A rollercoaster ride at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka came to an emergency stop, leaving people stranded in mid-air. The ride, called the Flying Dinosaur, reaches heights of 150 feet and swings riders 360 degrees through the world of Jurassic Park. The park operator reported that the rollercoaster stopped at one of its highest points, but no injuries were reported. The riders were safely led down via an emergency staircase, and the ride resumed after a safety check. The cause of the stop is still unknown, although the ride automatically stops if abnormality is detected by sensors.

The incident occurred on Thursday morning, and it was captured on video. The footage shows the rollercoaster stopped at its peak, with riders hanging in the air. This news comes just days after another rollercoaster incident in which a crack was caught on camera. Rollercoaster malfunctions can be dangerous, so it is fortunate that no one was harmed in this incident.

Rollercoasters are popular attractions at theme parks around the world, providing thrill and excitement for riders. However, safety is always a top priority, and parks have strict protocols in place to ensure the well-being of their guests. In this case, the park operator acted quickly to evacuate the riders and conduct a safety check before resuming the ride.

Rollercoaster incidents, although rare, can be frightening for those involved. It is important for theme parks to regularly inspect and maintain their rides to prevent accidents. Visitors should also follow all safety instructions and guidelines to minimize any risks. Despite this incident, Universal Studios Japan remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a wide range of attractions and entertainment options.

Original news source: Japan: People left dangling as rollercoaster stops mid-ride (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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Normal

Fast

📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– Headline Creation
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will create attention-grabbing headlines for the article. They should aim to capture the key information and intrigue readers.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Students will form pairs and take turns asking each other questions related to rollercoasters and theme park safety. After gathering responses, they will present their findings to the class and discuss any similarities or differences in opinions.

– News Reporter Role-play
Instructions: Students will work in pairs or small groups and take on the role of news reporters. They will create a news report about the rollercoaster incident, including details about what happened, interviews with witnesses or park officials, and any relevant background information.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Students will be given a list of vocabulary words related to the article. They will take turns drawing and guessing the words, using only pictures. This activity will help reinforce their understanding and recall of the vocabulary.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will discuss and make predictions about the future of rollercoaster safety measures. They should consider advancements in technology, potential changes to regulations, and any other factors that may impact theme park safety. After their discussion, they will present their predictions to the class and engage in a group discussion.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the name of the rollercoaster ride at Universal Studios Japan?
2. How high does the Flying Dinosaur rollercoaster reach?
3. How did the riders get down from the rollercoaster after it stopped?
4. What caused the rollercoaster to automatically stop?
5. When did the incident occur and was it caught on video?
6. What other rollercoaster incident happened recently?
7. Why is it fortunate that no one was harmed in this incident?
8. What should theme parks do to prevent rollercoaster accidents?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A rollercoaster ride at (1)______ Studios Japan in Osaka came to an emergency stop, leaving people stranded in mid-air. The ride, called the Flying Dinosaur, reaches (2)______ of 150 feet and swings (3)______ 360 degrees through the world of Jurassic Park. The park (4)______ reported that the rollercoaster stopped at one of its highest points, but no injuries were reported. The riders were safely led down via an emergency staircase, and the ride resumed after a (5)______ check. The (6)______ of the stop is still unknown, although the ride automatically stops if abnormality is detected by sensors.

The incident occurred on Thursday (7)______, and it was captured on video. The footage shows the rollercoaster stopped at its peak, with riders hanging in the air. This news comes just days after another rollercoaster incident in which a crack was (8)______ on camera. Rollercoaster malfunctions can be dangerous, so it is (9)______ that no one was harmed in this incident.

Rollercoasters are popular attractions at theme parks around the (10)______, providing thrill and excitement for riders. However, safety is always a top priority, and parks have strict (11)______ in (12)______ to ensure the well-being of their guests. In this case, the park operator acted quickly to evacuate the riders and conduct a safety check before resuming the ride.

