A brave teenager named Oliver Reyes recently made headlines when he jumped into a frozen pond to rescue a calf. The incident took place at his family’s farm in Philadelphia, Tennessee. Oliver noticed that a two-month-old cow named Wynonna had fallen through the ice and immediately sprang into action. In an interview with the BBC, the 16-year-old described his decision to jump in as instinctual.

Oliver’s heroic act was captured on video, which quickly gained attention on social media. The footage shows him running out of a car and into the freezing water to save the stranded calf. Despite the dangerous conditions, Oliver managed to reach Wynonna and pull her to safety. His quick thinking and bravery saved the young cow’s life.

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and courage. Oliver’s actions demonstrate the power of instinct and the willingness to put oneself at risk to help others. His selfless act has inspired many people and serves as an example of bravery for others to follow.

The video of Oliver’s rescue has garnered widespread praise and admiration. It showcases the incredible bond between humans and animals and highlights the lengths some individuals will go to protect and care for them. Oliver’s bravery has not only saved a life but has also touched the hearts of people around the world.

In conclusion, Oliver Reyes’s courageous act of jumping into a frozen pond to rescue a calf has captured the attention and admiration of people worldwide. His instinctual response to the situation and his willingness to put himself in danger to save another life is truly inspiring. This story serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and bravery and the impact that one person’s actions can have on others.

Original news source: Teenager jumps into frozen pond to rescue calf (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary

Instructions: Divide the class into pairs. Give each pair a few minutes to read the article. Then, ask each pair to write a concise summary of the article, highlighting the main points. After a few minutes, have pairs share their summaries with the class.

– Opinion Poll

Instructions: Instruct students to form small groups. Ask each group to discuss and come up with their opinion on Oliver Reyes’s actions. Then, have each group create a poll with a few multiple-choice questions related to the topic. Give each group a few minutes to create their poll. Finally, have groups present their polls to the class and conduct a class-wide poll to see the different opinions in the room.

– Pros and Cons

Instructions: Divide the class into two groups. Assign one group to come up with the pros of Oliver Reyes’s actions, and the other group to come up with the cons. Give each group a few minutes to brainstorm and write down their ideas. Then, have each group present their list of pros or cons to the class. Encourage a class discussion where students can contribute their thoughts and opinions.

– Keyword Hangman

Instructions: Write down certain keywords from the article on the board, but leave out the vowels. Divide the class into two teams. Choose a student from the first team to come up and guess a letter. If the letter is correct, write it in the appropriate place in the word. If the letter is incorrect, start drawing a hangman. Continue until the word is completed or the hangman is finished. Then, have a student from the other team come up to guess a letter. Continue until all the keywords have been guessed.

– Future Predictions

Instructions: In pairs or small groups, have students discuss and make predictions about what they think will happen next in Oliver Reyes’s life. They can consider how this event might impact his future, his possible career path, or any other aspect they find interesting. After a few minutes, ask some groups to share their predictions with the class. Encourage students to support their predictions with reasons and evidence from the article.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Where did Oliver Reyes jump into a frozen pond to rescue a calf?
2. How did Oliver describe his decision to jump into the pond?
3. What captured Oliver’s heroic act on video?
4. What did Oliver do after running out of the car?
5. What did Oliver manage to do despite the dangerous conditions?
6. What does Oliver’s selfless act serve as a reminder of?
7. What has Oliver’s bravery inspired in others?
8. What does Oliver’s rescue video showcase?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A brave (1)______ named Oliver Reyes recently made headlines when he jumped into a (2)______ pond to rescue a calf. The (3)______ took place at his family’s farm in Philadelphia, Tennessee. Oliver noticed that a two-month-old cow named Wynonna had fallen through the ice and immediately (4)______ into action. In an interview with the BBC, the 16-year-old described his decision to jump in as instinctual.

Oliver’s heroic act was captured on video, which quickly gained attention on social media. The footage (5)______ him running out of a car and into the freezing water to save the stranded calf. Despite the (6)______ conditions, Oliver (7)______ to reach Wynonna and pull her to safety. His quick thinking and bravery saved the young cow’s life.

This heartwarming story (8)______ as a reminder of the importance of compassion and courage. Oliver’s actions demonstrate the power of instinct and the willingness to put oneself at risk to help others. His (9)______ act has inspired many people and serves as an example of bravery for others to follow.

