Listen to News with Tara Benwell - Instructions:
1. Preview the vocabulary and read the gapfill text.
2. Play the news report and try to fill in the blanks.
3. Answer the comprehension questions by writing full sentences.
4. Use the discussion question to write an essay or discuss the story with other students.
5. Click "show Answers" to see the full text.
6. Pretend to be a news anchor by reading each story out loud.
dateline: 10 May 2011
NB! For WEEKLY audio stories check out LISTEN & LEARN π
Canadian Survives 49 Days in the Wilderness
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
- trade show: an exhibition of products and services in a specific field
- scenic route: an alternate direction that lets you enjoy your view as you travel
- off course: a different way than the planned route; opposite of “on course”
- ration: to only use a very small amount at a time; to avoid running out of something
- trail mix: a snack that is usually made up of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
- beat the odds: to survive or achieve something despite the poor chances
- hydrated: having enough water in the body
Comprehension Questions
- Where were the Canadians heading when they went off course?
- Why was the timing of Rita’s rescue significant to her family?
- How did Rita survive for 49 days in her car?
Discussion Question: Survival experts often recommend staying with your car if you get lost. Making the decision to remain in the car could have been a matter of life and death in this case. What do you think you would have done in this situation?
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Canadian Survives 49 Days in the Wilderness
A 56-year-old Canadian woman was found alive after spending seven weeks in her vehicle on a logging road in Nevada. Albert and Rita Chretien were driving to a trade show in Las Vegas when they decided to turn off the highway and take a scenic route. After going off course on a logging road, their minivan got stuck in the snow and mud. Albert left on foot a few days later and his wife stayed behind in the vehicle. Rita survived for seven weeks by rationing a small amount of trail-mix and a few hard candies. She melted snow for drinking water, and kept her mind active by reading and keeping a journal. Hunters discovered her by chance on Friday, and reunited her with her sons in time for Mother’s Day. Survival experts are curious how she beat the odds, but say that staying hydrated was likely the key. The search continues for Rita’s husband.
- The Canadian couple was heading to a trade show in Las Vegas.
- The timing of Rita’s rescue was significant because she was able to spend Mother’s Day with her children.
- Rita survived for 49 days in her car by rationing a small amount of food, and melting snow for drinking water.
Written and recorded by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub
Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.
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