Covering Issues in the News

Why did Abby Sunderland head out on her voyage?

• A. Abby wanted to be the youngest person ever to sail around the world solo.
• B. Abby was trying to make the fastest solo voyage around the world.
• C. Abby wanted to complete a voyage that her brother Zac had not been able to complete.
• D. Abby wanted to prove to her parents that she was as good a sailor as her brother.

How did Abby’s voyage end?

• A. Abby successfully sailed around the world alone.
• B. Abby’s parents ordered her to stop the voyage.
• C. Abby’s boat sank just a day after she began her voyage.
• D. Abby had to be rescued in a remote  spot in the Indian Ocean.

What kind of reaction did Abby’s voyage cause?

• A. Other teenaged girls around the world followed in Abby’s footsteps.
• B. Critics debated the wisdom of a young sailor making such a dangerous trip.
• C. Many sailing experts praised Abby’s parents for letting her go on the voyage.
• D. Abby was universally acclaimed as a hero.   

What is the main opinion of the author of the editorial about Abby’s voyage?

• A. Abby’s parents were very brave to let her go.
• B. Abby’s parents should have supported her more.
• C. Abby’s parents were foolish to let her risk her life.
• D. Abby’s parents should feel proud of her accomplishment.

Use context clues: 
"But the family have robustly defended themselves. They have pointed out that Abby is a highly experienced and highly skilled sailor". 
Robustly means...

• happily
• weakly
• strongly
• guiltily 

People were upset about Abby's voyage and rescue because...

• Her parents spent a lot of time and money
• Search and rescue from three countries risked their lives to save her
• They didn't want their children to follow in her footsteps
• They wanted her to sail all around the world and she failed. 

Use context clues:
"Protecting a 16-year-old sailor, not enabling dangerous dreams, is a parent's responsibility."
Enabling  means...

• to promote
• to resist
• to hurt
• to sacrifice

What is the tallest mountain in the world above sea level?

• Everest
• Kilimanjaro
• Denali
• Towsley canyon

Why do some people think Jordan should wait until he is older to climb the 7 summits?

• his brain is not wired to make cognitive decisions
• he is too small
• he does not have enough muscle
• he needs more experience

What does pantheon mean?

• the gods
• bread
• a famous group of something
• a mountain