
©(Blaine Griffin via AP)
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- summit /SUHM-it/
[noun] – the highest point of a mountain or hill
The team reached the summit of Mount Fuji just before sunrise. - whimsical /HWIM-zi-kuhl/
[adjective] – unusual and playful in a way that is amusing
Children laughed at the whimsical play that included talking trees and flying chairs. - novelty /NOV-uhl-tee/
[noun] – something new, unusual, or different
Tourists enjoyed the novelty of staying in an ice hotel for the first time. - endurance /en-DOOR-uhns/
[noun] – the ability to continue doing something difficult for a long time
Running a marathon requires great physical endurance and mental strength. - idiosyncratic /id-ee-oh-sin-KRAT-ik/
[adjective] – unusual or unique in style, habit, or behavior
The museum displayed an idiosyncratic collection of furniture shaped like animals.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
During the Labor Day weekend, hikers at Huron Peak in Colorado were met with an unexpected sight: a man dressed in an ice cream cone costume distributing frozen treats at the mountain’s summit. The unidentified climber carried a 60-pound (27-kilogram) pack filled with ice cream sandwiches, bars, and dry ice up the 14,000-foot (4,267-meter) peak, one of the tallest in the state. Word spread quickly among hikers still ascending, and those who reached the top described the scene as both surprising and delightful. Blaine and Katie Griffin, along with families such as Christopher Whitestone’s, said the experience left a vivid impression. Social media groups dedicated to Colorado’s “14ers” celebrated the figure as a hero, calling the unusual act both legendary and whimsical.
The effort gained attention not only for its novelty but also for its difficulty, as carrying such weight in thin air demands notable endurance. Photographs captured the man seated in a camping chair, wearing sunglasses with a false mustache and holding a beer, which added to the eccentric display. Some hikers noted that the gesture shifted focus away from the competitive mindset often linked to mountain climbing and reminded participants of the importance of enjoyment. Ric Rosenkranz, who reached the summit after supplies had finished, emphasized that the moment itself was a reward. Observers highlighted the camaraderie created by the act, which demonstrated how idiosyncratic expressions of generosity can strengthen community spirit while showcasing the resilience needed for high-altitude challenges.
The effort gained attention not only for its novelty but also for its difficulty, as carrying such weight in thin air demands notable endurance. Photographs captured the man seated in a camping chair, wearing sunglasses with a false mustache and holding a beer, which added to the eccentric display. Some hikers noted that the gesture shifted focus away from the competitive mindset often linked to mountain climbing and reminded participants of the importance of enjoyment. Ric Rosenkranz, who reached the summit after supplies had finished, emphasized that the moment itself was a reward. Observers highlighted the camaraderie created by the act, which demonstrated how idiosyncratic expressions of generosity can strengthen community spirit while showcasing the resilience needed for high-altitude challenges.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever joined a long hike, climb, or outdoor activity? If so, what was the most memorable part of it? If not, what outdoor place would you like to visit in the future?
- Have you ever carried something heavy during a trip or activity? If yes, what was it and how difficult was it? If not, what item would you find hardest to carry on a mountain?
- Do you agree that enjoying the moment is more important than reaching the top quickly?
- How can small acts of kindness change the way people experience difficult activities?
- What are some other creative ways people could make mountain climbing more enjoyable?
Summarization:
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- climber
- surprising
- unusual
- legendary
- attention