The (10)______ of Oliver’s rescue has garnered widespread praise and (11)______. It showcases the incredible bond between humans and animals and highlights the lengths some individuals will go to protect and care for them. Oliver’s bravery has not only (12)______ a life but has also touched the hearts of people around the world.

In conclusion, Oliver Reyes’s courageous act of jumping into a frozen pond to rescue a calf has captured the attention and admiration of people worldwide. His instinctual (13)______ to the situation and his (14)______ to put himself in danger to save another life is truly inspiring. This story serves as a reminder of the (15)______ of compassion and bravery and the impact that one person’s (16)______ can have on others.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is your opinion of Oliver Reyes’s actions? Do you think he is a hero? Why or why not?
2. Have you ever witnessed someone performing a heroic act? If so, can you describe what happened and how it made you feel?
3. How would you feel if you were in a similar situation as Oliver, where you had to make a split-second decision to help someone in danger?
4. Do you think bravery is something that can be learned, or is it something that some people are just born with? Why or why not?
5. How important do you think compassion is in today’s society? Can you give an example of a time when you showed compassion to someone in need?
6. Have you ever had to make a difficult decision where you had to put yourself at risk to help someone else? If so, can you describe the situation and how you felt afterwards?
7. Do you think it’s important for people to share stories of bravery and heroism? Why or why not?
8. What do you think motivates people to put themselves in danger to help others? Is it purely instinctual, or are there other factors at play?
9. How do you think Oliver’s actions have impacted the way people view the bond between humans and animals?
10. Do you think it’s important for individuals to take risks in order to help others? Why or why not?
11. How do you think Oliver’s act of bravery has inspired others? Can you give an example of someone who has been inspired by his story?
12. How would you feel if you were in the same situation as the calf, trapped and in danger? Would you have hope that someone would come to rescue you?
13. Do you think Oliver’s actions will have a lasting impact on his community? Why or why not?
14. What do you think it takes to be a hero? Can anyone be a hero, or are there certain qualities that are necessary?
15. How do you think Oliver’s act of bravery has changed his own life? Do you think he will continue to perform acts of heroism in the future? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. headlines
2. incident
3. instinctual
4. heroic
5. footage
6. stranded
7. dangerous
8. bravery
9. heartwarming
10. compassion
11. courage
12. selfless
13. admiration
14. bond
15. inspiring

Meanings:
(A) An event or occurrence, especially one that is noteworthy
(B) Left without the means to move from somewhere
(C) Having the effect of motivating or encouraging others
(D) The ability to face fear, pain, or a difficult obstacle
(E) A feeling of respect and warm approval
(F) Showing great courage and valor, often in the face of danger
(G) Titles or headings in a news article that attract attention
(H) Relating to actions performed as a natural impulse, without conscious thought
(I) The quality of being courageous and daring, especially in difficult situations
(J) The feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune
(K) Video recordings of an event or occurrence
(L) Involving risk or the possibility of harm
(M) Eliciting feelings of warmth, affection, and fondness
(N) A strong connection or relationship between individuals
(O) Concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Where did Oliver Reyes rescue the calf?
(a) Paris, France
(b) London, England
(c) Philadelphia, Tennessee
(d) Berlin, Germany

2. How old is Oliver Reyes?
(a) 20
(b) 25
(c) 30
(d) 16

3. How did Oliver describe his decision to jump into the frozen pond?
(a) Instinctual
(b) Calculated
(c) Thoughtful
(d) Impulsive

4. How was Oliver’s heroic act captured?
(a) On video
(b) In a photograph
(c) In a painting
(d) In a written article

5. What is the name of the calf Oliver rescued?
(a) Oliver
(b) Philadelphia
(c) Wynonna
(d) Tennessee

6. What did Oliver save the calf from?
(a) A car accident
(b) Falling through the ice
(c) A fire
(d) A flood

7. What has Oliver’s act inspired?
(a) No one
(b) Many people
(c) Only his family
(d) Animals

8. What does Oliver’s act showcase?
(a) The power of social media
(b) The dangers of frozen ponds
(c) The importance of farming
(d) The bond between humans and animals