Rollercoaster incidents, although rare, can be (13)______ for those involved. It is important for theme parks to regularly inspect and maintain their rides to prevent accidents. Visitors should also follow all safety instructions and guidelines to (14)______ any (15)______. Despite this incident, Universal Studios Japan remains a popular destination for tourists and (16)______ alike, offering a wide range of attractions and entertainment options.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on rollercoasters? Do you enjoy riding them?
2. Have you ever been on a rollercoaster? If so, how did you feel during the ride?
3. How would you feel if you were on a rollercoaster that suddenly stopped in mid-air?
4. Do you think theme parks should have stricter safety regulations for rollercoasters? Why or why not?
5. Have you ever experienced a scary or dangerous situation at an amusement park? If so, can you describe it?
6. What precautions do you think theme parks should take to ensure the safety of their guests?
7. How do you think the riders on the rollercoaster felt when they were stranded in mid-air?
8. What would you do if you were on a rollercoaster that suddenly stopped and you were left hanging in the air?
9. Do you think the park operator handled the situation well by evacuating the riders and conducting a safety check? Why or why not?
10. Have you ever seen a rollercoaster malfunction or incident in person? If so, what happened?
11. How do you think rollercoaster incidents can affect the reputation of a theme park?
12. What safety measures do you think are most important for theme parks to have in place?
13. Would you still visit a theme park if you knew there had been a recent rollercoaster incident? Why or why not?
14. How do you think rollercoaster incidents can impact the tourism industry?
15. What steps do you think theme parks should take to prevent rollercoaster accidents in the future?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. rollercoaster
2. stranded
3. heights
4. swings
5. operator
6. abnormality
7. footage
8. malfunctions
9. evacuate
10. protocols
11. thrill
12. inspect
13. accidents
14. minimize
15. attractions

Meanings:
(A) Unfortunate events resulting from carelessness, unforeseen risks, or unavoidable hazards
(B) Established procedures or systems for achieving a goal or standard
(C) Reduce the extent, number, or impact of something
(D) Left without the means to move from somewhere
(E) Moves back and forth or in a circular motion
(F) A feeling of intense excitement and pleasure
(G) Examine carefully for accuracy with the intent of verification
(H) A type of amusement ride with steep drops and sharp curves, often causing excitement or fear
(I) Recorded video material, especially that showing an event
(J) Remove people from a dangerous or undesirable situation
(K) Failures to function properly
(L) Measurements of how tall or how high something is
(M) Features or events intended to draw public interest and enjoyment
(N) A person or company that manages or controls something
(O) A deviation from the normal or expected form, condition, or behavior
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the name of the rollercoaster at Universal Studios Japan?
(a) The Jurassic Park Adventure
(b) The Flying Dinosaur
(c) The Mid-Air Thriller
(d) The Rollercoaster of Doom

2. How high does the Flying Dinosaur rollercoaster reach?
(a) 100 feet
(b) 200 feet
(c) 150 feet
(d) 50 feet

3. How many degrees does the Flying Dinosaur swing riders?
(a) 180 degrees
(b) 90 degrees
(c) 720 degrees
(d) 360 degrees

4. How were the stranded riders safely led down from the rollercoaster?
(a) By helicopter
(b) Through a trapdoor
(c) They had to jump
(d) Via an emergency staircase

5. When did the incident occur?
(a) Thursday morning
(b) Friday afternoon
(c) Saturday evening
(d) Sunday night

6. What caused the rollercoaster to stop?
(a) A crack in the track
(b) A malfunctioning sensor
(c) The cause is still unknown
(d) A power outage

7. How often should theme parks inspect and maintain their rides?
(a) Regularly
(b) Once a year
(c) Every 5 years
(d) Only when there is an incident

8. Despite the incident, what is the current status of Universal Studios Japan?
(a) It has been closed indefinitely
(b) It remains a popular destination
(c) It has lost all its visitors
(d) It is no longer operating rollercoasters

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Riders were safely led down via an emergency staircase and the ride resumed after a safety check.
2. The rollercoaster, called the Flying Dinosaur, remains at ground level and provides a gentle ride through the world of Jurassic Park.
3. No injuries were reported as a result of the rollercoaster’s emergency stop.
4. The incident was captured on video and occurred on a Thursday morning.
5. Despite rollercoaster incidents being common, theme parks disregard the importance of inspecting and maintaining their rides, leading to frequent accidents.
6. The cause of the emergency stop is clearly identified, as the ride is equipped with sensors to detect abnormalities and respond accordingly.
7. A rollercoaster at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka continued to operate smoothly, allowing riders to enjoy their experience without any issues.
8. This incident comes shortly after another rollercoaster incident involving a crack that was caught on camera.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What happened to the rollercoaster at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka?
2. How did the park operator handle the situation when the rollercoaster stopped?
3. What is the cause of the stoppage still unknown?
4. How did the incident at Universal Studios Japan compare to another recent rollercoaster incident?
5. What measures should theme parks take to prevent accidents on rollercoasters?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is the name of the rollercoaster ride at Universal Studios Japan?
The rollercoaster ride is called the Flying Dinosaur.

