The crisp mountain air bit at exposed skin as 17-year-old Hana meticulously set up her tent. This wasn't just any camping trip; it was a meticulously planned solo excursion, combining her passion for wilderness exploration with a demanding self-study program for her upcoming university entrance exams. She’d chosen a remote location, hoping for uninterrupted focus. Her backpack overflowed with textbooks, meticulously categorized notes, and energy bars, a testament to her dedication. The first few days unfolded as planned. Hana devoured her study materials, the silence of the mountains broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of a bird. She felt a sense of accomplishment, a tangible reward for her disciplined schedule. The beauty of the natural world fuelled her intellect, creating a unique synergy between academic pursuit and outdoor adventure. She even managed to squeeze in a few hours of stargazing, marvelling at the celestial canvas above. However, the tranquility was shattered on the fourth night. A jarring, ear-splitting alarm blared from Hana’s phone, interrupting her study of advanced calculus. It was an earthquake warning; a significant tremor was expected in the region. Panic momentarily seized her. She’d read about the potential for landslides in this remote area. The meticulously organized contents of her backpack now seemed less reassuring, more like potential hazards in the face of an imminent natural disaster. Her initial reaction was to seek higher ground, but the darkness and the unfamiliar terrain hampered her escape. She weighed her options carefully, recalling the safety guidelines she'd read in her pre-trip research. Eventually, she found a relatively sturdy rock outcropping and huddled there, her textbooks offering the meager comfort of a makeshift shield. The earthquake struck – less severe than initially predicted, but still frightening. When it finally subsided, Hana felt a mix of relief and exhaustion, the close call highlighting the unpredictable nature of the wilderness and the vulnerability of her ambitious plan. The following morning, after assessing the damage (minimal, thankfully), Hana reflected on her experience. The camping trip had been a profound lesson in resilience, risk assessment, and the delicate balance between challenging oneself and acknowledging personal limitations. The academic progress had been significant, but the unexpected earthquake had provided an even more valuable education – one that extended far beyond the confines of her textbooks.
1. What is the central theme of the passage?
2. What does the description of Hana's meticulously organized backpack symbolize?
3. How did the earthquake affect Hana's perspective?
4. Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?