10 Academic English/Kephart
Unit 2: Author’s Voice
Name: _____________________________________________________________________ Period: ________
“Everest” from Touch the Top of the World Analysis
Directions: Answer the following close reading questions THOROUGHLY, using complete sentences and providing textual evidence whenever possible. Revisit your Unit 2 Terms List packet if you need reminders about definitions.
1. Identify at least two conflicts that high altitude presents to the climbers. Use examples from the text.
2. According to the author, in what ways is his blindness a benefit in meeting those challenges? Explain.
3. How do some critics respond to Weihenmayer’s success in reaching the summit of Everest?
4. Cite at least one passage in which the author uses description to paint a picture of the setting.
5. Cite at least one event from the story that presents an intense mood.
6. Note two examples of figurative language the author uses to capture the physical discomfort of being in high-altitude.
7. At what point does Weihenmayer use flashback? What information does this flashback provide?
8. “Everest” is an example of a narrative essay. Looking back at your Unit 2 terms list, what does that mean?
9. Characterize Weihenmayer’s purpose for writing. Choose from one of the three purposes in your Unit 2 terms list and explain your choice.
10. Analyze Weihenmayer’s style of writing. Explain what makes him different from other writers we have read so far this year.
11. Analyze the point of view from which the essay is told. What point of view is it and how does it affect our understanding of the story?