Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What comes to mind when you hear the word “hiking”?
- Can you name any popular hiking destinations?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- stunning /STUHN-ing/
- seriously /SEER-ee-uhs-lee/
- cautious /KAW-shuhs/
- crucial /KROO-shuhl/
- limited /LIM-i-tid/
[adjective] – extremely beautiful or attractive
The sunset over the ocean was absolutely stunning, with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple painting the sky.
[adverb] – badly or severely
A badly cooked dish can make you seriously ill.
[adjective] – careful to avoid potential problems or dangers
They were cautious when approaching the wild animal, keeping a safe distance.
[adjective] – extremely important or necessary
Proper planning is crucial for a successful hiking trip in remote areas.
[adjective] – not great in amount, number, or extent
Due to limited resources, they had to ration their food and water during the hike.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Several hikers fell sick while visiting a famous tourist spot in Arizona known for its stunning blue-green waterfalls near Grand Canyon National Park. One of them, Madelyn Melchiors, a 32-year-old veterinarian, became seriously ill after camping on the Havasupai reservation. Despite the difficult conditions, she managed to hike back to her car with assistance. She mentioned using a gravity-fed filter for drinking water, which does not remove viruses, and maintaining good cleanliness. The Indian Health Service is investigating the outbreak and offering medical assistance. Coconino County health officials advised hikers to be cautious, such as filtering water and isolating sick people to prevent the spread of illnesses like norovirus.
Thousands of tourists visit the Havasupai reservation annually, arriving by foot, helicopter, or mule. The 8-mile journey to the first waterfall crosses the desert, a village, and camping spots. Tourism is crucial, yet facilities at the campsite are limited, with recent reports citing litter issues. Water tests near a spring indicated safety, but reports of sickness led some to leave by helicopter. Social media posts detailed stomach problems. The influx strains resources like water and waste management. The tribe considers infrastructure improvements, including better filtration and campsite cleanliness rules, to protect locals, visitors, and the environment.
Thousands of tourists visit the Havasupai reservation annually, arriving by foot, helicopter, or mule. The 8-mile journey to the first waterfall crosses the desert, a village, and camping spots. Tourism is crucial, yet facilities at the campsite are limited, with recent reports citing litter issues. Water tests near a spring indicated safety, but reports of sickness led some to leave by helicopter. Social media posts detailed stomach problems. The influx strains resources like water and waste management. The tribe considers infrastructure improvements, including better filtration and campsite cleanliness rules, to protect locals, visitors, and the environment.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Why did Madelyn Melchiors become seriously ill while hiking in Arizona?
- What precautions did Coconino County health officials advise for hikers visiting the area?
- How did social media contribute to the situation at Havasupai?
- Why is tourism crucial to the Havasupai reservation despite its challenges?
- What improvements are the Havasupai tribe considering to manage the impact of tourism?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever faced unexpected challenges while hiking or traveling? How did you handle them?
- If you were to visit a popular but remote hiking destination, what preparations would you make to ensure your safety and enjoyment?
- Do you agree that more stringent rules for tourists, such as mandatory water filtration, are necessary to protect both visitors and locals in remote hiking areas?
- Considering the environmental and health challenges highlighted in the article, how might governments and local authorities collaborate to ensure sustainable tourism in sensitive natural areas?
- In your opinion, what responsibility do tourists have to educate themselves about the places they visit, especially in terms of health risks and environmental impact?