Daily News Lesson Roundup: Amazing Achievements
Every day, regular people around the world do incredible things. So for this collection of Daily News lessons, we've selected 10 that highlight these inspiring stories; they include everything from sports achievements to important victories for gender equality.
Pay special attention to the level ranking below each title; our list begins with lessons that are appropriate for intermediate learners, while more difficult lessons are at the end of the list. Choose the level that's right for you!
Lessons on Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things
US Woman Sets Record for Cycling Around the World
Level 5: Intermediate
You might be wondering how it's possible to ride a bicycle "around the world," but here the phrase is used figuratively (not literally). But no matter how you describe it, it's still an very challenging thing to do!
'World's Best Teacher' Shares $1 Million Prize
Level 6: Intermediate
Some people only do the minimum work necessary for their jobs. There are others, however, who "go above and beyond," meaning they do much more than is required, often sacrificing their personal time and energy.
Hard workers like these don't always get the attention they deserve — but sometimes they get attention and a whole lot more!
A Woman Police Chief Breaks Barriers in Pakistan
Level 6: Intermediate
Being the first person of your gender or race to reach a special position comes with lots of extra pressure. But handling the pressure and still performing the job well is a mark of true strength and greatness.
Read to learn about how one woman's important position has positively affected her community.
Man Spends 120 Days Underwater, Breaking Record
Level 6: Intermediate
Some people are very comfortable in the water, especially people who grew up near lakes and oceans. However, going for a swim and living underwater temporarily are two very different things!
In early 2025, a man from Germany broke a record when he stayed under the surface of the sea for about four months. What kind of space did he live in? And why did he decide to do it? Find out in the full lesson.
Spanish World Scrabble Winner Can’t Speak Spanish
Level 6: Intermediate
Scrabble is a game in which you earn points by spelling words using letters on blocks called "tiles." In this lesson, read about a man from New Zealand who became a champion Scrabble player despite having a major disadvantage compared to his rivals.
(By the way, we mention Scrabble, along with several other games, in our article on toys and games for young English learners.)
Record-Breaking Parrot Can Identify and Name Objects
Level 6: Intermediate
The theme of this blog post is "amazing achievements," but we didn't say that they had to be performed by humans!
You probably already know that parrots can repeat words that humans say. However, Apollo — the bird in this lesson — can do much more than that.
Mother of Three Becomes Record-Breaking Runner
Level 7: Advanced
People who reach great levels of success often dedicate most of their time to what they do.
But in this lesson, you'll learn about a woman who is breaking records despite the large responsibilities she has in other areas of her life. It's a good reminder: Instead of looking for excuses, find a way to achieve your goals!
One-Armed Player Makes History in College Basketball
Level 7: Advanced
It takes a lot of courage to enter competitive sports when you have a major disadvantage compared to other players. But that's exactly what the young woman in this lesson demonstrated when she joined a college basketball team.
However, her story does not end there.
Man with 'Golden Arm' Whose Blood Saved Millions
Level 7: Advanced
You don't have to be an athlete, scientist or anyone famous to have a big impact on many people's lives. In fact, the man in this lesson said he only had one talent, but he used it to do something incredible.
Maltese Swimmer Breaks Record for Longest Sea Swim
Level 8: Advanced
Swimming is an activity that exercises many parts of the body at once, so it requires a lot of strength and endurance. But when you swim for long distances and times, it requires mental strength in addition to the physical kind.
In this lesson, read about how a swimmer from a small island in the Mediterranean Sea was able to accomplish something historic.
Wrap-up
Were you impressed by any of the achievements in these lessons? Are there any world records you'd like to try breaking one day?
Why not book a lesson with an Engoo tutor and chat about it? Thousands of tutors are available any time of day to help you on your English journey. Give it a try!
