WARM-UP

Answer briefly. No overthinking.

1. Can you swim?

2. Have you ever been in rough water?

3. What makes someone brave?

VOCABULARY

ESSENTIAL (A1–B1)

praise – to show approval or admiration
Example: The teacher praised the student for helping others.

drift – to move slowly with wind or water
Example: The boat began to drift away from the shore.

collapse – to fall down from exhaustion
Example: He collapsed after running for a long time.

determination – the will to continue despite difficulty
Example: Her determination helped her finish the race.

courage – bravery in a frightening situation
Example: It takes courage to face danger.

shiver – to shake because of cold or fear
Example: I started to shiver in the cold water.

DEVELOPED (B2–C2)

rescue – to save someone from danger
Example: The coast guard carried out a rescue.

raise the alarm – to warn others about danger
Example: He ran to raise the alarm.

life jacket – clothing that helps someone float
Example: Always wear a life jacket at sea.

rough conditions – dangerous weather or sea state
Example: Boats stayed in port due to rough conditions.

survival instinct – natural reaction to stay alive
Example: His survival instinct guided his actions.

READING

INTRODUCTION

This article describes how a young boy showed determination and courage when his family drifted out to sea.

ARTICLE (ALL LEVELS)

A 13-year-old boy is being praised for saving his mother and two younger siblings after they drifted out to sea in Australia.

Austin Appelbee swam several kilometers to shore to raise the alarm after strong wind and waves pulled the family away from land.

DEVELOPED ARTICLE (B1–C2)

Austin first tried to paddle back, but his kayak filled with water. He removed his life jacket and began swimming through rough conditions for around four hours.

When he finally reached land, he collapsed on the beach before finding help. A helicopter later carried out a rescue of the rest of the family.

Police said Austin’s determination, courage, and strong survival instinct saved their lives. The family members were shivering, but none required hospital treatment.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

A1–A2

1. Who was praised in the story?

2. Why did Austin swim to shore?

3. Did the family survive?

B1–B2

1. Why did Austin stop using the kayak?

2. How long did he swim?

3. How were the others rescued?

C1–C2

1. Why are Austin’s actions described as courageous?

2. What risks did he face while swimming?

3. What does this story show about human resilience?

SPEAKING

A1–A2 — FOUNDATION

Language Support:
“I think…”
“He is…”
“It is…”

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

1. Can you swim well?

2. Do you like the sea?

3. Have you ever worn a life jacket?

4. Do you know anyone brave?

5. Is courage important?

6. Have you ever helped someone?

7. Would you feel scared in rough water?

8. Do you like water sports?

9. Have you been to the beach this year?

10. Do you prefer pools or the sea?

11. Would you try kayaking?

12. Do you like adventure?

13. Who do you praise in your life?

14. What makes a hero?

15. Would you want to learn rescue skills?

B1–B2 — EXPANSION

Language Support:
“In my opinion…”
“I believe…”
“One reason is…”

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

1. What makes someone show determination?

2. Could you swim for a long time?

3. How would you raise the alarm in danger?

4. Should children learn water safety?

5. Have you experienced rough conditions?

6. What would you do first in an emergency?

7. Is fear helpful or harmful?

8. Do heroes need training?

9. Can courage be taught?

10. Who decides what a hero is?

11. Would you remove a life jacket to swim better?

12. How can people prepare for emergencies?

13. Have you seen a real-life rescue?

14. What safety rules do you follow?

15. Would you like to learn first aid?

C1–C2 — DEPTH & REFLECTION

Language Support:
“This suggests that…”
“One implication is…”
“From a psychological perspective…”

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

1. What motivates people to risk their lives for others?

2. How does survival instinct influence decision-making?

3. Should bravery be publicly rewarded?

4. Can extreme stress improve performance?

5. Are young people underestimated in emergencies?

6. How can societies promote emergency readiness?

7. What role does training play in heroism?

8. Should schools teach survival skills?

9. Can fear sharpen focus?

10. How do media stories shape our idea of heroes?

11. Is courage always physical?

12. Can small actions be heroic?

13. What ethical responsibilities do bystanders have?

14. How do near-death experiences change people?

15. What defines true heroism?