Generally speaking, women are expected to stay home and raise families. But some brave women are determined to take off on amazing adventures around the world. They go to space or sail around the world. In all, they can make all kinds of outstanding achievements.
Jeanne Baret (1740—1807) was a French scientist. She studied plants. And, she was the first woman to sail around the world. In 1766, Baret wanted to set sail with a group of scientists. But they were all men. Women weren’t allowed to travel on French navy ships. So, Baret disguised herself as a man. And she sailed away!
Hester Stanhope (1776—1839) was from England. Ambitious, brave and determined, Hester Stanhope was never cut out for a traditional life. She wanted to travel. She traveled throughout the Middle East by herself. And she led an archaeological dig there. As the greatest female traveler of her age, she was the first Western woman to cross the Syrian desert, where she was honored as the “Star of the Morning” by the Bedouin.
Nellie Bly (1864—1922) was a journalist. In 1887, she wrote a story about hidden problems at a mental hospital. She disguised herself as a patient at the hospital. Then she wrote an alarming six-part report. The story made Bly well-known. It also led the way for other women journalists. Two years later, Bly set a world record. She traveled around the globe in 72 days!
Louise Boyd (1887—1972) was the first woman (at the age of 68) to fly over the North Pole and was regarded as the “Ice Lady” by the media. During her early Arctic voyages, she hunted polar bears with European nobles, and went to the Arctic to study the effects of the polar magnetic field. She enjoyed a degree of fame. King Haakon of Norway awarded Boyd the Knight’s Cross of St. Olaf for her bravery and competence.
【小题1】Who was the first woman to go around the world by ship?| A．Nellie Bly. | B．Hester Stanhope. | C．Jeanne Baret. | D．Louise Boyd. |
| A．Pretending to be a mental patient. | B．Researching hidden problems. |
| C．Writing an alarming report. | D．Disguising as a famous journalist. |
| A．Modest and clever. | B．Creative and cautious. |
| C．Brave and capable. | D．Humorous and wise. |
| A．Women Journalists | B．Women Adventurers |
| C．Women Sailors | D．Women Scientists |
