Junko Tabei Climbs On

Written by Studio AM.

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 Sherpa guide Ang Tsering. On May 16, she became the first woman known to reach Everest's summit. Her women's climbing club helped more women take part in demanding expeditions.

Tabei later climbed on every continent and worked to protect mountain environments. Her Everest story includes not only the summit but the club, team, and support that made the climb possible.

Questions

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  1. Question 1 of 4

    What is the main idea of the biography?

  2. Question 2 of 4

    Why did the team need to adapt its plan?

  3. Question 3 of 4

    What does “summit” mean?

  4. Question 4 of 4

    On what date did Tabei reach the summit?

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