The Climb

- By John Escott-
Chapter 1
Multiple Choice Activities – Event order-
Chapter 1: A Man Called Holland
Chapter 1: A Man Called Holland
1. Why was Holland hesitant to take the job?
Holland arrives on the island.
a) He thought the job was too easy.
b) He believed it might be dangerous. He rents a car and heads to the villa.
c) He had done a similar job before. Costas and Eleni enjoy their morning
d) He didn’t like working in foreign places.
activities by the cliffs.
Holland observes Eagle House and Eagle’s
2. What did Holland feel when he arrived on the island?
Rock.
a) Excited about the adventure
b) Nervous and unsure
c) Confident in his abilities
d) Overwhelmed by the beauty

3. What was Holland’s immediate task after arriving?

a) Explore the island
b) Meet with Mr. Vitalis
c) Pick up a car and map from the airport garage
d) Head straight to Eagle’s Rock

4. What made the island unique as a destination?

a) Its many tourist attractions
b) Its peaceful and quiet atmosphere
c) Its large number of nightclubs
d) Its luxury shopping centers

Complete the Sentence Activities –

Chapter 1: A Man Called Holland

1. Holland knew he couldn’t back out of the job because:

a) He already promised his client.
b) He desperately needed the money.
c) He was already on the island.

2. Costas loved climbing because it made him feel:

a) Free and alive.
b) Competitive with other climbers.
c) Relaxed and calm.

[Link] worried about Costas climbing because:

a) She thought he lacked experience.
b) She believed climbing alone was dangerous.
c) She feared her father’s disapproval.

[Link] was instructed to go to the villa because:

a) It offered a view of Eagle House.
b) It was the safest place for him to stay.
c) He wanted to rest before the job.
 Chapter 2
Multiple Choice Activities – Event order-
Chapter 2: Eagle’s Rock
Chapter 2: Eagle’s Rock

Costas dreams about climbing Eagle’s Rock.

1. Why is Eagle’s Rock a challenge for climbers?
Eleni warns him about its dangers.
a) It is covered in loose rocks.
b) It has an overhang shaped like a bird’s beak. Mr. Vitalis is introduced, along with the security of
c) The weather near it is unpredictable. Eagle House.
d) It is guarded by security cameras.
Costas expresses his desire to climb the Rock to
prove his skill.
2. What is the significance of Eagle House’s location?
a) It is on the highest hill on the island.
b) It can only be accessed by climbing Eagle’s Rock on one
side.
c) It overlooks the island’s main market.
d) It is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

3. Why does Costas want to climb Eagle’s Rock?

a) To impress his father
b) To become famous as the first to succeed
c) To test his new climbing gear
d) To challenge Eleni’s warning

4. What is Mr. Vitalis’ approach to security at Eagle

House?
a) Relying on guard dogs
b) Using a high-tech electric fence
c) Hiring a full-time security guard
d) Installing cameras around the cliffs

Complete the Sentence Activities –

Chapter 2: Eagle’s Rock
1. Costas was drawn to Eagle’s Rock because:
a) It represented a great challenge.
b) It was a place he often visited with his sister.
c) He heard a story about its history.

2. Eleni warned Costas against climbing Eagle’s Rock

because:
a) She thought it was an unnecessary risk.
b) She didn’t want their father to find out.
c) She believed it wasn’t worth the fame.

3. Mr. Vitalis frequently told people about his

security system because:
a) He wanted to deter burglars.
b) He wanted everyone to admire his house.
c) He enjoyed showing off his wealth.

4. The warning signs at Eagle’s Rock said:

a) “No trespassing beyond this point.”
b) “Dangerous. Keep Away. No Climbing.”
c) “Authorized Personnel Only.”
 Chapter 3
Multiple Choice Activities –
Event order-
Chapter 3: The Real “Mr. Holland”
Chapter 3: The Real “Mr. Holland”

1. What was David Ashken’s real identity? Costas recognizes Holland as David Ashken, the
a) A famous climber who had an accident climber.
b) A retired policeman Eleni and Costas discuss Ashken's past and his
c) A secret government agent potential motives.
d) A struggling artist Holland considers the dangerous job involving
Eagle House.
2. Why did Ashken stop climbing? Costas resolves to climb Eagle’s Rock despite its
a) He was injured in a fall that killed another climber dangers.
b) He was afraid of heights
c) He found a new passion for painting
d) He was advised by doctors to retire

3. What did Costas suspect about Ashken’s intentions?

a) Ashken wanted to climb Eagle’s Rock to become
famous.
b) Ashken planned to steal paintings from Eagle House.
c) Ashken was there to write a book about climbing.
d) Ashken wanted to teach others how to climb.

