English Level:
advanced
Content Warning:
fast-paced language, religion, crime
I have chosen not to include the definitions here to give you the opportunity to find the information yourself. The information you find this way will stay with you longer. Please take the time to find out the meaning of the vocabulary. Â
Cordial
A beacon of hope
Carried me though
Super Bowl
Wear it on my sleeve
To have a grasp on something
Open up doors
Automotive enthusiast
Pump the brakes
11th hour
Backing out
A friend of a friend
Don’t have a say in it
Living up to the hype
Catharsis
Washes over you
Serendipitous
Dying to do something
These warmup questions are intended to introduce you to the topic
- What is the cannonball run?
- How far do they drive? Approximately how long does it take?
- What is the fastest you have ever driven?
- If you could drive across a country, which country would you like to drive across?
- What is the role of the co-driver?
- Describe the Red Ball Garage. Why is it important?
- What are the risks associated with a cannonball run?
- What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
As you listen, try to answer these questions.
You may need to listen more than once.
- How long was his book?
- When did the journey really begin for Ed?
- Why did he want to do a cannonball run?
- What affect does his religion have on the cannonball run?
- Why is it hard to get a codriver?
- Who is Doug Demuro?
- What kind of car did he take? Here is a video:
- Why did Doug Demuro say no?
- Who asked to join Ed as a codriver?
- What are some things that can go wrong in a cannonball run?
- What was their average speed for the trip?
- How long did they stop?
- How long did it take to finish it?
- After the cannonball run, what was the next big event in Ed’s life?
- Who did he write a letter (dedication) to?
- What is Ed's hope for you?
Reflect on what you have learned.
- What kind of car would you take on a cross-country trip?
- Ed said that this pushed him farther than he ever expected. Have you ever had an experience like that?
- Here is a second video. In this video, Ed shows us the car he used to do the Cannonball run. What modifications did he make to the car? (https://youtu.be/YhQYyhO3Qi8). NOTE: There is a lot of technical language in this video.Â
- Identify at least one key issue from this video that you could research more.