B2 – Upper Intermediate
As stress and pressure continue to affect young people in Malawi, many are turning to an unexpected source of relief—rock climbing. What was once a little-known sport in the country is now gaining popularity among the youth, who see it not only as a physical challenge but also as a way to clear their minds, build confidence, and find balance in their daily lives.
Read this article to learn more about it.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “jutt out” mean? “But, once it jutted out at a 25-degree overhang, he struggled – and was hooked.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- Define “self-sufficient“. “The coronavirus pandemic was a wake-up call that Malawi’s climbers had to be more self-sufficient, says Nhlane, 34.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
- What does the expression “to never look back” mean? “Ed Nhlane was running a tour guiding company and hoping to get into rock climbing when he heard about Algeo’s wall through a friend in 2019. ‘I never looked back,’ he says.” Use this in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think rock climbing is becoming a popular sport among young Malawians?
- What personal qualities or skills do you think rock climbing helps develop among the youths?
- Do you think governments should invest in outdoor recreational facilities for young people? Why or why not?
- How might economic or social challenges in Malawi influence young people to seek new hobbies like rock climbing?
- In what ways can adventure sports like rock climbing positively impact mental health?