?

4) What are the qualities of the friendship?

5) Cite examples from the story proving their acceptance of one another for who they are?

(see the answer keys)

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