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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Matthiessen have wet and cold feet?
(a) He climbed a wall barefoot.
(b) He has blisters and is wearing sneakers.
(c) He got stuck in a thunderstorm.
(d) He fell asleep in the bathtub.

2. What is the surprising contrast in scenery that Matthiessen's group sees on their way through the canyon?
(a) Magnolias and spruce trees.
(b) Desert and lake.
(c) Snowy areas and lush greenery.
(d) Cacti and jackfruit.

3. What does Matthiessen remove as he adjusts to his journey?
(a) His jacket.
(b) His journal.
(c) His clothes.
(d) A watch, a bracelet, and long hair.

4. What makes Matthiessen's group believe that they can finally continue their journey again?
(a) The sun coming out.
(b) The arrival of peace.
(c) The arrival of ponies.
(d) The arrival of food.

5. What creature is NOT indigenous to the South Asian landscape?
(a) The Arctic fox.
(b) The snow leopard.
(c) The tiger.
(d) The timber wolf.

6. How long do Matthiessen and Schaller stay in a hotel together at the beginning of their trip?
(a) Three days.
(b) Four months.
(c) Three weeks.
(d) Five days.

7. Who remains in the group and gains Matthiessen's trust even if porters do not like him?
(a) Schaller.
(b) Tukten.
(c) Jang.
(d) Dawa.

8. What is Bardo?
(a) The transition between two existences according to the Tibetans.
(b) A death chant.
(c) A mystical retreat.
(d) A drumbeat.

9. A snow leopard weighs about _____________ pounds.
(a) 300.
(b) 80.
(c) 250.
(d) 100.

10. What do the citizens of the mountainous Southeast Asian country mentioned in "The Snow Leopard" burn for fuel that leaves the soil malnourished?
(a) The surface vegetation.
(b) Firewood.
(c) Livestock dung.
(d) Their compost.

11. What difficult obstacles face Matthiessen's group as they cross icy boulders?
(a) Bad weather.
(b) Lack of fuel and shelter.
(c) Warring tribes.
(d) Big predators.

12. What are Matthiessen and Schaller afraid of after they talk to the Tibetan guide who tells them that they need government permits?
(a) That they will run out of food.
(b) That they will fail.
(c) That the police will lock them up.
(d) That they will not be allowed to enter Dolpo.

13. What two conditions make some of the sherpas and porters turn back and return home?
(a) Hunger and exhaustion.
(b) Fear and loathing.
(c) Cold and thirst.
(d) Snow blindness and bloody feet.

14. What is Schaller eager to witness though he is afraid he will miss if they are too slow traveling?
(a) Chase of the wild bull.
(b) Rutting of the blue sheep.
(c) Mating season for tigers.
(d) Capture of the fox.

15. What does a Tibetan say is treacherous and filled with snow?
(a) Shey.
(b) Black Canyon.
(c) Khyber Pass.
(d) Jang Pass.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Matthiessen struggle with when he reaches 17,000 feet?

2. Matthiessen's group carries their packs instead of just _______________.

3. What do Matthiessen and Schaller feel is against them as they journey forward?

4. What do Matthiessen and Schaller discard before starting their climbing journey?

5. Who is Matthiessen afraid that he will break a promise to?

(see the answer keys)

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