English Level:
Intermediate
Content Warning:
suggested nudity, British accent
Vocabulary
I have chosen not to include the definitions here to give you the opportunity to find the information yourself. The information you find this way will stay with you longer. Please take the time to find out the meaning of the vocabulary.
Cope
Set off
Oar
Stern / bow / cabin
Killer (adjective)
Grime
Get on with it
Vessel
Scorching
Deteriorate
Bum
Rocky
Dreadful
Headwind
Brutal
Nought
Shattered
Mother Nature
Volatile
Procrastinate
Barnacle
Elation
Pre-Listening
These warmup questions are intended to introduce you to the topic
- Where is La Gomera and Antigua?
- Have you tried and endurance events?
- What is the most difficult (physically) challenge you have completed?
- What is more important in endurance racing: mental strength, or physical strength?
- What are some things you need to bring with you for a 6-week rowing trip?
- How would you prepare for such an event?
- How do you stay motivated?
Listening
As you listen, try to answer these questions.
You may need to listen more than once.
- When did she do her journey?
- Who were in her crew?
- What challenge was she taking part in?
- What other endurance events has she done?
- What was her training like?
- Describe the shift work.
- What were the off-shifts like?
- Describe the boats
- What did they eat? What was her favorite food?
- How many calories did they bring?
- How did they get water?
- What does bucket and chuck it mean?
- How did they communicate with outsiders?
- Why did their bodies deteriorate?
- Did she get bored?
- How did they take on the headwind?
- How did the other teams do with the headwind? What did LT learn from that experience?
- How did Mother Nature reward them?
- What is a moonbow?
- What was one of the biggest challenges?
- What saying did they use to keep them strong?
- When was she “done” / broken?
- What was the biggest lesson she learned from the experience?
- Why did she have to go under the boat?
- What kept them united?
- How did she feel when they got to Antigua?
- How are our lives similar to rowing?
Video
Video Player
Post-Listening
Reflect on what you have learned.
- Are there any challenges you want to overcome in your own life?
- What did you learn from LT’s story?
- What are some other ultra-distance events?
- Is it good to challenge yourself?
- How would you prepare for rowing around the globe?
- Learn more about Laura (LT) on her website: https://lauratry.com/
- Identify at least one key issue from this video that you could research more.