©(Oliver Widger via AP)
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- If you could travel anywhere by boat, where would you go? Why?
- If you could learn something from videos, what would you want to learn?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- follower /FOL-oh-er/
- alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/
- paralysis /puh-RAL-uh-sis/
- rescuer /REH-skyoo-ur/
- maritime /MAR-i-tahym/
[noun] – a person who regularly watches, reads, or supports someone on social media or other platforms
The artist gained a new follower after sharing her latest painting online.
[adjective] – different from the usual or traditional
Many people are looking for alternative ways to stay healthy.
[noun] – the loss of ability to move part or all of the body
The accident caused temporary paralysis in her legs.
[noun] – a person who saves someone from danger
The rescuer pulled the child from the deep water safely.
[adjective] – related to the sea, ships, or sailing
The city has a long history of maritime trade.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
An Oregon man is sailing alone to Hawaii with his cat. Oliver Widger, 29, began his journey in April after leaving his job as a manager. He purchased a $50,000 sailboat and learned to sail through online videos. His social media posts, titled “Sailing with Phoenix,” have attracted more than one million followers on TikTok and Instagram. His story has received attention from people interested in alternative lifestyles. Widger decided to change his life after receiving a medical diagnosis that increased the risk of paralysis. He now lives full-time on his boat with his cat, Phoenix. His videos show daily life at sea, ocean wildlife, and the challenges of long-distance sailing.
The U.S. Coast Guard in Hawaii used the story to remind the public about sailing safety. Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Harms said Widger’s use of an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is important. The device helps rescuers find a person in the ocean during an emergency. Harms also advised sailors to wear life jackets, monitor weather, and avoid harming sea animals. Although Widger is not an experienced sailor, he has made safety plans, including satellite communication and veterinary supplies for his cat. His journey has become both a popular story and a lesson in maritime safety.
The U.S. Coast Guard in Hawaii used the story to remind the public about sailing safety. Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Harms said Widger’s use of an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is important. The device helps rescuers find a person in the ocean during an emergency. Harms also advised sailors to wear life jackets, monitor weather, and avoid harming sea animals. Although Widger is not an experienced sailor, he has made safety plans, including satellite communication and veterinary supplies for his cat. His journey has become both a popular story and a lesson in maritime safety.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where is Oliver Widger sailing to?
- What did Widger do before he started sailing?
- How did Widger learn to sail?
- Why did Widger decide to change his life?
- Who lives with Widger on the boat?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever traveled by boat? If yes, where did you go? If not, would you like to try it one day? Why or why not?
- Have you ever watched sailing or travel videos online? If yes, what kind of videos do you enjoy? If not, what do you usually watch online?
- Do you think having a pet on a sailing trip is helpful?
- What problems do you think someone might face while living on a boat?
- What do you think is the most important safety rule when traveling at sea? Why?