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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. Who joins Bryson and Katz in Gravel Springs Hut?

2. Why do Bryson and Katz hike to old iron works?

3. Why does Bryson insist that they sleep in shelters from now on?

4. What does Bryson discover when it starts raining in the mountains of New England?

5. What is the percentage of through hikers who make it to the Hundred Mile Wilderness?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain why Mount Washington has such extreme weather conditions.

2. Describe Kitattiny Mountain and how it was formed.

3. Describe the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire.

4. Describe what Bryson finds strange about the town of Centralia.

5. What has Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, inspired?

6. Summarize Bryson's experience hiking in Pennsylvania.

7. Summarize why Bryson is so angry about Katz drinking again.

8. What is the decision that Bryson and Katz make after Katz gets lost in the woods.

9. Describe Bryson's thoughts on areas through which he thinks the Appalachian Trail should pass.

10. Explain why Katz starts drinking again.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Compare and contrast the characters of Katz and Bryson with the Spring hikers they meet along the trail.

2) Summarize the impact each group has on one another.

3) How is each group realistic in its view of hiking?

4) How do their attitudes toward hiking differ? Cite examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

1) Interpret the feelings Bryson and Katz have for the trail in the first part of the novel with the emotions and reaction they have later in the novel.

2) What regrets do they have at the end of the novel with regard to their journey?

3) How does their relationship differ from the first part of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

The wilderness is the main constant throughout the novel. It is depicted in all the chapters of the book.

1) Explain the different images Bryson uses of the wilderness as the book progresses.

2) What is the significance of the wilderness in each part of the book?

3) What meaning does the wilderness have for Bryson and Katz?

(see the answer keys)

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