A 27-year-old Chinese student recently made headlines after being rescued from Japan’s Mount Fuji twice within a span of four days. The first incident occurred on April 22, when the student, who remains unnamed, called for help after suffering from altitude sickness while climbing the Fujinomiya trail, which reaches an elevation of approximately 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet). This incident took place during the mountain’s off-season, a time when climbers are warned about the severe weather conditions that can arise.

Despite the dangers associated with climbing Mount Fuji during this time, the student returned to the mountain just four days later in search of his phone and other belongings that he had left behind. Unfortunately, he encountered altitude sickness once again and was found unable to move by another climber. This prompted a second emergency call to the authorities, who quickly dispatched a rescue team to assist him.

The situation has sparked significant outrage on social media, with many people calling for the student to face consequences for his actions, particularly regarding his second rescue. While there are no penalties for climbers who require assistance, the public’s reaction highlights the concern over safety and responsibility in outdoor activities. The Shizuoka police have emphasized the importance of caution for all climbers, especially given the low temperatures and snow coverage that can persist even in spring.

Mount Fuji’s hiking trails are officially open only from July to early September, but there is no outright ban on climbing during the off-season. Local authorities have implemented entry fees and limits on the number of climbers on the most popular trail, with plans to extend similar regulations to other main trails later this year. However, climbing off-season and off-trail remains free of charge, which raises questions about the safety measures in place for those who choose to hike outside of the designated season.

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with mountain climbing, particularly in challenging conditions. It underscores the need for climbers to be well-prepared and to heed warnings about the risks involved in their adventures. As authorities continue to address safety concerns, it is crucial for individuals to take personal responsibility for their well-being while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Original news source: Student rescued from mountain twice in four days – after going back to find his phone (Sky News)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out terms related to mountain climbing (e.g., altitude sickness, rescue team, Mount Fuji) without speaking, while the other groups guess the term. This will help enhance vocabulary and improve non-verbal communication skills.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Pose the question, “Should climbers face penalties for requiring rescue during off-season climbs?” Students will walk around the classroom and ask their classmates for their opinions. They will then summarize the results in small groups and present them to the class, encouraging critical thinking and discussion.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: After reading the article, students will work in pairs to come up with compelling headlines that could capture the essence of the story. They should aim for creativity and clarity, and then share their headlines with the class, discussing the choices they made.

– PASS THE STORY
Instructions: In a circle, one student starts telling the story of the Chinese student and his experience on Mount Fuji. After a minute, they pass the story to the next student, who must continue from where the last left off. This activity encourages creative storytelling and reinforces narrative skills in English.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: Students will discuss and write down predictions about the future of climbing regulations on Mount Fuji. They should consider factors like safety measures, the impact of social media outrage, and the behavior of climbers. Afterward, students will share their predictions in small groups, fostering speaking and critical thinking skills.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What were the circumstances that led to the student’s first rescue on Mount Fuji?
2. How did the student’s decision to return to Mount Fuji just four days after his first rescue contribute to the public’s outrage?
3. What specific dangers are associated with climbing Mount Fuji during its off-season?
4. How do local authorities regulate climbing on Mount Fuji during the official hiking season compared to the off-season?
5. What concerns have been raised regarding the safety measures for climbers who choose to hike off-season?
6. In what ways does the article emphasize the importance of personal responsibility for climbers?
7. What actions have the Shizuoka police taken in response to the incidents involving the student?
8. How does this incident reflect broader issues related to safety and responsibility in outdoor activities?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A 27-year-old (1)______ student recently made headlines after being rescued from Japan’s Mount Fuji twice within a span of four days. The (2)______ incident occurred on April 22, when the student, who remains unnamed, called for help after suffering from altitude (3)______ while (4)______ the Fujinomiya trail, which reaches an elevation of approximately 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet). This incident took place during the mountain’s off-season, a time when climbers are warned about the severe weather conditions that can arise.

Despite the dangers associated with climbing Mount Fuji during this time, the (5)______ returned to the (6)______ just four days later in search of his phone and other belongings that he had left behind. Unfortunately, he encountered altitude sickness once again and was found unable to move by another climber. This prompted a second emergency call to the authorities, who quickly dispatched a rescue team to (7)______ him.

The situation has sparked significant outrage on social media, with many people calling for the student to face consequences for his actions, particularly regarding his second rescue. While there are no (8)______ for climbers who require assistance, the public’s reaction highlights the concern over safety and responsibility in outdoor (9)______. The Shizuoka (10)______ have emphasized the importance of (11)______ for all (12)______, especially given the low temperatures and snow coverage that can persist even in spring.

