Sailing Alone

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In 1996, Subaru Takahashi sailed alone across the Pacific Ocean. Many other people did this before Subaru, but he was special. At age 14, he was the youngest person to sail across the Pacific by himself. 

Subaru left Tokyo on July 22, 1996. His boat was 30 feet (9 meters) long. In the boat he had a two-month 1.1 of food and water. He also had a radio and other modern equipment for sailing. 

The beginning of the trip went very well. Subaru often talked to his parents by radio. He didn't have any problems with his boat. Then, on August 11, the engine in his boat quit. Suddenly, Subaru was without electricity. This affected his 1.2 equipment. Then, five days later, his radio quit. Now he wasn't able to communicate with anyone. And he was still 2,770 miles (4,490 kilometers) away from his 1.3 - San Francisco. 

By the end of August, many people believed that Subaru was lost. No one was able to 1.4 him by radio. His parents expected him to arrive in San Francisco on September 3, but he didn't. Then, on September 13, Subaru sailed into San Francisco. After 55 days in his boat, his trip was finally 1.5. 

Many people believe that Subaru was too young to sail alone. They say that parents shouldn't allow children to make such dangerous trips. However, other people say that children should have 1.6, too. What do you think?

Read and answer the following questions.

Sailing Alone

In 1996, Subaru Takahashi sailed alone across the Pacific Ocean. Many other people did this before Subaru, but he was special. At age 14, he was the youngest person to sail across the Pacific by himself. 

Subaru left Tokyo on July 22, 1996. His boat was 30 feet (9 meters) long. In the boat he had a two-month supply of food and water. He also had a radio and other modern equipment for sailing. 

The beginning of the trip went very well. Subaru often talked to his parents by radio. He didn't have any problems with his boat. Then, on August 11, the engine in his boat quit. Suddenly, Subaru was without electricity. This affected his navigation equipment. Then, five days later, his radio quit. Now he wasn't able to communicate with anyone. And he was still 2,770 miles (4,490 kilometers) away from his destination - San Francisco. 

By the end of August, many people believed that Subaru was lost. No one was able to contact him by radio. His parents expected him to arrive in San Francisco on September 3, but he didn't. Then, on September 13, Subaru sailed into San Francisco. After 55 days in his boat, his trip was finally over. 

Many people believe that Subaru was too young to sail alone. They say that parents shouldn't allow children to make such dangerous trips. However, other people say that children should have adventures, too. What do you think?

Source: Facts and Figures

Why was Subaru's trip special?

How was Subaru at the beginning of the trip?

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?

What can be the attitude of the author in the last paragraph?

Build your vocabulary by learning these intensive phrases/idioms

Choose the correct answer.

The Golden Swan was the largest sailing-ship ever to useto be usedbe used in battle.

Combine the two sentences so that it has a similar meaning, using the word in a bracket. Do not change the word given.

Those designer clothes are very expensive. He can't afford them. (TOO)

=> Those designer clothes are .

Choose the underlined part that needs correction.

They no longer expect corporate profits improving.

If you keep sailing close to the _____, the police are going to arrest you eventually.