What was Krakauer’s original arrangement with the magazine?

• A. He would remain at Base Camp the whole time.
• B. He would accompany the team to the summit.
• C. He would travel with the guides up and down the mountain daily.
• D. He would write from Kathmandu only.

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is understanding Krakauer’s initial role as a journalist on the Everest trip. Outside magazine planned that he would stay at base camp and file dispatches from there, rather than joining the high-altitude ascent. This setup allowed him to observe the expedition, interview climbers, and craft the story without the immediate risks of climbing, while still providing in-depth reporting on what was happening. The other options propose scenarios that would place him on the summit, moving daily with guides, or writing only from Kathmandu, none of which match the arrangement he was given at the outset. So the original plan was for him to remain at base camp the whole time.