Learn English with the News: “Defying Death”

Hi!

The following video is quite hard to watch. A man walks a tight-rope over a canyon in China, defying death and leaving the people watching breathless.

1. Read the text
2. Understand the vocabulary
3. Watch the video

Text

This type of a stunt might warrant a ‘Don’t try this at home’ disclaimer. But for professional highliner Dean Potter, putting his best foot forward across China’s Enshi Grand Canyon is just another day at the office.

The rope, known as a slackline, is two centimeters thick – a material that’s more challenging than a tightrope because it’s not as taut and is therefore more susceptible to bouncing and stretching. And watching this American balance his steps 1,800 meters in the air or almost 1,970 yards is enough to make you hold your breath.

But defying death had Potter kissing the ground he walks on – completing the 40 meter or 44 yard distance in just over two minutes

Vocabulary

Stunt – to stop (someone or something) from growing or developing.

Warrant – to require or deserve (something).

Disclaimer – a statement that is meant to prevent an incorrect understanding of something (such as a book, a movie, or an advertisement).

Highliner – this means someone who walks tight-ropes high up in the sky.

Slackline – a line which is not stretched or held in a tight position.

Tightrope – a tightly stretched rope or wire high above the ground that a performer walks on, does tricks on, etc., especially in a circus.

Taut – very tight from being pulled or stretched : not loose or slack.

Susceptible – easily affected, influenced, or harmed by something.

Defying death – very dangerous.

Video

Wow! What do you think of that? Do you think you could do it?