Which difference is noted between Waterman and McCandless?

• A. Waterman expert mountaineer - Chris was not
• B. Waterman died in a crash
• C. Waterman had no relationship with his parents
• D. Chris avoided mountains completely

Answer: (A)

The point being tested is the contrast in climbing experience between John Waterman and Chris McCandless. Waterman is described as an expert mountaineer with a proven track record on demanding climbs, demonstrating high-level skill and experience in mountaineering. Chris McCandless, on the other hand, is portrayed as a largely inexperienced adventurer who lacks that level of mountaineering expertise. The comparison uses Waterman’s established competence to highlight how McCandless’s approach to the wilderness is more about idealism and exploration than professional climbing mastery. That makes the distinction clear: Waterman is an expert mountaineer, while Chris is not. The other options don’t fit the text: they either introduce unrelated details (like a crash) or mischaracterize McCandless’s activities (he does not avoid mountains) or refer to aspects not emphasized in this contrast (such as parental relationships).