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Writer's pictureKaren Hunter

English reading practice - Record Breakers - Pea Propulsion (C1/C2 Advanced)

In a world where records are shattered faster than you can say "world record," there are some achievements that truly stand out for their uniqueness and, let's face it, sheer absurdity. One such record is the Farthest Distance to Blow a Pea. We're talking about the tiny, green, spherical vegetable that often finds its way onto dinner plates and into children's tales about princesses and mattresses.


On October 8, 2022, in the quaint city of Boise, Idaho, USA, history was made, not with grandiose displays or heart-stopping stunts, but with something as simple and humble as a pea. David Rush, a man with a penchant for peculiar challenges and a knack for blowing things away, set out to conquer this seemingly impossible record.


Armed with nothing but his breath, determination, and perhaps a touch of whimsy, David took aim at the record books. With bated breath and the world watching, he leaned in, positioned the pea just so, and let loose a gust of air that would put even the mightiest of hurricanes to shame.



As the pea soared through the air, propelled by the sheer force of David's exhalation, hearts raced, pulses quickened, and spectators held their breath in anticipation. Would it be enough? Could this tiny legume travel farther than anyone had ever dared to dream?


And then, in a moment that seemed to stretch on for eternity, the pea landed. But it wasn't just any landing. It was a landing that would go down in the annals of history. The distance? A mind-boggling 25.89 meters (or 84 feet and 11 inches, for those who prefer imperial measurements).


Cheers erupted, confetti rained down, and David Rush stood triumphant, his place in the record books secured for eternity.


In a world filled with challenges both big and small, it serves as a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a little imagination and a lot of determination to achieve the seemingly impossible. So the next time you find yourself faced with a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, just remember the person who has gone down in history all thanks to the humble pea. So go ahead, dream big, aim high, and who knows? You just might find yourself making history one breath at a time.


Check your understanding

  1. What is the Guinness World Record achieved by David Rush on October 8, 2022?

  2. What tools did he use, and what was the outcome?

  3. How far did David Rush blow the pea to set the record?

  4. What emotions and reactions did the spectators have during David Rush's attempt?

  5. What broader message does the article convey about human ingenuity and determination through the lens of this seemingly trivial record?


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Vocabulary
  1. Annals: Historical records or accounts of events.

  2. Accolades: Expressions of praise or admiration; awards or honors.

  3. Imperial measurements: A system of units for measuring length, weight, and volume that includes feet, inches, pounds, etc., commonly used in countries like the United States that have not adopted the metric system.

  4. Insurmountable: Impossible to overcome or surpass.

  5. Aim high: To set ambitious goals or aspirations; to strive for excellence.

  6. Grandiose:  impressive or imposing in appearance, style, or scope. It often refers to things that are overly elaborate, extravagant, or exaggerated in a way that suggests a desire to impress or appear impressive.


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