Mount Fuji’s hiking trails are officially open only from July to early September, but there is no outright ban on climbing during the off-season. Local authorities have implemented entry fees and limits on the number of climbers on the most popular trail, with plans to extend similar regulations to other main trails later this year. However, climbing off-season and off-trail remains free of charge, which raises questions about the safety measures in place for those who choose to hike outside of the designated season.

This incident serves as a (13)______ of the potential dangers associated with mountain climbing, particularly in challenging conditions. It (14)______ the need for climbers to be well-prepared and to heed warnings about the risks involved in their adventures. As authorities continue to (15)______ safety (16)______, it is crucial for individuals to take personal responsibility for their well-being while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is your opinion on the risks associated with climbing mountains like Mount Fuji during off-seasons?
2. How would you feel if you found yourself in a similar situation as the student, needing to be rescued from a dangerous location?
3. Do you think people should face consequences for requiring rescue in risky situations? Why or why not?
4. What is a memorable outdoor adventure you have experienced, and what challenges did you face?
5. How do you prepare for outdoor activities to ensure your safety?
6. Do you like the idea of climbing mountains, or do you prefer other types of outdoor activities? Why?
7. What is your perspective on the responsibility of individuals when participating in potentially dangerous activities?
8. How would you react if you saw someone in distress while hiking?
9. Do you think there should be stricter regulations for climbing during off-seasons? Why or why not?
10. What is a lesson you think can be learned from this student’s experience?
11. How do you feel about the balance between adventure and safety in outdoor activities?
12. Do you think social media plays a positive or negative role in shaping public opinion about incidents like this? Why?
13. What is your opinion on the importance of following safety guidelines when engaging in outdoor sports?
14. How would you feel if you were a local resident witnessing repeated rescues on a popular mountain?
15. Do you think the beauty of nature justifies the risks involved in climbing? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. altitude
2. elevation
3. dispatched
4. outrage
5. penalties
6. emphasized
7. caution
8. persist
9. implemented
10. regulations
11. designated
12. underscores
13. heed
14. authorities
15. well-being

Meanings:
(A) A strong reaction of anger or shock
(B) Care taken to avoid danger or mistakes
(C) Put into effect or action
(D) People or organizations having power or control in a particular sphere
(E) Sent off to a destination or for a purpose
(F) The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
(G) The height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level
(H) Officially assigned or set aside for a specific purpose
(I) Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority
(J) Pay attention to or take notice of
(K) Continue to exist or endure over a prolonged period
(L) The height above a given level, especially sea level
(M) Punishments or consequences for breaking a rule or law
(N) Highlights or draws attention to something important
(O) Stressed the importance of something
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. How old is the Chinese student who was rescued from Mount Fuji?
(a) 25 years old
(b) 30 years old
(c) 22 years old
(d) 27 years old

2. What type of sickness did the student suffer from while climbing Mount Fuji?
(a) Heat exhaustion
(b) Dehydration
(c) Altitude sickness
(d) Hypothermia

3. How many times was the student rescued from Mount Fuji?
(a) Once
(b) Twice
(c) Three times
(d) Four times

4. What trail was the student climbing when he first called for help?
(a) Yoshida trail
(b) Subashiri trail
(c) Gotemba trail
(d) Fujinomiya trail

5. What time of year did the incidents occur?
(a) Off-season
(b) Peak season
(c) Winter
(d) Summer

6. What did the student return to the mountain to retrieve?
(a) Food and water
(b) A camera
(c) His phone and belongings
(d) A friend

7. What has sparked outrage on social media regarding the student?
(a) His first rescue
(b) His second rescue
(c) His climbing gear
(d) His age

8. What do local authorities emphasize for climbers on Mount Fuji?
(a) The importance of caution
(b) The need for speed
(c) The benefits of climbing at night
(d) The necessity of climbing in groups

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Mount Fuji’s hiking trails are officially open only from July to early September.
2. There are no concerns about safety and responsibility in outdoor activities, particularly during off-season climbing.
3. The first rescue occurred on April 22 due to a sprained ankle while climbing the Fujinomiya trail.
4. The elevation of the Fujinomiya trail is approximately 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet).
5. A 27-year-old American student was rescued from Mount Fuji twice within four days.
6. The student returned to Mount Fuji four days after the first incident to search for his phone and belongings.
7. The second rescue was prompted by the student experiencing altitude sickness again and being unable to move.
8. The public has expressed support on social media regarding the student’s actions during the second rescue.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What were the circumstances that led to the Chinese student being rescued from Mount Fuji twice in four days?
2. How did the public react to the student’s decision to return to Mount Fuji after the first rescue?
3. What measures have local authorities taken to ensure the safety of climbers on Mount Fuji, particularly during the off-season?
4. Why is there a concern about climbers’ safety and responsibility in outdoor activities as highlighted by this incident?
5. What lessons can be learned from the student’s experience regarding preparation and caution for mountain climbing?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What were the circumstances that led to the student’s first rescue on Mount Fuji?
The student suffered from altitude sickness while climbing the Fujinomiya trail, which reaches an elevation of approximately 3,000 meters, and called for help during the mountain’s off-season.