2. How high does the Flying Dinosaur rollercoaster reach?
The Flying Dinosaur rollercoaster reaches heights of 150 feet.

3. How did the riders get down from the rollercoaster after it stopped?
The riders were safely led down via an emergency staircase.

4. What caused the rollercoaster to automatically stop?
The cause of the stop is still unknown, but the ride automatically stops if abnormality is detected by sensors.

5. When did the incident occur and was it caught on video?
The incident occurred on Thursday morning and it was captured on video.

6. What other rollercoaster incident happened recently?
Another rollercoaster incident happened recently where a crack was caught on camera.

7. Why is it fortunate that no one was harmed in this incident?
It is fortunate that no one was harmed in this incident because rollercoaster malfunctions can be dangerous.

8. What should theme parks do to prevent rollercoaster accidents?
Theme parks should regularly inspect and maintain their rides to prevent accidents. Visitors should also follow all safety instructions and guidelines to minimize any risks.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Universal
(2) heights
(3) riders
(4) operator
(5) safety
(6) cause
(7) morning
(8) caught
(9) fortunate
(10) world
(11) protocols
(12) place
(13) frightening
(14) minimize
(15) risks
(16) locals
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. rollercoaster
Answer: (H) A type of amusement ride with steep drops and sharp curves, often causing excitement or fear

2. stranded
Answer: (D) Left without the means to move from somewhere

3. heights
Answer: (L) Measurements of how tall or how high something is

4. swings
Answer: (E) Moves back and forth or in a circular motion

5. operator
Answer: (N) A person or company that manages or controls something

6. abnormality
Answer: (O) A deviation from the normal or expected form, condition, or behavior

7. footage
Answer: (I) Recorded video material, especially that showing an event

8. malfunctions
Answer: (K) Failures to function properly

9. evacuate
Answer: (J) Remove people from a dangerous or undesirable situation

10. protocols
Answer: (B) Established procedures or systems for achieving a goal or standard

11. thrill
Answer: (F) A feeling of intense excitement and pleasure

12. inspect
Answer: (G) Examine carefully for accuracy with the intent of verification

13. accidents
Answer: (A) Unfortunate events resulting from carelessness, unforeseen risks, or unavoidable hazards

14. minimize
Answer: (C) Reduce the extent, number, or impact of something

15. attractions
Answer: (M) Features or events intended to draw public interest and enjoyment
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the name of the rollercoaster at Universal Studios Japan?
Answer: (b) The Flying Dinosaur

2. How high does the Flying Dinosaur rollercoaster reach?
Answer: (c) 150 feet

3. How many degrees does the Flying Dinosaur swing riders?
Answer: (d) 360 degrees

4. How were the stranded riders safely led down from the rollercoaster?
Answer: (d) Via an emergency staircase

5. When did the incident occur?
Answer: (a) Thursday morning

6. What caused the rollercoaster to stop?
Answer: (c) The cause is still unknown

7. How often should theme parks inspect and maintain their rides?
Answer: (a) Regularly

8. Despite the incident, what is the current status of Universal Studios Japan?
Answer: (b) It remains a popular destination
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Riders were safely led down via an emergency staircase and the ride resumed after a safety check. (Answer: True)
2. The rollercoaster, called the Flying Dinosaur, remains at ground level and provides a gentle ride through the world of Jurassic Park. (Answer: False)
3. No injuries were reported as a result of the rollercoaster’s emergency stop. (Answer: True)
4. The incident was captured on video and occurred on a Thursday morning. (Answer: True)
5. Despite rollercoaster incidents being common, theme parks disregard the importance of inspecting and maintaining their rides, leading to frequent accidents. (Answer: False)
6. The cause of the emergency stop is clearly identified, as the ride is equipped with sensors to detect abnormalities and respond accordingly. (Answer: False)
7. A rollercoaster at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka continued to operate smoothly, allowing riders to enjoy their experience without any issues. (Answer: False)
8. This incident comes shortly after another rollercoaster incident involving a crack that was caught on camera. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