Mountain Climbing Motivation Explained

This question asks about the primary reason some individuals are drawn to mountain climbing, based on the provided passage. Let's analyze the passage and the given options to determine the correct motivation.

Passage Summary

The passage describes mountain climbing as a challenging activity, often involving steep paths and potential dangers like falling. However, it highlights the immense satisfaction and a "wonderful feeling" associated with reaching the summit after a long ascent. It even mentions an anecdote about prisoners of war climbing Mount Kenya to experience a feeling of freedom.

Analyzing the Options

• Option 1: They do not like to play football or cricket

  The passage states, "Just as some men like to play football or cricket, similarly some men like to climb mountains." This comparison suggests that mountain climbing is an alternative activity enjoyed by some, similar to how others enjoy sports like football or cricket. It does not imply that people climb mountains specifically because they dislike other sports.

• Option 2: They want to have a wonderful feeling

  This option is directly supported by the text. The passage explicitly mentions, "It is a wonderful feeling to reach the top of a mountain after climbing for hours..." It also notes the prisoners' desire for "that feeling of freedom that one has, after climbing a difficult mountain." This indicates that the positive emotional experience is a key motivator.

• Option 3: They know the trick of climbing

  While skill might be necessary, the passage focuses on the difficulty and the resulting feelings rather than specific climbing techniques ("tricks") as the reason for *liking* the activity. The passage emphasizes the challenge and the reward, not expertise itself as the primary draw.

• Option 4: They like to face danger

  The passage acknowledges the presence of danger ("There is always the danger that you may fall off and be killed or injured"). However, it doesn't frame liking danger as the core reason for mountain climbing. Instead, the focus is on overcoming the difficulty and the positive feelings derived from achievement and freedom, despite the inherent risks.

Conclusion on Mountain Climbing Motivation

Based on the explicit statements in the passage, the primary reason some men like to climb mountains is the profound and "wonderful feeling" of accomplishment and freedom they experience upon reaching the summit after overcoming significant challenges.