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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. Which is another of Bryson's fears?

2. What is the date Bryson and Katz begin their walk in the woods?

3. What does the cabdriver suggest Bryson and Katz do to get to their destination?

4. What does Katz buy in Franklin that irritates Bryson?

5. What is Bryson's longstanding impression of the woods?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Bryson and Katz wait for a cabdriver, what do they suddenly decide about their destination?

2. Summarize what Bryson reads about on winter nights before he sets out on the Appalachian Trail.

3. Summarize the first decision Bryson and Katz make about continuing their hike along the AT.

4. Explain why Bryson thinks woods are spooky.

5. Summarize the weather report the man at the airport check-in gives to Bryson and Katz as they prepare to leave for the Appalachian Trail.

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

7. Describe the bunkhouse at Rainbow Springs Campground.

8. What are the benefits Bill Bryson believes he will get from hiking the Appalachian Trail?

9. Summarize what Bryson does when he brings all his camping equipment home.

10. How long is the Appalachian Trail and in what states does it begin and end?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Analyze the resolution of the story as it relates to each of the characters in the novel.

2) Explain the metamorphosis each of them experiences in the final chapter.

3) How has their experiences on the trail affected their attitudes toward the future?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

1) What is the message Bryson is trying to convey about the wilderness and civilization?

2) How does he depict a realistic and relevant view of human nature and the wild?

3) Are the human qualities of each character true to life? Explain.

4) How do the characters react to the everyday struggles of hiking the Appalachian Trail?

(see the answer keys)

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