Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

English Newsroom

Learn English through news articles - complete lesson plans, including articles, listening, classroom activities, quiz questions and more!

Skier narrowly avoids bear collision in Lake Tahoe

Skier narrowly avoids collision with bear on Lake Tahoe slopes, reminding us to respect wildlife.

Try this article at a different level?

 

A video recently showed a bear almost crashing into skiers at Lake Tahoe in California. The person who filmed it, Tao Feng, said that the bear crossed the ski path safely and then reunited with its mom on the other side. The video shows the bear quickly crossing the path while skiers go by, but luckily, no one hit the bear and it didn’t get hurt. This reminds us to be respectful of wildlife and give them space in their own homes.

The bear did a great job of moving through the ski slopes without crashing into anyone. It shows how agile and adaptable these animals are in their environment. The video has gotten a lot of attention and reminds us of the cool things that can happen when we’re outside doing activities.

This also reminds us to be careful and aware when we’re doing outdoor activities, especially in places where there might be wildlife. We need to pay attention to what’s around us and follow any rules or guidelines that are there to protect both people and animals.

Overall, the video of the bear avoiding skiers in California is a really cool reminder of how amazing and unpredictable nature can be. It reminds us to appreciate and respect wildlife while we’re enjoying the outdoors.

Original news source: Watch: Bear dodges skiers on California slopes (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

Slow

Normal

Fast

📖 Vocabulary:

1recentlyNot long ago or in the near past
2crossedWent over or through something to get to the other side
3reunitedCame back together after being apart
4agileAble to move quickly and easily
5adaptableCapable of changing or being modified to suit different conditions or situations
6environmentThe natural world that surrounds us, including the air, water, and land
7attentionCareful observation or consideration
8respectfulShowing politeness and honor towards others
9wildlifeAnimals and plants that live in the wild, not domesticated or tamed
10spaceAn open area or the freedom to live, move, or grow
11slopesThe inclines used for skiing down a mountain
12crashingColliding with something forcefully and noisily
13unpredictableNot able to be predicted; changes can happen without warning
14appreciateTo recognize the good qualities of someone or something and be thankful for them
15guidelinesInstructions or principles that are meant to shape actions or behavior

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a copy of the article. Instruct them to read the article and then write a summary of the main points in their own words. After they have finished, have each group share their summary with the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Write the following question on the board: “Do you think it is important to be respectful of wildlife and give them space in their own homes?” Have students stand on one side of the classroom if they agree with the statement, and on the other side if they disagree. Then, have students discuss their opinions in pairs or small groups, and encourage them to provide reasons for their opinions.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write a list of vocabulary words from the article on the board. Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a set of blank paper and markers. Instruct them to choose a word from the list and draw a picture to represent the word. The other groups must guess the word based on the drawing. The group that guesses correctly gets a point. Repeat the process with different words.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a copy of the article. Instruct them to discuss the pros and cons of the bear crossing the ski path. They should consider both the positive and negative aspects of the situation. After they have finished their discussion, have each group share their thoughts with the class.

– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Write the following question on the board: “What can we do to be more respectful of wildlife in their natural habitats?” Give students a few minutes to think about their answer individually. Then, have them pair up with a partner and share their ideas. Finally, have a few pairs share their ideas with the whole class.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What happened in the video of the bear at Lake Tahoe in California?
2. Who filmed the video of the bear?
3. Did the bear get hurt when it crossed the ski path?
4. Why is it important to be respectful of wildlife?
5. What does the video show about the bear’s abilities?
6. Why has the video gotten a lot of attention?
7. Why is it important to be careful and aware when doing outdoor activities?
8. What does the video remind us to appreciate and respect?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A (1)______ recently showed a bear almost crashing into skiers at Lake (2)______ in (3)______. The person who filmed it, Tao Feng, said that the bear crossed the ski path safely and then reunited with its mom on the (4)______ side. The video shows the bear quickly crossing the path while skiers go by, but luckily, no one hit the bear and it didn’t get hurt. This reminds us to be respectful of wildlife and give them space in their own homes.

The bear did a (5)______ job of moving through the ski slopes without crashing into anyone. It shows how (6)______ and adaptable these (7)______ are in their (8)______. The video has (9)______ a lot of (10)______ and (11)______ us of the cool things that can (12)______ when we’re outside doing activities.

This also reminds us to be careful and aware when we’re doing outdoor activities, especially in places where there might be wildlife. We need to pay attention to what’s around us and follow any rules or guidelines that are there to protect both people and animals.

