eslreading.org for English language learners

Lightning Strikes

Before you read:


Activities

Here are some fun activities to help you learn new words. They are not tests!

This
crossword includes some of the words you read in the story.

Writing

1. Imagine you are Roy Sullivan. Write a short newspaper article about your life.

2. Write Roy's diary entries for the days of four the lightning strikes. Include the first and the last strikes.

3. Write some guidelines on how to reduce the danger from lightning strikes.

Listening

A short listening comprehension
Strange Facts About Lightening (also available as a presentation here) plus activities.


Classroom activities

1. A television crew has come to the hospital to interview Roy after one of the lightning strikes. Role play the scene in groups:

Possible roles: Roy, TV interviewer, doctor, nurse, Roy's friend/work colleague


2.
Five things I didn't know about: lightning

Work in groups to find five new facts about lightning. At least one must not be from the Internet - try books, encyclopedias, dictionaries etc.

Think about what causes lighting. Where is lightning is most common? Most dangerous? Most unusual?

Prepare a short presentation for the rest of the class like the one
here. You could use Powerpoint or handouts

A useful article from the Encyclopedia Britanica premium service is free to ESL Reading visitors here:
Lightning