142 one lucker trucker writing for the nytimes

MY FIRST NEWS
STORY
One Lucker Trucker
Task 1. You’re an intern with the New York
Times. Write a 250-word newsflash for the
online edition about an accident involving
the eighteen wheeler in the picture. Follow
the editor’s notes below.

Editor’s notes
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

What happened and where?
Where was the truck headed?
Was anyone wounded in the
accident?
Were there other vehicles involved
in the accident?
Quotes from the driver
Quotes from witnesses
What might have caused the
accident?
Any damage to the truck?
How’s it affected traffic?

Task 2. Before writing, read the newsflashes next page about other lucky
accidents.
Borrow at least 5 phrases from it for your story. Also, find the words that
mean the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

She’s incredibily thankful
almost hit sg
police are trying to find people who saw the accident
I almost got into a wheelchair
it was fortunate that they were unhurt
it warns us again that …


Cycle girl hit by car lucky to survive
February 26th, 2009
A TEENAGE girl had to be rushed to hospital after she was hit by a car while trying
to ride her bike against traffic on the Stuart Highway. The girl, 16, is believed to have
suffered a broken leg when hit by a blue Holden ute at the Berrimah Rd intersection
at 12.40pm.The Kormilda College Year 11 student was not wearing a helmet as she
rode in to oncoming traffic across the Stuart Highway at Berrimah.
The teen was being assessed at Royal Darwin Hospital last night. The driver of the
car, aged 19, was interviewed by police but no charges were laid. Darwin Watch Commander, senior
sergeant Garry Smith said it was a reminder that all cyclists should wear a helmet, particularly children, and

obey traffic light directions. Traffic was affected for more than an hour as police redirected motorists
around the accident.
/>
Road patrol workers lucky to escape injury
24/02/2009 8:45:00 AM
Two road patrol workers were lucky to escape injury on Thursday after an eighteen wheeler hit the back
of their stationary vehicle, narrowly missing the two men stood on the side of the Western Highway.
The road patrol vehicle was parked on the side of the highway facing west about one kilometre west of the
Langi Ghiran Bridge when it is believed the west-bound truck drifted on the road, smashing into the
vehicle at around 6pm. The truck then mowed down the wire barrier and finally came to a stop more than
200 metres down the road.
The driver of the eighteen wheeler sustained minor injuries. The truck was carrying a 34-ton load of
alcohol. The load was undamaged and after it had been secured the truck was towed to Horsham. The
Western Highway was partially blocked for around 4 hours. LSC Allen said the driver of the truck has been
interviewed and police are seeking witnesses to the accident to come forward.
/>
Baker Feels ‘Lucky' After Serious Accident
Monday, February 16, 2009
A patch of ice on Miller Bay Road in Poulsbo nearly changed Haylee
Baker's life forever. The 17-year-old junior at Bainbridge Island High
School, who is a pitcher for the Spartans, was driving to school last
Wednesday when she skidded on the icy road near the Poulsbo Marina.
Baker lost control of her 1999 Toyota Camry and spun into oncoming
traffic. Baker was hit by another car on the passenger side and the
impact fractured her vertebrae at the base of her neck. The other driver
was uninjured. In what seems like a miracle, however, Baker's fracture was at an optimal place that it did
not leave her paralyzed. Baker will wear a neck brace for a few weeks and is expected to make a full
recovery. "It's amazing, I could have so easily been paralyzed," Baker said. "I got really, really lucky."
Baker's close friend, Brittany Wisner, who witnessed the accident, said she's grateful beyond words to
have her friend alive and recuperating. Baker said she doesn't remember much of the accident, only

bits and pieces flash through her mind. She doesn't remember driving to school, only her car first starting
to slide on the ice as the road curved and losing control. She remembers she panicked, but doesn't
remember the collision itself. Baker is disappointed she will miss the season, but is thankful to be alive and
well and is looking forward to her senior year.
/>

VOCABULARY KEY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

she's grateful beyond words to …
narrowly missing
police are seeking witnesses
I could have so easily been paralyzed
were lucky to escape injury
it was a reminder that
bits and pieces flash through her mind
was partially blocked