Page 73 - Real English 2024 Book 8

ON TOP OF THE WORLD

after earning a degree in Human Biochemistry. He also won a silver
medal in cycling at the Sydney Paralympics in 2000.
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Before leaving on his expedition to Mt Everest,

Inglis said that the fact that he had lost both legs, and
that no one has ever scaled the world’s highest peak
with two artificial legs was of secondary importance.
He said with conviction, ‘I’m not doing this to be

the first double amputee – if I am, then it is the
icing on the cake – but it’s much more than that.
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I’ve been climbing most of my life and Everest is the
achievement really. It gives you the knowledge of
empowerment to do other things.’ Inglis, who kept
a website diary of his climb, said that the expedition

was also an effort to raise money for a Cambodian
centre that provides rehabilitation for landmine 16
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amputees, polio victims and other disabled people.

13. a sporting event regarded as the Olympics for the 15. the process of returning someone to a healthy
physically challenged condition
14. something extra added to something that is already 16. a bomb placed on or under the ground to explode
good when people or vehicles move over it

A Reflect

A1 Based on your reading of the text, think carefully about the points given below and form your
own views.
1. Mark Inglis faced many hurdles in life before and after he lost his legs to frostbite.
Likewise, each mountaineer who attempted the climb faced many obstacles before
achieving success.
 How many times have you faced failure? What did you do next?
 Has there been a time when you overcame disappointment and went on to achieve
success?
2. Mark Inglis believes that conquering Mount Everest empowered him to do other things
which he had considered difficult in life.
 What encourages or motivates you on a daily basis?

 Have you ever encouraged or boosted the morale of someone going through a
difficult time doing something? What did you do to support them?

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