©REUTERS/Peter Cziborra/File Photo
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you know about Superman?
- What qualities do you think make someone a hero?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- tragic /TRAJ-ik/
- dramatically /druh-MAT-ik-lee/
- capture /KAP-cher/
- tirelessly /TAHYUHR-lis-lee/
- paralysis /puh-RAL-uh-sis/
[adjective] – very sad, often involving death and suffering
The sudden loss of her pet was a tragic event for the entire family.
[adverb] – suddenly or obviously
The new policy changed the company’s performance dramatically, leading to higher profits.
[verb] – to record or take a picture of something using a camera
The photographer aims to capture the beauty of nature in her work.
[adverb] – in an energetic and continuous way
She worked tirelessly on her project, determined to meet the deadline.
[noun] – a condition in which you are unable to move all or part of your body because of illness or injury
The accident resulted in temporary paralysis of his left leg.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The new documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story explores the life and legacy of Christopher Reeve, the actor best known for playing Superman in the 1978 film. Recently released in UK cinemas, the film offers a close look at Reeve’s journey as an iconic actor and a person who faced great challenges. In 1995, a tragic horse-riding accident left Reeve quadriplegic, which changed his life dramatically. After the accident, he committed himself to research and advocacy for spinal cord injuries. The documentary includes archival footage and interviews with Reeve’s children, who share stories of their father’s struggles and successes before and after the accident. This helps the audience understand Reeve’s determination and dedication.
Co-directed by Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui, the film captures Reeve’s resilience and the difficult challenges he faced after his accident. Reeve was open about his condition, discussing his setbacks and hope for advancements in spinal cord research. His son, Matthew, emphasized the film’s focus on his father’s honesty and vision for scientific progress. Together with his wife, Dana, Christopher Reeve worked tirelessly to support people with paralysis and raise awareness for research that still impacts lives today. The documentary honors Reeve’s legacy as a true hero, showcasing his influence both in film and spinal injury research.
Co-directed by Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui, the film captures Reeve’s resilience and the difficult challenges he faced after his accident. Reeve was open about his condition, discussing his setbacks and hope for advancements in spinal cord research. His son, Matthew, emphasized the film’s focus on his father’s honesty and vision for scientific progress. Together with his wife, Dana, Christopher Reeve worked tirelessly to support people with paralysis and raise awareness for research that still impacts lives today. The documentary honors Reeve’s legacy as a true hero, showcasing his influence both in film and spinal injury research.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Which character is Christopher Reeve best known for playing?
- What event in 1995 changed Christopher Reeve’s life?
- What qualities of Christopher Reeve does the documentary highlight?
- What did Christopher Reeve do to support people with paralysis?
- What does the documentary honor about Christopher Reeve?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever watched a documentary about someone who has faced great challenges? If so, what was the documentary about, and how did it make you feel? If not, what kind of stories or topics would you like to learn about in a documentary?
- If you could talk to Christopher Reeve’s children, what would you want to ask them about their father?
- Do you agree that documentaries are a good way to understand a person’s life and challenges?
- What qualities do you think made Christopher Reeve a strong person, both as an actor and after his accident?
- Why do you think Reeve’s story continues to inspire people today, even many years after his accident?