4. What did Eleni think about Ashken after learning

about his past?
a) She admired him even more.
b) She pitied him for his fear and struggles.
c) She believed he was a fraud.
d) She hoped to learn climbing from him.

Complete the Sentence Activities –

Chapter 3: The Real “Mr. Holland”

1. Costas felt disappointed when he realized that:

a) Ashken was planning to write about climbing.
b) Ashken stopped climbing because of fear.
c) Ashken wasn’t interested in teaching climbing.

2. Eleni tried to comfort Costas by saying:

a) Ashken was just misunderstood.
b) They should stop worrying about Ashken.
c) They could climb Eagle’s Rock themselves.

3. Ashken was initially approached by Mr. Vitalis

because:
a) Vitalis admired his books.
b) Vitalis needed someone with climbing skills.
c) Vitalis wanted to help him financially.

4. Costas decided not to tell his father about Ashken

because:
a) He didn’t want his father to stop him from climbing.
b) He believed his father would be angry at Ashken.
c) He was unsure of Ashken’s true intentions.
 Chapter 4
Multiple Choice Activities –
Event order-
Chapter 4: The Real “Mr. Holland”
Chapter 4: The Real 'Mr Holland'
1. What did Costas discover about Mr. Holland?
Costas speculated that Ashken might be planning
a) He was a retired soldier.
to steal paintings from Eagle House.
b) He was David Ashken, a famous climber.
Costas explained Ashken’s past as a climber and his
c) He was a detective investigating Mr. Vitalis.
fall in Austria that made him afraid to climb again.
d) He was the owner of Eagle House.
Costas sat on the beach, imagining his fame after
climbing Eagle’s Rock.
[Link] did David Ashken stop climbing?
He noticed Mr. Holland looking at Eagle’s Rock and
a) He developed a fear after a fatal accident.
Eagle House through binoculars.
b) He found a better career in writing.
Costas remembered where he had seen Mr. Holland
c) He was injured while climbing Eagle’s Rock.
before and became suspicious.
d) He lacked the money to continue.
Costas showed Eleni a book by David Ashken,
revealing Mr. Holland’s real identity.
3. Why was Ashken considering the job for Mr. Vitalis?
Eleni argued against Costas’s theory, but he
a) He wanted to regain his fame.
insisted Eagle’s Rock was his climb.
b) He needed the money to start a business.
c) He wanted revenge against the islanders.
d) He thought it would make him a hero.

4. What was Eleni’s initial reaction to Ashken’s past?

a) She admired him for his bravery.
b) She pitied him for being afraid.
c) She wanted to help him climb again.
d) She decided to report him to the police.

Complete the Sentence Activities –

Chapter 3: The Real “Mr. Holland”

1. Costas was upset with Ashken because:

a) Ashken gave up on climbing due to fear.
b) Ashken was lying about his identity.
c) Ashken was planning to take over Eagle’s Rock.

2. Ashken’s accident involved:

a) A failed climb in Austria that killed his climbing
partner.
b) A fall from Eagle’s Rock.
c) A dangerous mountain in Greece.

3. Eleni tried to convince her brother that Ashken:

a) Was more skilled than they realized.
b) Needed help overcoming his fear.
c) Could help them climb Eagle’s Rock.

