Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. record-breaking
    • ex. The movie had a record-breaking number of viewers on its opening weekend, making it a big hit.
  2. halfway
    • ex. We stopped halfway through our road trip to have lunch and rest for a while.
  3. get through (something)
    • ex. I was able to get through a difficult math test and get a perfect score.
  4. mountaineering
    • ex. Mountaineering is my uncle's favorite hobby. He always climbs a mountain on weekends.
  5. dedication
    • ex. The team showed great dedication by working hard to win the championship.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Kokichi Akuzawa became the oldest person to reach the top of Mount Fuji at age 102. His record-breaking climb was confirmed by Guinness World Records after he reached the top in early August. Akuzawa said the climb was difficult, and he almost gave up. “I was really tempted to stop halfway. Reaching the top of the mountain was tough, but my friends encouraged me,” he said. “I managed to get through it because so many people supported me.”

He trained for three months before the climb. Every morning, he walked for one hour. Once a week, he climbed a smaller mountain. According to Akuzawa, mountaineering takes time, practice, and dedication. At the same time, he said it brings him peace and joy.

In the past, Akuzawa climbed mountains alone. Now, he climbs with the help of friends and family because it is harder than before. “I climb because I like it,” he explained. “It’s easy to make friends on the mountain.” When asked about the future, he smiled and said, “I’d love to keep climbing forever, but I guess I can’t anymore.”

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

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Old Age

  • In your opinion, is it important to stay active in old age? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What is something you would like to do when you are older? Discuss.
  • What is something you admire about older people? Discuss.

Mountaineering

  • Do you like mountaineering? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think it’s better to go hiking alone or with others? Why? Discuss.
  • What do you think of Kokichi Akuzawa’s achievement of being the oldest person to climb Mount Fuji? Discuss.