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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. Where do most hikers begin the Appalachian Trail?

2. What does Bryson want to do right after getting cleaned up?

3. What is it about the airline person that prompts Bryson to question the man's intelligence?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

3. Describe the physical condition of Bryson and Katz when they reach Clingman's Dome.

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

5. Explain the type of hiking that Bryson and Katz will have to do through the Smoky Mountains.

6. Summarize why the US Forest Service builds so many roads.

7. Describe the weather as Bryson and Katz cross the ledge of Big Butt Mountain and reach Bearpen Gap.

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

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

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

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) 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?

Essay Topic 3

Bryson describes the attitudes of Americans toward the wilderness.

1) Interpret Bryson's views about Americans and the wilderness.

2) In what way do Americans differ in their attitudes toward the wilderness with other parts of the world? Use examples from the book to justify the answers.

(see the answer keys)

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