Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): Petite police officer rescues girl from 40-metre well

South China Morning Post

11-05-2025

Content provided by British Council
[1] A police officer in Xinjiang, China rescued a two-year-old girl from a 40-metre-deep, 40cm-wide well. Many people were touched by the story online. The girl later visited the officer in the hospital to thank her.
[2] On April 16 in Luopu county, Xinjiang, a little girl fell into an abandoned well while playing. The well had a narrow opening, making it hard to use regular rescue equipment.
[3] Bupatim Abudukadir, a petite police officer, volunteered for a rescue mission. She fastened a safety rope, climbed into the narrow well, and found a child stuck in mud up to her chest. 'Big sister is here to save you. Don't be afraid,' she said gently, pulling the girl out of the mud and holding her close.
[4] Reflecting on the experience, she said: 'It was my first time in such a situation. I was scared. The well was very narrow and deep, and it got darker the deeper I went down. I felt like I was suffocating. But when I thought about the responsibility on my shoulders and the child waiting to be saved, I adjusted my mindset quickly. I did not think too much at the time. I just knew the child had to be rescued.'
[5] After the girl was rescued, she collapsed from a lack of oxygen. Both she and Abudukadir were taken to the hospital. Abudukadir had swelling in her left hand and needed oxygen therapy, but she is now doing well. The girl is also safe.
[6] Abudukadir always wanted to be a police officer. Even though she studied electromechanical engineering, she became an auxiliary officer at the Hanggui Police Station in Luopu County in May 2023. Her daily tasks involve teaching people about fraud prevention and resolving conflicts.
[7] The Luopu County Public Security Bureau held a ceremony to recognise outstanding police auxiliary personnel. During this event, the bureau's party committee decided to promote Abudukadir from level seven to level five.
[8] Luopu County's Heroic Acts Selection and Commendation Leading Groups has recommended that she be honoured with the title of 'Model of Righteousness and Courage.' Additionally, Xinjiang Daily has presented her with the 'Positive Energy Special Award,' which comes with a reward of 10,000 yuan (around HK$10,746).
Source: South China Morning Post, April 25
Questions
1. According to paragraph 2, why was it difficult to rescue the girl with normal equipment?
2. In paragraph 3, the word 'petite' tells us that Abudukadir is …
A. strong.
B. tall.
C. small.
D. brave.
3. What sort of treatment did Abudukadir get at the hospital, according to paragraph 5?
4. According to paragraph 6, what does Abudukadir's daily work include?
5. Abudukadir has been … from a level seven police officer to a level five police officer.
A. promoted
B. promote
C. promotion
D. promoting
6. Complete the table with the correct form of the adjective. The first one has been done for you. (4 marks)
Answers
1. because the well's opening was too narrow (accept all similar answers)
2. C
3. She got oxygen therapy.
4. anti-fraud education and conflict mediation
5. A
6. narrower; narrowest; wide; wider