73-Year Old Japanese Woman Climbs Mt. Everest for the Second Time

June 10, 2012


Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. summit (n.) – the highest point or the top of something (e.g., a hill or mountain)Example: He reached the summit of the mountain  before nightfall.


2. in shape (idiom) – healthy or fit; in good physical condition
Example:  He is still in shape to work even after undergoing surgery,

3. trekking (n.) –  an act of journeying or hiking through mountainous areas by walking
ExampleTrekking the highest mountains of the world requires strength.

4. scale (v.) – to climb
Example: The climbers started to scale the mountain three days ago.

5. limb (n.) – a general term for the arms and legs
Example: Strong limbs are essential for swimmers.


Article
Read the text below.
Tamae Watanabe, 73, reached the peak of Mount Everest for the second time, beating her own 2002 record as the world’s oldest woman to climb the tallest mountain.

Watanabe climbed the 8,850-meter summit from the Tibetan side of the mountain with a Japanese partner and three Nepali Sherpa guides.

Despite her old age, she is still in shape to climb the mountain, said Ang Tshering Sherpa who runs the Asian Trekking company. Watanabe told reporters that during her most recent climb, she felt weaker and less powerful than in her climb ten years ago. She also said the experience made her realize she really is old.

Exactly 3,700 people in total have been able to climb Mount Everest after Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay first scaled it in 1953.

Other climbers include a blind person, a man with an artificial limb, a 13-year-old American boy and a 76-year-old Nepali man.



Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A


·          What are some of the activities you wish you can still when you reach 70?
·         Should age be a limit to physical activity? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         Why do you think some people like climbing mountains even if it is dangerous?
·         Would you like to try any risky sport or activity? Why or why not?


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June 10, 2012