On to the Summit: We Reach the Top
Short Questions
1. Who were the first two people to reach the summit of Mount Everest?
- Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.
2.When did Tenzing and Hillary reach the summit of Mount Everest?
- May 29, 1953.
3.What was Tenzing’s birth name?
- Namgyal Wangdi.
4. What was the name of the camp from which Tenzing and Hillary started their final climb?
- Camp Nine.
5. What did Tenzing carry in his pocket during the climb?
- Four flags.
6. Which flags did Colonel Hunt give to Tenzing?
- Britain, United Nations, and Nepal flags.
7. What did Tenzing ask Colonel Hunt’s permission for?
- To carry the Indian flag.
8. What was the rope between Tenzing and Hillary a symbol of?
- Teamwork.
9. What controversy arose after Tenzing and Hillary reached Kathmandu?
- Who reached the summit first.
10. What did Tenzing and Hillary do to resolve the controversy?
- They made a pact.
11. What was Tenzing’s first thought after reaching the summit?
- Gratitude to God.
12. What offerings did Tenzing place on the summit?
- Biscuits, candy, and a blue pencil.
13. Who gave Tenzing the blue pencil?
- His daughter, Nima.
14. What did Tenzing wear that reminded him of his friend Lambert?
- A red scarf.
15. What did Tenzing and Hillary drink at Camp Nine after descending?
- Lemon water.
Long Questions
1. Why was Tenzing determined to reach the summit on the final day?
- Tenzing was ready to risk his life to reach the top. He felt it was his last chance after failing six times.
2. How did Tenzing and Hillary climb together during the final ascent?
- They took turns leading and following, tied by a rope. The follower acted as an anchor for safety.
3. What did the flags represent for Tenzing on the summit?
- The flags of Britain, Nepal, the UN, and India showed unity and achievement. Tenzing felt proud to place them on Everest.
4. Why was the rope between Tenzing and Hillary important?
- The rope kept them safe and showed they were a team. It meant they could not move without each other.
5. How did Tenzing celebrate reaching the summit?
- He offered a silent prayer, placed offerings, and raised the flags. He also shared biscuits with Hillary.
6. What was the significance of the red scarf Tenzing wore?
- The scarf was a gift from his friend Lambert, reminding him of their bond. It gave Tenzing strength during the climb.
7. Why was the descent more dangerous than the climb up?
- The descent was steep, and a slip could lead to a fall into the glacier. More caution was needed to stay safe.
8. How did Tenzing feel when he reached Camp Nine after descending?
- Tenzing was thankful to God for their safety. He prayed for no accidents in the future.
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