To the Top of Everest

Where does the narrator stay throughout most of her journey up Mt. Everest?

• Sherpa family homes

• small huts along the route

• tourist-friendly hotels in villages

• various camps along the mountain

How does the narrator feel about the possible push to the summit?

• She feels hopeful.

• She feels nervous.

• She feels annoyed.

• She feels regretful.

How do these details support the central idea of “To the Top of Everest”?

• They show that climbing the mountain is difficult because it is physically exhausting.

• They show that climbing the mountain is easy as long as you get a great deal of sleep.

• They show that climbing the mountain is tricky because there is limited time to climb.

• They show that climbing the mountain is boring because you return to base camp daily.

What challenges does the narrator face in “To the Top of Everest”? Choose two options.

• falling ice

• wild animals

• limited oxygen

• unmarked trails

• damaged equipment

Which word best describes the narrator at the beginning of “To the Top of Everest”?

• busy

• relaxed

• concerned

• unprepared

What is the most likely reason the narrator placed the word nap in quotation marks?

• to call attention to something her father told her

• to suggest that her long sleep was not truly a nap

• to express that she is not really sure what a nap is

• to make sure the reader knows that she took a nap

A piece of writing may have more than one central idea. Think about the details that the narrator of “To the Top of Everest” shares about her parents and brother. Which of the following sentences best states a central idea that ties those details together?

• Keep close to your parents, but decide what is best for yourself.

• No one understands you better than the members of your family do.

• Adventures are exciting, but family relationships are more meaningful.

• Lessons you learn from your parents will stay with you for the rest of your life.

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Part A In “To the Top of Everest,” what is the most likely reason the Sherpas organize a Puja ceremony before the team begins its journey up the mountain?

• They know that climbing Everest is dangerous.

• They wish they could climb the mountain also

• They enjoy teaching tourists about their traditions.

• They are required by law to perform the ceremony.

Read the following two excerpts from "To the Top of Everest." How do these details support the central idea of "To the Top of Everest"?

I was pretty tired by the time we got back to base camp, but today was a rest day (our first), so I’ve had plenty of time to recover.

After we tagged camp two we came all the way back down to base camp. It was a long day, and we all returned pretty tired.

• They show that climbing the mountain is difficult because it is physically exhausting.

• They show that climbing the mountain is easy as long as you get a great deal of sleep.

• They show that climbing the mountain is tricky because there is limited time to climb.

• They show that climbing the mountain is boring because you return to base camp daily.

What is the primary theme of 'To the Top of Everest'?

• Adventure and exploration

• Family and relationships

• Courage and perseverance

• Nature and environment