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The video of Oliver’s rescue has garnered widespread criticism and contempt.
2. Oliver’s bravery has not only saved a life but has also touched the hearts of people around the world.
3. Oliver’s actions demonstrate the power of hesitation and the unwillingness to put oneself at risk to help others.
4. This story serves as a reminder of the insignificance of compassion and bravery and the minimal impact that one person’s actions can have on others.
5. Despite the dangerous conditions, Oliver managed to reach the calf and pull her to safety.
6. The calf, named Wynonna, had fallen through the ice and was stranded.
7. Oliver’s cowardly act was captured on video and gained no attention on social media.
8. Oliver Reyes jumped into a frozen pond to rescue a calf at his family’s farm in Philadelphia, Tennessee.
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 was the reason Oliver Reyes jumped into the frozen pond?
2. How did Oliver manage to save the stranded calf?
3. How did the video of Oliver’s rescue gain attention?
4. What does Oliver’s act of bravery demonstrate?
5. How has Oliver’s act of bravery impacted people around the world?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Where did Oliver Reyes jump into a frozen pond to rescue a calf?
Oliver Reyes jumped into a frozen pond at his family’s farm in Philadelphia, Tennessee.

2. How did Oliver describe his decision to jump into the pond?
Oliver described his decision to jump into the pond as instinctual.

3. What captured Oliver’s heroic act on video?
The heroic act of Oliver jumping into the frozen pond to rescue the calf was captured on video.

4. What did Oliver do after running out of the car?
After running out of the car, Oliver jumped into the freezing water to save the stranded calf.

5. What did Oliver manage to do despite the dangerous conditions?
Despite the dangerous conditions, Oliver managed to reach the calf and pull her to safety.

6. What does Oliver’s selfless act serve as a reminder of?
Oliver’s selfless act serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and bravery.

7. What has Oliver’s bravery inspired in others?
Oliver’s bravery has inspired many people around the world.

8. What does Oliver’s rescue video showcase?
Oliver’s rescue video showcases the incredible bond between humans and animals and highlights the lengths some individuals will go to protect and care for them.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) teenager
(2) frozen
(3) incident
(4) sprang
(5) shows
(6) dangerous
(7) managed
(8) serves
(9) selfless
(10) video
(11) admiration
(12) saved
(13) response
(14) willingness
(15) power
(16) actions
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. headlines
Answer: (G) Titles or headings in a news article that attract attention

2. incident
Answer: (A) An event or occurrence, especially one that is noteworthy

3. instinctual
Answer: (H) Relating to actions performed as a natural impulse, without conscious thought

4. heroic
Answer: (F) Showing great courage and valor, often in the face of danger

5. footage
Answer: (K) Video recordings of an event or occurrence

6. stranded
Answer: (B) Left without the means to move from somewhere

7. dangerous
Answer: (L) Involving risk or the possibility of harm

8. bravery
Answer: (I) The quality of being courageous and daring, especially in difficult situations

9. heartwarming
Answer: (M) Eliciting feelings of warmth, affection, and fondness

10. compassion
Answer: (J) The feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune

11. courage
Answer: (D) The ability to face fear, pain, or a difficult obstacle

12. selfless
Answer: (O) Concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own

13. admiration
Answer: (E) A feeling of respect and warm approval

14. bond
Answer: (N) A strong connection or relationship between individuals

15. inspiring
Answer: (C) Having the effect of motivating or encouraging others
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Where did Oliver Reyes rescue the calf?
Answer: (c) Philadelphia, Tennessee

2. How old is Oliver Reyes?
Answer: (d) 16

3. How did Oliver describe his decision to jump into the frozen pond?
Answer: (a) Instinctual

4. How was Oliver’s heroic act captured?
Answer: (a) On video

5. What is the name of the calf Oliver rescued?
Answer: (c) Wynonna

6. What did Oliver save the calf from?
Answer: (b) Falling through the ice

7. What has Oliver’s act inspired?
Answer: (b) Many people

8. What does Oliver’s act showcase?
Answer: (d) The bond between humans and animals
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The video of Oliver’s rescue has garnered widespread criticism and contempt. (Answer: False)
2. Oliver’s bravery has not only saved a life but has also touched the hearts of people around the world. (Answer: True)
3. Oliver’s actions demonstrate the power of hesitation and the unwillingness to put oneself at risk to help others. (Answer: False)
4. This story serves as a reminder of the insignificance of compassion and bravery and the minimal impact that one person’s actions can have on others. (Answer: False)
5. Despite the dangerous conditions, Oliver managed to reach the calf and pull her to safety. (Answer: True)
6. The calf, named Wynonna, had fallen through the ice and was stranded. (Answer: True)
7. Oliver’s cowardly act was captured on video and gained no attention on social media. (Answer: False)
8. Oliver Reyes jumped into a frozen pond to rescue a calf at his family’s farm in Philadelphia, Tennessee. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