2. How did the student’s decision to return to Mount Fuji just four days after his first rescue contribute to the public’s outrage?
Many people expressed outrage on social media, calling for consequences for the student, particularly regarding his second rescue, as it raised concerns about safety and responsibility in outdoor activities.

3. What specific dangers are associated with climbing Mount Fuji during its off-season?
The dangers include severe weather conditions, low temperatures, and snow coverage that can persist even in spring, making climbing particularly hazardous.

4. How do local authorities regulate climbing on Mount Fuji during the official hiking season compared to the off-season?
During the official hiking season, local authorities implement entry fees and limits on the number of climbers on the most popular trails, while off-season climbing remains free of charge and without specific regulations.

5. What concerns have been raised regarding the safety measures for climbers who choose to hike off-season?
Concerns have been raised about the lack of safety measures in place for climbers who hike off-season, as there are no regulations or fees that could help manage safety risks during this time.

6. In what ways does the article emphasize the importance of personal responsibility for climbers?
The article underscores the need for climbers to be well-prepared and to heed warnings about the risks involved in mountain climbing, highlighting the importance of taking personal responsibility for their well-being.

7. What actions have the Shizuoka police taken in response to the incidents involving the student?
The Shizuoka police have emphasized the importance of caution for all climbers and have addressed safety concerns following the incidents.

8. How does this incident reflect broader issues related to safety and responsibility in outdoor activities?
The incident highlights the ongoing concerns about the safety and responsibility of individuals engaging in outdoor activities, particularly in challenging conditions, and the need for climbers to be aware of the risks involved.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Chinese
(2) first
(3) sickness
(4) climbing
(5) student
(6) mountain
(7) assist
(8) penalties
(9) activities
(10) police
(11) caution
(12) climbers
(13) reminder
(14) underscores
(15) address
(16) concerns
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. altitude
Answer: (G) The height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level

2. elevation
Answer: (L) The height above a given level, especially sea level

3. dispatched
Answer: (E) Sent off to a destination or for a purpose

4. outrage
Answer: (A) A strong reaction of anger or shock

5. penalties
Answer: (M) Punishments or consequences for breaking a rule or law

6. emphasized
Answer: (O) Stressed the importance of something

7. caution
Answer: (B) Care taken to avoid danger or mistakes

8. persist
Answer: (K) Continue to exist or endure over a prolonged period

9. implemented
Answer: (C) Put into effect or action

10. regulations
Answer: (I) Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority

11. designated
Answer: (H) Officially assigned or set aside for a specific purpose

12. underscores
Answer: (N) Highlights or draws attention to something important

13. heed
Answer: (J) Pay attention to or take notice of

14. authorities
Answer: (D) People or organizations having power or control in a particular sphere

15. well-being
Answer: (F) The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. How old is the Chinese student who was rescued from Mount Fuji?
Answer: (d) 27 years old

2. What type of sickness did the student suffer from while climbing Mount Fuji?
Answer: (c) Altitude sickness

3. How many times was the student rescued from Mount Fuji?
Answer: (b) Twice

4. What trail was the student climbing when he first called for help?
Answer: (d) Fujinomiya trail

5. What time of year did the incidents occur?
Answer: (a) Off-season

6. What did the student return to the mountain to retrieve?
Answer: (c) His phone and belongings

7. What has sparked outrage on social media regarding the student?
Answer: (b) His second rescue

8. What do local authorities emphasize for climbers on Mount Fuji?
Answer: (a) The importance of caution
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Mount Fuji’s hiking trails are officially open only from July to early September. (Answer: True)
2. There are no concerns about safety and responsibility in outdoor activities, particularly during off-season climbing. (Answer: False)
3. The first rescue occurred on April 22 due to a sprained ankle while climbing the Fujinomiya trail. (Answer: False)
4. The elevation of the Fujinomiya trail is approximately 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet). (Answer: True)
5. A 27-year-old American student was rescued from Mount Fuji twice within four days. (Answer: False)
6. The student returned to Mount Fuji four days after the first incident to search for his phone and belongings. (Answer: True)
7. The second rescue was prompted by the student experiencing altitude sickness again and being unable to move. (Answer: True)
8. The public has expressed support on social media regarding the student’s actions during the second rescue. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