A Walk in the Woods

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Debate on Conservation Issues”

In this activity, students will debate a statement related to the conservation themes in the book.

In A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson reflects on the Appalachian Trail’s natural beauty and the complex conservation and preservation issues. Bryson’s observations raise important questions about human environmental impact and how we might balance accessibility with preservation. You will debate with your peers on the following statement: “​​National parks and trails should have more restrictions to protect the environment.”

Divide into two teams: One will argue for stricter regulations to protect national parks and trails, and the other will argue against stricter regulations to protect national parks and trails.

• In your debate groups, look for examples, opinions, and facts in A Walk in the Woods that support your side of the debate. What does Bryson say or observe that you can use in your argument?
• Look for more information online or in other books that support your viewpoint. Cite your outside resources in MLA format.
• Each team will have a chance to present their argument.
• Listen to the other team’s arguments. In a rebuttal, counter their points based on your research and evidence from the text.
• Sum up your main points in your concluding argument and make your final plea.

After the debate, write in your notes or reading journal about how this debate activity connects with A Walk in the Woods. What connections can you make between Bryson’s experiences on the trail and broader environmental concerns?

Teaching Suggestion: Depending on students’ experience and maturity level, it might be beneficial to define the rules of the debate and the expectations for conduct and engagement. To structure the debate, you may want to give each team a few minutes to introduce their arguments and allot a specific amount of time for their main arguments. You can ask a responsible student to moderate the debate and ask follow-up questions or moderate the debate yourself. The moderator should ensure that the debate stays respectful and interject with additional prompts if the debate stalls or becomes unbalanced. Additional prompts could include questions like “How has the Appalachian Trail changed over time?”

Differentiation Suggestion: For students with auditory or speech disabilities, consider providing alternative roles within the debate, such as visual notetaking. To help English Language Learners participate in the debate, you may wish to provide sentence starters to help them organize their thoughts. You may want to give these sentence starters before the debate so that these students have a script to read. The rebuttal may be challenging for these students, so it might be helpful to assign different students to various parts of the debate (introduction, main argument, rebuttal, conclusion).

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The journey on the Appalachian Trail exposes the main characters to various aspects of American society.

• How does Bryson use encounters with other characters to critique contemporary American culture? (topic sentence)
• Pick two characters whom Bryson and Katz encounter. Describe the observations that Bryson makes about each character and how they are used to reflect Bryson’s thoughts about other Americans.
• In your concluding sentences, evaluate how similar his portrayal of American society in 1996 is to American society today.

2. Bryson frequently comments on the National Park Service and its effect on the Appalachian Trail.

• How does Bryson view the National Park Service and their management of the AT? (topic sentence)
• Give two examples of Bryson either praising or critiquing the National Park Service. Analyze how these examples illustrate his views on the organization.
• In your conclusion, discuss the implications of the National Park Service’s management for nature conservation and stewardship.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Discuss how Bryson uses specific narrative techniques, such as descriptive language or tone, to convey his sense of awe, fear, and respect toward nature. Consider the duality of nature as a source of wonder and a potential threat. How does this dual portrayal influence your understanding of Bryson’s journey and relationship with the Appalachian Trail? In your essay, analyze how Bryson’s account of nature evolves throughout his journey.

2. Bryson and Katz’s journey can be seen as a reflection of their personal lives and pasts. Discuss how their physical challenges and emotional experiences on the trail mirror their struggles and growth. In your analysis, consider specific physical challenges and emotional experiences that parallel their personal lives, how these parallels influence their individual character development, the role their shared history and friendship play on the trail, and how narrative techniques emphasize these connections.

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. How does Bryson use Katz’s character to explore themes of personal struggle and redemption?

A) Katz’s difficulties on the trail mirror his struggles with alcoholism.

B) Katz’s bond with Bryson helps him confront his past mistakes.

C) Katz’s determination to complete the hike despite his challenges shows his resilience.

D) Katz’s encounters with the wilderness force him to question his life choices.

2. What does the bear symbolize in the book?

A) Bryson’s fears and insecurities

B) The wild and unpredictable nature of the wilderness

C) The potential dangers lurking on the Appalachian Trail

D) The protective nature of the wilderness against human interference

3. How does Bryson’s solo journey compare to his hike with Katz in terms of character development and personal transformation?

A) His solo journey shows more emotional growth, while his time with Katz focuses on their shared experiences and camaraderie.

