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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 is the name of the large chunks into which the glacier breaks?

2. Sherpas that have reached the summit are highly _________ in the community in which they live.

3. What are the jobs Krakauer takes up in order to finance his climbing hobby?

4. What is Krakauer's reaction to seeing climbers lined up to get to the summit?

5. What is the cruising altitude of the plane that makes Krakauer realize how absurd it seems to climb that distance as it is so close to Everest's summit measurement?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Krakauer's feelings when he reaches the summit in his description at the beginning of this book.

2. Which two people are in the picture Krakauer takes when he gets to the summit?

3. What phrase does Krakauer use to describe the people on the trip with him right now?

4. What has Goran Kropp been doing on Mount Everest?

5. What are some examples of Krakauer's potential feelings of snobbery towards Mount Everest?

6. What do the Sherpas do in preparation for the climbers to begin the eventual ascent to the summit?

7. Why do Krakauer and Hansen have troubles getting out of their sleeping bags in the morning?

8. Why does Fischer have to descend to help one of his clients, instead of one of the guides?

9. What does Krakauer say about the condition of Scott Fischer as he sees him coming up to the summit as well?

10. What is Krakauer alarmed to see other climbers doing as they prepare their equipment for their first acclimatization climb?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of possible heroes in this story as the events unfold. Some people go above and beyond their duties and responsibilities to help others, while others simply fend for themselves.

Part 1: What is the definition of a hero?

Part 2: Who might be considered heroes in this story? Why?

Part 3: Which characters seem to have been unwilling to help others? Perhaps even selfish? Why do they seem this way?

Essay Topic 2

The gradual ascent of the hikers to the different camps allows them to get adjusted to the altitude at different points, without exhausting them.

Part 1: How many camps are located between Base Camp and the Summit?

Part 2: What are some ways hikers acclimate to the decrease in the air density at each phase of their hike?

Part 3: What can happen if the hikers don't take their time in ascending Mount Everest? What are some effects of the altitude on the human body?

Essay Topic 3

The dream of going up to the summit of Mount Everest is one that many people might have, but never seriously attempt. Just as the top of the mountain is so far away from the ground, the dream seems too far out of reach.

Part 1: Why do you think people want to climb to the top of Mount Everest?

Part 2: Choose three characters and discuss their reasons for wanting to climb up Mount Everest.

Part 3: Are there ever any bad reasons for wanting to climb up Everest? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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