What did Peak see upon reaching the top at the third step?

• A. A live climber signaling for help.
• B. An empty summit with no bodies.
• C. A fresh-looking corpse.
• D. Another corpse that looked fresh.

Answer: (D)

This question tests your recall of a specific, vivid detail that signals how dangerous Everest is and what Peak finds at the summit. When Peak reaches the top at the third step, he doesn’t encounter a living climber or an empty, untouched summit. He sees another corpse that looks fresh. The word “another” shows there are already known bodies nearby, emphasizing that death is present on the mountain, not a triumphant moment. The corpse looking fresh adds immediacy and danger, suggesting death happened recently or under brutal conditions, which heightens the tense, perilous atmosphere of the climb.