Test Review- “Opinion: Chris McCandless: Hero or Fool?”

Which of the following lines from the text represents the author’s thesis?

• Chris, without a doubt, tended to practice what he believed in. (Paragraph 2)

• In fact, I see these type of people regularly when I lead weeks-long journeys through the wilderness. (Paragraph 3)

• Was he a wise hero who met a tragic, but poignant end in the wilderness of Alaska, or was he a naive fool who deserved his fate? (Paragraph 1)

• What most of these people fail to realize is that, in reality, Chris clearly doesn’t fit neatly into the label of either “hero” or “idiot”- he was a little bit of both. (Paragraph 1)

In the text, the author uses ethos in order to—

• Logically show the fact that Chris was not a unique character, and that many others share his beliefs.

• Establish trust with his audience and support his main argument about Chris by describing his experience with people similar to Chris.

• Describe the interesting people he has met while living and working in Alaska.

• Establish credibility with his audience by helping them empathize with how those who lose family members might feel.

Which of the following lines from the text best represents the author’s use of pathos?

• The common thread that connects all of them together is that they are a complex mix of wisdom, contradiction, insight, and foolish naivety. (Paragraph 3)

• For many of us, having a family member put us through this pain and torment would be unbearable, and having it end with the death of a loved one would only amplify this suffering, leaving us to wonder what we did wrong or what we could have done to prevent it. (Paragraph 2)

• For all of his faults, Chris truly did reject the tendency for us to obsess over financial and material wealth, and in the process, could teach us all a valuable lesson on holding dear only the most essential experiences of life, rather than “things.” (Paragraph 2)

• On the other hand, he abandoned not only society, but also his family as well. (Paragraph 2)

In the text, the author employs the use of logos by—

• Giving an example to show how Chris practiced what he believed in.

• Describing the types of people he often works with in Alaska.

• Using statistics that show Chris was, in fact, a hero.

• Showing possible ways in which Chris’ family could have likely suffered following his death.

Throughout the text, the authors uses pathos, ethos, and logos in order to—

• Convince the reader to make up their own mind regarding Chris.

• Highlight the complex nature of Chris’ personality.

• Reveal why he believes that Chris was ultimately a hero.

• Emphasize his belief that Chris set a bad example for others to follow.