What is the significance of May 10, 1996?

• A. That was the day they were to summit Everest
• B. That was the day the expedition began
• C. That was the day of a major avalanche
• D. That was the day a rescue attempt succeeded

Answer: (A)

May 10, 1996 is the day the expeditions were planning to reach the summit of Everest. In Krakauer’s account, the weather window looked favorable for a final push, so climbers moved toward the summit on that day. The significance isn’t the start of the expedition or a rescue that succeeds; it’s the planned culmination of their ascent, the moment when reaching the top would determine their fate, especially as a storm loomed shortly after and events turned tragic.