MISSOULA, MT, USA On a fine summer day, Aaron Hall, 16, set out on a hike in the mountains of Montana with a group of young children. As a camp councelor, Hall was in charge of the children's safety. Hall was walking in front of six-year-old Dante Swallow when he hears Dante scream. He turned around and got the shock of his life. An animal had Dante by the neck and was dragging him away. At first glance the animal looked like a dog, but then Hall saw the face of a mountain lion. He reacted in a flash. He began kicking and hitting the lion. He founght tooth and nail.
The lion let go of Dante and backed off, running into the bushes. Hall gave Dante first aid. Then he jumped to a nearby truck and drove the boy down the mountain. At the hospital, Dante got stiches in his neck.What a close call! The lion's teeth had just missed Dante's main artery.
"I was really scared of the lion," Hall said afterwards. "I don't even remember fighting him." He is now a hero in this community. "What he did is just incredible," said Dante's greatful parents.
New Idioms and Expressions:
- fight tooth and nail---fight very hard
- set out (on a hike, a walk, a trip)---begin (a hike, a walk, a trip, an adventure)
- be in charge (of someone or sth)---be responsible (for someone or something)
- in front of someone or sth---ahead of/before someone or sth
- get the shock of one's life---be extremely surprised and scared
- at first glance---at the first quick look
- look like someone or sth---be simolar in appearance to someone or sth
- in a flash---very quickly
- let go (of someone or sth)---release (someone or something)
- back off (from someone)---move in reverse/stop threatening (someone)
- a close call---a narrow escape
- be scared of someone or sth---fear/be afraid of someone or sth
Answer the Question
About the Story..................................................
- What was the Hall in charge of?
- What were the animals look like at first glance?
- How did Hall react when he saw it was a lion? How would you react in the same situation?
- What did the lion do after hall fought tooth and nail?
- Why did Dante have a close call?
- What is your opinion of Hall?
About You...........................................................
- Tell me about a time when you got the shock of your life.
- Are you scared of any animals? Which one?
- Tell about a close call you have had in your life. What happened?
- Do you like to be in charge of things? Explain.
