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Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a milestone
    • ex. Graduating from high school was a milestone in Sarah's life.
  2. (be) in (someone's) blood
    • ex. She loves painting every day. Art is in her blood because her mother is an artist too.
  3. embark on (something)
    • ex. After finishing college, Tom plans to embark on a trip around the world.
  4. (be) living proof of (something)
    • ex. She is living proof of how hard work can lead to success.
  5. praise
    • ex. Parents often praise their children when they do well on exams.

Article

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Ethel Caterham, aged 115, has received an important milestone. She has been recognized as the world’s oldest living person. This announcement comes from the Gerontology Research Group. What’s the secret to her long life? Ethel said that her secret is simple: never argue with anyone and enjoy doing what you like.

Ethel was born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, England. Her life has been full of adventure, as travel is in Ethel’s blood. At just 18, she embarked on a journey to India to work for a British family. After three years, she returned to England. Ethel met her husband Norman at a dinner party in 1931. They lived in Hong Kong and Gibraltar before returning with their two daughters to the U.K. But Norman died in 1976. 

Now, Ethel lives at Hallmark Lakeview Luxury Care Home, a place for elderly people. To celebrate her achievement, Hallmark Lakeview greeted her on Facebook and shared photos of her cutting a cake. The care home said that Ethel is living proof of a life well-lived. It also praised her strength and wisdom as an inspiration to everyone.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Long Life

  • Ethel Caterham’s secret to long life is: never argue and enjoy doing what you like. What do you think is the secret to long life? Discuss.
  • Do you think it is good to live a very long life? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Ethel’s life has been full of adventures. What kind of adventures would you like to experience? Discuss.

Life Milestones and Inspiration

  • Becoming the world's oldest living person is one of Ethel's milestones. What are some of your milestones (ex. graduating from university, buying a home)? Discuss.
  • Hallmark Lakeview said Ethel is living proof of a life well-lived. What do you think makes a person's life well-lived? Discuss.
  • Hallmark Lakeview said Ethel is an inspiration to everyone. Who is your inspiration? Discuss.