The extraordinary story of how 300 volunteers rescued a stranded caver

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

To manage (to do something) 

Plenty (of something)

To swap (something)

A treat/ To treat (yourself/ someone to something)

To take time off work

Fit

An obstacle

To crawl

To be soaked

To yawn

To squeeze

Meanwhile

Nevertheless

Banter

It’s a matter of time

To pull together

Draught

To spur (someone) on

On the line

To snowball

To put (something/ someone) to the test

A stretcher

To wade

To rally round

All hands to the pump​

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.​

1. What do you know about George Linnane and how did he get into trouble in the cave?

2. Who came to rescue George?

3. What were some of the difficulties that the rescuers faced?

4. What technical equipment did the rescuers use and how did they keep their spirits up?

5. ‘I can completely understand why people like George go caving.’ Is this true for you?

6. ‘If I had been in George’s position, I would have been able to stay very calm.’ Is this true for you?

7. ‘I would try to discourage my child from taking up caving.’ Is this true for you?

8. ‘I’ve never done any adrenaline activities.’ Is this true for you?

9. ‘I’ve never been in a dangerous situation.’ Is this true for you?

10. ‘I know a more interesting rescue story!’ Is this true for you?

11. ‘I have hobbies that other people wouldn’t understand.’ Is this true for you?

12. ‘All cavers are selfish.’ Do you agree?

13. ‘Everyone should try caving, because getting out of your comfort zone is the only way to learn and develop!’ Do you agree?

14. ‘The rescuers shouldn’t be volunteers, they should be paid by the state.’ Do you agree?

15. ‘It would be great if more public services and emergency services were provided by volunteers.’ Do you agree?