4. Ashken hoped to use the money from Vitalis to:

a) Write a new climbing book.
b) Buy a shop or small business.
c) Travel and live abroad.
Chapter 5
Multiple Choice Activities –
Event order-
Chapter 5: Mr. Vitalis' Plan
Chapter 5: Mr. Vitalis’ Plan
What was Mr. Vitalis’ financial situation?
Mr. Vitalis proposed a plan for Ashken to steal the
a) He was secretly struggling and needed money quickly. paintings and hide them temporarily.
b) He was the wealthiest man on the island. Back on the island, Ashken doubted his ability to
c) He was planning to retire and sell Eagle House. climb but was tempted by the promise of more
d) He had recently inherited a fortune. money.
Ashken contemplated the climb, torn between fear
What was Mr. Vitalis’ plan for the paintings? and the need for money.
a) Sell them to a legitimate gallery. David Ashken sat in the villa, observing Eagle’s
b) Stage a robbery for the insurance payout. Rock and Eagle House through binoculars.
c) Hide them in Eagle House to increase their value. Ashken called Mr. Vitalis, initially refusing but then
d) Donate them to a museum. asking for two more days to decide.
A flashback showed Ashken’s first meeting with
Why did Mr. Vitalis choose Ashken for the job? Mr. Vitalis in England.
a) Ashken was the only climber available. Ashken was hesitant but agreed to visit the island
b) Ashken needed money and had the skills. to see the climb.
c) Ashken offered to help voluntarily.
d) Ashken was famous, and it would make the robbery
look credible.

What did Ashken demand before agreeing to the plan?

a) A written contract
b) Half the payment upfront
c) A guarantee of no police involvement
d) Extra climbing equipment

Complete the Sentence Activities –

Chapter 5: Mr. Vitalis' Plan

Complete the Sentence Activities

1. Mr. Vitalis wanted the paintings stolen so he could:

a) Claim insurance money and sell them later.
b) Hide them from the authorities.
c) Move them to a safer location.

2. Ashken hesitated about the job because:

a) He had no climbing equipment.
b) He doubted he could climb Eagle’s Rock.
c) He feared being caught by the police.

3. Mr. Vitalis believed Ashken would accept because:

a) Ashken was desperate for money.
b) Ashken wanted revenge against other climbers.
c) Ashken had no other options on the island.

4. Ashken decided to:

a) Call Mr. Vitalis and refuse the job.
b) Climb Eagle’s Rock to prove his skill.
c) Take a few days to make a decision.
Chapter 6
Multiple Choice Activities - Event order-
Chapter 6: The Climb Chapter 6: The Climb

1. What did Eleni discover about Costas early in the Ashken realized the climber was just a boy
morning? and remembered his own traumatic accident
a) He was climbing Eagle’s Rock alone. in Austria.
b) He was meeting Ashken secretly. Eleni watched Costas climb, frightened for his
c) He was preparing to leave the island. safety, especially near the overhang.
d) He was exploring Eagle House. At the villa, Ashken observed the boy climbing
2. Why did Eleni run to find Ashken? and initially thought he might be another
a) She needed his help to save Costas. thief.
b) She wanted to warn him about Vitalis. Costas slipped and shouted that he couldn’t
c) She needed his climbing equipment. move, terrifying Eleni.
d) She thought he was trying to climb Eagle’s Rock. Eleni woke up and saw Costas leaving the
3. What convinced Ashken to help Costas? house early with climbing gear.
a) Eleni’s desperate pleas and her belief in him. Ashken saw Eleni running toward the villa,
b) A promise of money from Vitalis. sensing something was wrong.
c) His desire to overcome his fear. She rushed out, trying to stop him, but he
d) A direct challenge from Costas. ignored her and started climbing Eagle’s Rock.
4. How did Ashken feel during the climb?
a) Terrified but determined
b) Completely confident and excited
c) Relieved to be climbing again
d) Distracted by thoughts of Vitalis’ plan

Complete the Sentence Activities –

Chapter 6: The Climb

Complete the Sentence Activities

1. Eleni begged Ashken to climb because:

a) Costas was in danger and couldn’t move.
b) Vitalis threatened to harm them.
c) She believed he owed them a favor.

2. During the climb, Ashken:

a) Remembered his accident in Austria.
b) Felt completely in control.
c) Decided to give up halfway through.