B) The solo journey depicts Bryson as a determined hiker, while the hike with Katz portrays him more as a caring and empathetic friend.

C) His solo hike allows for more introspection and self-realization, while his hike with Katz is more about mutual support and friendship.

D) The solo section lets Bryson focus on his capabilities and limitations, while hiking with Katz brings out his resilience and adaptability.

4. Which statement best reflects Bryson’s use of descriptive language in the book?

A) Bryson uses descriptive language to make the narrative more engaging.

B) Bryson’s descriptions center around the physical challenges of hiking.

C) Bryson uses descriptions to contrast the Appalachian Trail with other hiking trails.

D) Bryson uses vivid descriptions to bring the trail and its surroundings to life.

5. Throughout the narrative, Bryson frequently muses about the destruction of natural habitats. What does this imply about his character?

A) Bryson believes that all development is bad.

B) Bryson is cynical about the future of natural spaces.

C) Bryson is deeply concerned about the environment.

D) Bryson blames the hikers for the degradation of the trail.

6. Which statement best describes the function of humor in the book?

A) Humor helps contrast the harsh realities of nature with the banalities of suburban life.

B) Bryson uses humor to highlight the absurdities of the situations they encounter.

C) Humor helps lighten the tone amid discussions of serious topics.

D) Bryson uses humor as a mechanism to engage readers.

7. Bryson often juxtaposes the past and present of the trail. How does this affect the reader’s understanding of the Appalachian Trail?

A) It emphasizes the changes the trail has undergone due to human impact.

B) It presents the trail as a monument to America’s historical past.

C) It shows that the trail has remained unchanged over the years.

D) It underscores the continuity of the trail’s purpose for adventure and exploration.

8. How does the decision to skip a large section of the trail affect the dynamic between Bryson and Katz?

A) It results in a strengthened bond over their shared experiences and decisions.

B) It brings to light their differing attitudes toward the trail and their objectives.

C) It triggers a shared sense of disappointment and defeat.

D) It creates a mutual understanding and acceptance of their limitations.

9. How does Bryson’s portrayal of the White Mountains in New Hampshire contrast with his depiction of the Great Smoky Mountains?

A) The White Mountains are depicted as a formidable challenge due to their altitude, while the Smokies present challenges due to their dense forests.

B) The Whites symbolize the harsh, unforgiving aspect of nature, while the Smokies are presented as a testament to nature’s grandeur.

C) The Whites symbolize the hardships hikers face, while the Smokies highlight the beauty and allure of the trail.

D) Both are represented as formidable natural landscapes, but the Whites are associated with risk and danger, while the Smokies evoke awe and wonder.

10. During the hike through Pennsylvania’s rough terrain, what does Bryson’s frustration imply about his evolving relationship with the trail?

A) He sees the trail as an enemy to be conquered.

B) He develops a respect for the trail’s challenges and history.

C) He becomes disillusioned with the romanticized idea of the trail.

D) He gains a newfound appreciation for urban comforts and conveniences.

11. What does Mary Ellen’s lack of preparedness and overconfidence on the trail signify about her character?

A) A naïve and delusional approach to hiking

B) A deep knowledge of the trail but a carefree attitude

C) A well-calculated strategy hidden behind apparent chaos

D) A lack of experience but an eagerness to learn

12. How does the unpredictable weather on the Appalachian Trail affect Bryson and Katz’s hiking plans?

A) It has no effect; they continue as planned, regardless of the weather.

B) It leads them to seek shelter often and adjust their itinerary.

C) It causes them to abandon the trail and take a different route.

D) It motivates them to hike faster to avoid bad weather.

13. How does Bryson recount the story of Grandma Gatewood?

A) As a famous guidebook author

B) As a pioneer for women’s rights on the trail

C) As a trail maintenance volunteer

D) As an elderly woman who unexpectedly thru-hiked the trail

14. What challenge of the National Park Service does Bryson highlight regarding trail maintenance?

A) Struggles with funding and relying on volunteers

B) Lack of coordination with volunteer organizations

C) Overemphasis on aesthetics over practicality

D) Too much focus on the most popular sections of the trail

15. How does Bryson portray the town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in relation to the trail?

A) As a charming and rustic trail town

B) As an idyllic haven for hikers to rest

C) As an example of commercialized tourism clashing with nature

D) As a place disconnected from the trail culture

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. In what ways does Chicken John’s appearance and behavior epitomize or defy the stereotypical image of a long-distance hiker?

2. How does the tale of Centralia serve as a cautionary example?