“The Final Assault”
and
“The Dream Comes True”
Study Guide

“The Final Assault”
1. Why is it especially difficult or worrisome to start out on a steep slope?

2. Why was Hillary pleased to be able to perform simple mathematical calculations?

3. What aspects of the climb does Hillary emphasize in “The Final Assault”?

“The Dream Comes True”

1. What is Norgay’s comment about the trouble with the oxygen masks freezing up?

2. Why does Norgay address the issue of who got to the summit first?

3. What equipment did Hillary and Norgay use?

4. What is Norgay’s attitude towards Hillary?

5. Whose account do you think is more accurate?

Literary Focus
Author’s Perspective

1. List three details in the account told from Hillary’s perspective that are not included in the account of Norgay’s perspective.


Extra credit

View From the Summit and "The Dream Come True" reveal details about the physical characteristics of Mt. Everest. There are also many other interesting facts and details concerning Everest, such as how many people have tried to climb it and how many have actually succeeded. Browse the Internet sites below for interesting statistics and other information about Everest.
The following sites provide extensive information about the mountain:
Alpine Ascents International
National Geographic
Everestquest
Mt.Everest History and Records
Nova Online Adventure: Everest
After you have reviewed the information, choose a topic for a chart, such as physical characteristics or expeditions. Then choose three to five categories related to your topic to display down the left side of your chart. Find the information you need to complete your chart at the above Web sites. Be sure to choose related information and to title your chart. Plot statistical and other information in the appropriate columns.

Platinum, Unit 1 Self-Test

1. Why is it clear from Hillary's account that he is in charge of the expedition?
He alone makes the significant decisions about the climb.
He never allows Norgay to climb ahead of him.
He uses the extra oxygen for their final climb.

2. What is implied by Hillary's descriptions of Norgay's slow progress?
He implies that Norgay is the better climber.
He implies that Norgay is a careful climber.
He implies that Hillary is the better climber.

3. Why doesn't Hillary reveal which climber reached the top first?
He's embarrassed that his partner was first.
He doesn't think it matters which climber was first.
He wants to keep people in suspense.

4. In "The Dream Comes True," why does Norgay disagree with Hillary's account?
He disagrees because Hillary lied about reaching the summit.
He disagrees because Hillary is an inferior climber.
He disagrees because Hillary represents Norgay as an inferior climber.

5. According to Norgay, what does the "prestige of Everest" require?
It requires truthfulness.
It requires scientific exploration.
It requires limits on commercial climbing