3. Costas calmed down once Ashken:

a) Told him exactly how to move step by step.
b) Promised to carry him down.
c) Used the rope to lower him immediately.

4. Ashken realized during the climb that:

a) He could overcome his fear and climb again.
b) He needed more training to be safe.
c) He still wanted Vitalis’ money.
Chapter 7
Multiple Choice Activities -
Chapter 7: The Call for Help

1. Why did Eleni call Ashken by his real name?

a) She thought it would inspire him to act.
b) She wanted to confront him about the robbery.
c) She accidentally said it out loud.
d) She believed it would make him trust her.

2. What did Ashken confess to Eleni?

a) He wasn’t going to take the job for Vitalis.
b) He had already stolen some paintings.
c) He didn’t know how to climb Eagle’s Rock.
d) He had planned to leave the island.

3. Why did Eleni insist Ashken help her brother?

a) She believed he owed them a favor.
b) She thought his climbing skills were their only
chance.
c) She wanted to expose his plan to climb Eagle’s
Rock.
d) She was desperate to distract him from stealing
the paintings.

4. What convinced Ashken to climb Eagle’s Rock?

a) Eleni threatened to reveal his identity to the
authorities.
b) He wanted to prove he was still a capable climber.
c) Eleni’s plea reminded him of his former courage.
d) He decided to practice the climb for his planned
robbery.

Complete the Sentence Activities –

Chapter 7: The Call for Help

1. Eleni ran to Mr. Ashken's villa because:

a) She wanted to borrow binoculars.
b) Costas was stuck on Eagle’s Rock and needed help.
c) She needed to warn him about Mr. Vitalis.
2. Eleni convinced Ashken to help her brother by:
a) Offering him money.
b) Threatening to reveal his plans to Mr. Vitalis.
c) Reminding him of his courage and fame as a climber.
3. Ashken hesitated to climb because:
a) He had no climbing equipment.
b) He was afraid of reliving his past trauma.
c) He thought it was too dangerous for Costas.
4. Eleni discovered that Mr. Vitalis:
a) Wanted to steal Ashken’s books.
b) Was using Ashken to stage a robbery for insurance
money.
c) Was secretly planning to climb Eagle’s Rock himself.
 Chapter 8
Multiple Choice Activities -
Chapter 8: Climbing Again!
1. Why did Ashken hesitate at the start of the climb?
a) He was unsure about the best route.
b) He was haunted by memories of a previous accident.
c) He felt unprepared without proper equipment.
d) He thought the cliff was too high.
2. How did Ashken manage to overcome his fear while climbing?
a) He focused on the technical aspects of climbing.
b) Eleni cheered him on from below.
c) He realized he could not let Costas fall.
d) He remembered his previous success as a climber.

3. What was the first thing Ashken instructed Costas to do?

a) Use the rope to descend immediately.
b) Move his left foot to a visible foot-hold.
c) Call for help from other climbers.
d) Stay completely still until Ashken reached him.

4. What decision did Ashken make after rescuing Costas?

a) He would no longer attempt dangerous climbs.
b) He would return to steal the paintings for Vitalis.
c) He would start climbing and writing again.
d) He would train Costas to be a better climber.

5. What lesson did Costas learn from his experience on Eagle’s

Rock?
a) Always climb with a partner.
b) Dangerous cliffs are meant for experienced climbers only.
c) Never try climbing without proper equipment.
d) Eagle’s Rock should be avoided altogether.
Complete the Sentence Activities –
Chapter 8: Climbing Again!

1. During the climb, Ashken:

a) Overcame his fear and began to feel confident again.
b) Decided that he would never climb again.
c) Struggled and needed help from Costas.
2. Ashken guided Costas to safety by:
a) Using the rope to pull him down.
b) Giving him clear instructions on where to move.
c) Carrying him across the rock face.
3. Ashken decided after the climb that:
a) He would return to stealing paintings for Mr. Vitalis.
b) He would climb again and write more books.
c) Eagle’s Rock was too dangerous for anyone to climb.
4. Costas learned from the experience that:
a) He should avoid climbing Eagle’s Rock in the future.
b) Ashken was truly a coward.
c) He could climb alone more safely next time.