activity

Into the Death Zone February/March 2011

Main Idea/Supporting Details

Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________

Big Ideas
A main idea is the most important point in a story. Details help you understand the main idea better. In many articles, each section of the story has its own main idea. In this activity, you will think about the main idea in three sections of Into the Death Zone and find details that support those ideas.
Do this with a partner!

Directions: Read Into the Death Zone. Then reread the three section listed below. Write down a main idea for each section of the article and find at least two details that support that idea.

Main idea of Into the Death Zone

Jordan was determined to climb Mount Everest despite the challenges it presented.

Main idea of Unmerciful Mountain

Main idea of Dreams of Everest

Main idea of Freezing to Death

Supporting Details

Supporting Details

Supporting Details

How do the main ideas and supporting details of each section of Into the Death Zone support the main idea for the entire article of Jordans determination?
2011 Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.

Critical Thinking

activity
Into the Death Zone February/March 2011

C o n t e n t - A r e a Vo c a b u l a r y
Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________

Climbing Words
This issues nonfiction article takes readers to the top of the Earth. It also uses words that are important to understanding the difficulty and risks of mountain climbing. Directions: Read Into the Death Zone: A Mount Everest Adventure. Match each word on the left to its definition on the right. Then read the signs below and use the terms to fill in each blank. altitude crampon crevasse expedition feat plateau summit achievement that shows great courage, strength, or skill deep crack or split in the ground height of something above the ground area of high, flat land the highest point of a mountain a long journey made for a specific purpose spiked footwear used for climbing on ice and snow

Yahoo! I reached the

_________________ !

Danger!
high _________________! Use oxygen mask!
Attention, climbers: be prepared. check your gear.

________________ up

this _______________________ will take many months.

ahead. cross at the split rock bridge.

2011 Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.

activity
Into the Death Zone February/March 2011

Critical Thinking
Name: ___________________________________ Date: ____________

Read. Think. Explain.

In this activity, youll answer a series of questions about Into the Death Zone. They will help you think more deeply about Jordan Romero and his dangerous climb up Mount Everest. Youll also think about the structure of the article and the authors motivations. Directions: Answer the questions below, using information and details from the article to back up your ideas. Use a separate piece of paper if you need more room.

1. What was unusual about Jordan Romeros Mount Everest climb? What does that tell you about him?

2. What is the main idea of the section Unmerciful Mountain? What details support this idea?

3. What did Jordan do to prepare for his climb?

4. During the final climb to the summit, what challenges did Jordan and his team face?

5. The author includes several examples of climbers who died on the mountain, like Green Boots. Why do you think he did this?

2011 Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.

activity
February/March 2011

Comprehension
Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________

Into the Death Zone Quiz

Directions: Read the nonfiction article Into the Death Zone on page 4 of the February/March 2011 issue of Storyworks. Then fill in the circle next to the best answer for each question.

1. What was unique about Jordans Mount Everest climb? A It was the first mountain he ever climbed. B He was the youngest person to climb it. C He climbed it by himself. D He didnt use an oxygen mask. 2. When was the first time anyone reached the top of Mount Everest? C 1983 A 1920 1953 D 2010 B 3. Which of the following is NOT evidence of the dangers of scaling Mount Everest? A Violent snowstorms can come unexpectedly. B Eight people died there in a 1996 blizzard. C Lack of oxygen can kill climbers. D The number of attempts increases each year. 4. What are the Seven Summits? A the highest mountains on each of the seven continents B the seven highest mountains in Asia C the seven most-climbed mountains D the most-visited places on each continent

5. Which best sums up the main idea of the section Dreams of Everest? A Jordans dad forced him to become a mountain climber. B Jordan wanted to quit climbing. C Jordans dreams were unrealistic. D Jordan worked hard to prepare for his climb. 6. Since the 1980s, the number of successful summits has . . . A slowly decreased. C increased slightly. B doubled. D increased greatly. 7. Which of these statements is a fact? A Mountain climbing is too dangerous for a kid. B Jordans father just wanted publicity. C Team Jordan drew international attention. D Climbing makes you a better person. 8. This article emphasizes . . . A Jordans determination to succeed. B the number of minors who climb mountains. C the deadly dangers of climbing Everest. D both A and C.

Directions: On a separate piece of paper, write your answers in well-organized paragraphs. Make sure you support your answer with information and details from the article! 9. What are the consequences of more people attempting to climb Mount Everest? 10. Do you think a 13-year-old should be permitted to try such a dangerous feat? Why or why not?

Critical Thinking

2011 Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.