THE CRUELEST JOURNEY

Read pages
421-423

What does Salak think and feel about her journey. Underline lines that reveal her feelings.

1. The author says that at the beginning her " journeys feel at best ludicrous, at worst insane." She means that the journeys seem

A. Poorly planned
B. Very exciting
C. Repetitive
D. Pointless

1. D

2.Which detail supports the idea that the trip is dangerous?

A. "If he (Park) could travel down the Niger, then so can I. "
B. "He (the guide) says he will pray for me."
C. "Rain or no rain, today is the day for the journey to begin."
D. "The idea is to paddle nearly 600 miles on the Niger River in a kayak."

2. B

READ PAGES 424 AND 425

3. In lines 93-94 the author says that the Niger "slaps the shore, in a surly mood."
This personification of the river creates a mood of

A. Foreboding
B. Energy
C. Excitement
D. Optimism

3. A

4. Why does the author call the river "a mercurial God" in lines 130-131?


A. Its many moods affect the lives of those on it.
B. The temperature on the river is always hot.
C. The currents are impossible to chart.
D. Everyone turns to the river for survival.

4. A

READ PAGES 426-427

5. In the beginning of Chapter 13, the author describes getting close to her destination. What is the main idea of the first two paragraphs in this part of the narrative?

A. Pushing yourself when you don't feel well is unwise.
B. It is possible to paddle to Timbuktu.
C. The last part of the journey can be the toughest.
D. Even if you are in good shape, a journey is exhausting.

5. C

6. What is ironic about the author's arrival in Timbuktu?

A. She doesn't realize she is there.
B. She knows everyone on the shore.
C. She doesn't feel happy or relieved.
D. She has no money for a hotel.

6. C

READ PG. 428

7. At the end of her journey , the author realizes that

A. She was foolish to risk her life
B. She would like to repeat the trip
C. She can never go back to a "safe" life.
D. She needs to take some time off.

7. C

Discussion:

Would the author call her journey a success? Why? Why not?

Explain how the author's journey might be seen as a metaphor for life.

8. THE MEANING OF THE WORD STAGNANT IS

• Show progress
• Remain the same
• Be alone
• Have concern

8. REMAIN THE SAME

9. A DISINGENUOUS RESPONSE IS

• Clever
• Rude
• Shocking
• Insincere

9. INSINCERE

10. TO TRAVEL TO A DESTINATION CIRCUITOUSLY MEANS TO

• Try a new route
• Take the long way around
• Go in a group
• Stop frequently along the way

10. TAKE THE LONG WAY AROUND