Overall, the video of the bear (13)______ skiers in California is a really cool reminder of how amazing and unpredictable (14)______ can be. It reminds us to (15)______ and (16)______ wildlife while we’re enjoying the outdoors.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. Have you ever seen a wild animal in its natural habitat? How did it make you feel?
2. Do you think it’s important to give wildlife space in their own homes? Why or why not?
3. How do you think the skiers in the video felt when they saw the bear crossing their path? Why?
4. Have you ever had a close encounter with a wild animal? How did you react?
5. What do you think would have happened if one of the skiers had hit the bear? Why?
6. How do you think the bear felt when it safely crossed the ski path and reunited with its mom? Why?
7. What are some other outdoor activities where we need to be careful and aware of wildlife? Why?
8. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to follow rules or guidelines to protect yourself or others? What happened?
9. How would you feel if you were skiing and suddenly saw a bear crossing your path? Why?
10. Do you think it’s important to appreciate and respect wildlife? Why or why not?
11. What are some ways we can show appreciation and respect for wildlife when we’re enjoying the outdoors? Why?
12. How do you think the video of the bear avoiding skiers can inspire people to be more aware of wildlife? Why?
13. Do you think animals are more adaptable to their environment than humans? Why or why not?
14. What are some cool things that can happen when we’re outside doing activities? Why?
15. Why do you think it’s important for us to remember to be respectful of wildlife?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. recently
2. crossed
3. reunited
4. agile
5. adaptable
6. environment
7. attention
8. respectful
9. wildlife
10. space
11. slopes
12. crashing
13. unpredictable
14. appreciate
15. guidelines

Meanings:
(A) Careful observation or consideration
(B) Came back together after being apart
(C) Colliding with something forcefully and noisily
(D) To recognize the good qualities of someone or something and be thankful for them
(E) Went over or through something to get to the other side
(F) Capable of changing or being modified to suit different conditions or situations
(G) Instructions or principles that are meant to shape actions or behavior
(H) An open area or the freedom to live, move, or grow
(I) The inclines used for skiing down a mountain
(J) Not long ago or in the near past
(K) Showing politeness and honor towards others
(L) Not able to be predicted; changes can happen without warning
(M) Animals and plants that live in the wild, not domesticated or tamed
(N) The natural world that surrounds us, including the air, water, and land
(O) Able to move quickly and easily
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did the bear do when it crossed the ski path?
(a) It crashed into skiers
(b) It got hurt
(c) It ignored the skiers and kept walking
(d) It safely crossed and reunited with its mom

2. What does the video show about the bear’s agility?
(a) It struggled to cross the ski path
(b) It was slow and clumsy
(c) It moved through the ski slopes without crashing into anyone
(d) It got injured while crossing the ski path

3. Why is it important to be respectful of wildlife?
(a) They can be dangerous
(b) They need space in their own homes
(c) They can’t adapt to different environments
(d) They don’t deserve our respect

4. What does the video remind us to do when doing outdoor activities?
(a) Be careful and aware, especially in places with wildlife
(b) Ignore any rules or guidelines
(c) Take risks and not worry about our safety
(d) Stay indoors and avoid nature

5. What does the video remind us to appreciate and respect?
(a) Skiers
(b) The outdoors
(c) The bear’s mom
(d) Wildlife

6. What does the video show about nature?
(a) It is boring and predictable
(b) It can be amazing and unpredictable
(c) It is dangerous and should be avoided
(d) It is not worth appreciating or respecting

7. What should we do when we encounter wildlife in outdoor activities?
(a) Chase after them for a closer look
(b) Ignore them and continue with our activities
(c) Give them space and be respectful
(d) Take pictures and videos without considering their safety

8. What is the main message of the article?
(a) Appreciate and respect wildlife while enjoying the outdoors
(b) Ignore wildlife and focus on our own activities
(c) Stay indoors and avoid nature
(d) Wildlife should be kept away from ski slopes

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The video captures the bear swiftly crossing the path while skiers pass by, fortunately without any collisions or harm to the bear.
2. Ultimately, the video serves as a mundane reminder of the ordinary and predictable wonders of nature, reminding us to disregard and disrespect wildlife while avoiding the great outdoors.
3. The person who filmed the video, Tao Feng, stated that the bear safely crossed the ski path and reunited with its mother on the other side.
4. The video has gained minimal attention, showcasing the uneventful and expected encounters that can occur outdoors.
5. It also emphasizes the importance of caution and awareness when participating in outdoor activities, particularly in areas where wildlife may be present.
6. A video recently surfaced showing a bear nearly colliding with skiers at Lake Tahoe in California.
7. This incident serves as a reminder to disregard wildlife and invade their natural habitats.
8. The bear displayed limited agility and adaptability as it clumsily maneuvered through the ski slopes with several accidents.
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 did the video show about the bear and the skiers at Lake Tahoe?
2. How did the bear cross the ski path without getting hurt?
3. Why is it important to be respectful of wildlife and give them space?
4. What does the video remind us to do when we’re doing outdoor activities?
5. Why is the video a cool reminder of nature’s unpredictability?

Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What happened in the video of the bear at Lake Tahoe in California?
In the video, a bear crossed the ski path while skiers were going by.

