Biography · Level 1 · 138 words

Junko Tabei Climbs On

Original passage © Studio AM, written for Fluency.

Junko Tabei loved mountains, though some people said climbing was not for women. She formed a women's climbing club in Japan and helped plan an expedition to Mount Everest.

In 1975, an avalanche struck the team's camp. Snow buried Tabei, and a guide pulled her free. She was bruised and needed time to recover. The accident damaged supplies, but the group repaired its plan.

Tabei continued upward with a guide. On May 16, she became the first woman known to reach Everest's summit. She did not say women were stronger than men. She argued that women should have the same chance to climb.

Tabei later climbed on every continent and worked to protect mountain environments. Her Everest story is not only about reaching a high point. It is about building access, adapting after danger, and continuing with care.

Comprehension questions

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4 questions
1. What is the main idea of the biography?

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B. Junko Tabei created opportunities for women climbers and adapted after an avalanche to reach Everest’s summit.
The passage joins Tabei’s organizing, recovery, historic climb, and belief in equal opportunity.

2. Why did the team need to adapt its plan?

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C. An avalanche injured climbers and damaged supplies.
The second paragraph identifies injuries and damaged supplies after the avalanche.

3. What does “summit” mean?

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D. the highest point of a mountain
Tabei climbs upward until reaching Everest’s summit, its highest point.

4. On what date did Tabei reach the summit?

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A. May 16, 1975
The third paragraph gives May 16 during the expedition already dated 1975.

Source: Written for Fluency. Original passage © Studio AM, written for Fluency.