Shackleton's ship Endurance trapped in Antarctic ice. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
Free levelled English reading practice. Read for meaning first, then use the full Speed Reading tool to time yourself and track your progress.
Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition left Britain in 1914 intending to cross Antarctica. Before reaching land, the ship Endurance became trapped in sea ice and was eventually crushed. The crew camped on drifting ice, then used lifeboats to reach Elephant Island. Shackleton and five companions sailed about 1,300 kilometres across the stormy Southern Ocean in the small boat James Caird to South Georgia. After crossing the mountainous island, they reached help. A rescue eventually brought every member of the Endurance party to safety.
Comprehension questions
What was the expedition trying to cross?
What happened to Endurance?
Where did the crew reach by lifeboat?
What small boat made the long voyage?
How many Endurance party members were ultimately rescued?