2. Who filmed the video of the bear?
The video was filmed by Tao Feng.

3. Did the bear get hurt when it crossed the ski path?
No, the bear did not get hurt when it crossed the ski path.

4. Why is it important to be respectful of wildlife?
It is important to be respectful of wildlife because they are living in their own homes and we should give them space to live peacefully.

5. What does the video show about the bear’s abilities?
The video shows that the bear is agile and adaptable in its environment, as it was able to safely cross the ski path without crashing into anyone.

6. Why has the video gotten a lot of attention?
The video has gotten a lot of attention because it shows a cool and unpredictable moment in nature, reminding us of the amazing things that can happen when we’re outside.

7. Why is it important to be careful and aware when doing outdoor activities?
It is important to be careful and aware when doing outdoor activities, especially in places where there might be wildlife, to ensure the safety of both people and animals.

8. What does the video remind us to appreciate and respect?
The video reminds us to appreciate and respect wildlife while we’re enjoying the outdoors.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) video
(2) Tahoe
(3) California
(4) other
(5) great
(6) agile
(7) animals
(8) environment
(9) gotten
(10) attention
(11) reminds
(12) happen
(13) avoiding
(14) nature
(15) appreciate
(16) respect
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. recently
Answer: (J) Not long ago or in the near past

2. crossed
Answer: (E) Went over or through something to get to the other side

3. reunited
Answer: (B) Came back together after being apart

4. agile
Answer: (O) Able to move quickly and easily

5. adaptable
Answer: (F) Capable of changing or being modified to suit different conditions or situations

6. environment
Answer: (N) The natural world that surrounds us, including the air, water, and land

7. attention
Answer: (A) Careful observation or consideration

8. respectful
Answer: (K) Showing politeness and honor towards others

9. wildlife
Answer: (M) Animals and plants that live in the wild, not domesticated or tamed

10. space
Answer: (H) An open area or the freedom to live, move, or grow

11. slopes
Answer: (I) The inclines used for skiing down a mountain

12. crashing
Answer: (C) Colliding with something forcefully and noisily

13. unpredictable
Answer: (L) Not able to be predicted; changes can happen without warning

14. appreciate
Answer: (D) To recognize the good qualities of someone or something and be thankful for them

15. guidelines
Answer: (G) Instructions or principles that are meant to shape actions or behavior
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did the bear do when it crossed the ski path?
Answer: (d) It safely crossed and reunited with its mom

2. What does the video show about the bear’s agility?
Answer: (c) It moved through the ski slopes without crashing into anyone

3. Why is it important to be respectful of wildlife?
Answer: (b) They need space in their own homes

4. What does the video remind us to do when doing outdoor activities?
Answer: (a) Be careful and aware, especially in places with wildlife

5. What does the video remind us to appreciate and respect?
Answer: (d) Wildlife

6. What does the video show about nature?
Answer: (b) It can be amazing and unpredictable

7. What should we do when we encounter wildlife in outdoor activities?
Answer: (c) Give them space and be respectful

8. What is the main message of the article?
Answer: (a) Appreciate and respect wildlife while enjoying the outdoors
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The video captures the bear swiftly crossing the path while skiers pass by, fortunately without any collisions or harm to the bear. (Answer: True)
2. Ultimately, the video serves as a mundane reminder of the ordinary and predictable wonders of nature, reminding us to disregard and disrespect wildlife while avoiding the great outdoors. (Answer: False)
3. The person who filmed the video, Tao Feng, stated that the bear safely crossed the ski path and reunited with its mother on the other side. (Answer: True)
4. The video has gained minimal attention, showcasing the uneventful and expected encounters that can occur outdoors. (Answer: False)
5. It also emphasizes the importance of caution and awareness when participating in outdoor activities, particularly in areas where wildlife may be present. (Answer: True)
6. A video recently surfaced showing a bear nearly colliding with skiers at Lake Tahoe in California. (Answer: True)
7. This incident serves as a reminder to disregard wildlife and invade their natural habitats. (Answer: False)
8. The bear displayed limited agility and adaptability as it clumsily maneuvered through the ski slopes with several accidents. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧

How about these other Level 3 articles?

UK property expert Rob Dix has created a digital clone of himself using AI software to answer questions and take on some of his workload, joining a growing trend of individuals using AI clones to scale their availability and provide instant responses to followers or clients.

UK Property Expert Creates AI Clone to Streamline Workload

UK property expert Rob Dix has created a digital clone of himself using AI software to answer questions and take on some of his workload, joining a growing trend of individuals using AI clones to scale their availability and provide instant responses to followers or clients.

Nvidia and Foxconn Partner to Build AI Factories

Nvidia and Foxconn have partnered to build “AI factories” that will be powered by Nvidia chips and used for various applications, allowing Nvidia to continue its growth in the AI market despite US restrictions on chip exports to China.

Feedback