Coast Guard vs. Hamster wheel (Intermediate)

Reza Baluchi, despite his best efforts, keeps running into trouble with the U.S. Coast Guard on his quest to reach London in a giant hamster wheel. The vessel, a self-propelled hydro-pod, landed him in hot water when Coast Guard cutter Valiant spotted it 70 nautical miles east of Tybee Island during Hurricane Franklin preparations. Baluchi, armed with a 12-inch knife, resisted attempts to board, leading to threats of self-harm. Eventually, Coast Guard cutter Campbell successfully removed him from his floating contraption on August 29. Baluchi, barred from ocean travel, faces legal consequences for his risky endeavors. This isn't his first rodeo; previous homemade vessel attempts resulted in Coast Guard interventions. Despite legal challenges, Baluchi remains steadfast in pursuing his unconventional dreams. 

1Testing your understanding:

True or false: 

1. Reza Baluchi successfully reached London in a giant hamster wheel.

2. The U.S. Coast Guard encountered Reza Baluchi's hydro-pod during Hurricane Franklin preparations.

3. Reza Baluchi was cooperative when the Coast Guard attempted to board his hydro-pod.

4. Reza Baluchi used a knife to defend himself against the Coast Guard.

5. The Coast Guard was able to remove Reza Baluchi from his floating contraption.

6. Reza Baluchi has faced legal consequences for his previous homemade vessel attempts.

7. Reza Baluchi's unconventional dreams have been discouraged by the legal challenges he has faced.

Pick the right answer.

1

What is Reza Baluchi's goal?

a To reach London in a giant hamster wheel.

b To become a professional athlete.

c To join the U.S. Coast Guard.

d To start a business.

2

How did the U.S. Coast Guard discover Baluchi's hydro-pod?

a They found it on Tybee Island.

b They saw it during Hurricane Franklin preparations.

c Baluchi contacted them for assistance.

d They received a tip from a local fisherman.

3

What did Baluchi do when the Coast Guard attempted to board his hydro-pod?

a He welcomed them aboard.

b He resisted their attempts and threatened self-harm.

c He surrendered peacefully.

d He requested legal assistance.

4

What legal consequences does Baluchi face?

a He is banned from ocean travel.

b He has to pay a fine.

c He will be given an award for his bravery.

d He will receive a job offer from the Coast Guard.

5

How many times has Baluchi attempted to travel in homemade vessels?

a This is his first attempt.

b He has attempted it twice before.

c He has attempted it multiple times.

d The text does not provide this information.

Answer Key: 

True and False: 

1. False - - The text states that Reza Baluchi keeps running into trouble and has faced Coast Guard interventions, suggesting he did not successfully reach London.

2. True

3. False - - The text mentions that Reza Baluchi resisted attempts to board, indicating he was not cooperative.

4. False - - The text states that Reza Baluchi was armed with a 12-inch knife, suggesting he used it as a defensive measure.

5. True

6. True

7. False - - The text mentions that despite legal challenges, Reza Baluchi remains steadfast in pursuing his unconventional dreams, indicating they have not been discouraged.

Pick the right answer key:

1. A

2. B

3. B

4. A

5. C