Describe the second step on the way to the summit.

• A. Twice as steep and twice as high as the first step, with Yogi changing oxygen tanks, an aluminum ladder on the wall, and a tension traverse; Peak nearly fell.
• B. It was twice as steep and twice as high as the first step, with Yogi changing oxygen tanks, an aluminum ladder on the wall, and a tension traverse; Peak nearly fell.
• C. It was twice as steep and twice as high as the first step; there was no ladder and no oxygen changes.
• D. It was shorter and less steep, with no ladder and no oxygen changes.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the second step shows a clear jump in difficulty and adds new hazards, heightening the stakes of the climb. Describing it as twice as steep and twice as high as the first step communicates a concrete escalation in effort and risk. Including Yogi changing oxygen tanks signals a higher altitude where supplemental oxygen becomes necessary, while the aluminum ladder on the wall suggests an added obstacle that must be navigated, and the tension traverse points to a tricky move that requires careful technique. The fact that Peak nearly fell ties the narrative to a real consequence of this tougher step, making the description feel vivid and plausible. The other options miss one or more of these elements, either minimizing the danger by noting no ladder and no oxygen changes or suggesting the step is easier, which would not fit the sequence of increasing challenge.