Case File: The Dyatlov Pass Incident

Topic: The Mountain of the Dead Level: Upper-Intermediate (B2) / Advanced (C1) Focus: Modals of Present & Future (Deduction, Possibility, Obligation), Vocabulary.

1. The Reading Text

Frozen in Fear: A Cold Case Review

The Incident In 1959, nine hikers died in the Ural Mountains under mysterious circumstances. Today, we are reopening the file. To understand this tragedy, we must not look at it simply as a hiking accident. The details are too strange.

The hikers cut their tent from the inside and ran into the snow without shoes. Why? Some say they must be crazy, but these were experienced professionals. You don’t have to be a detective to realize that something terrifying must be the cause of such panic.

Analyzing the Theories Let’s look at the evidence. The tent was destroyed. This could be the result of an avalanche. If snow covers the tent, you can’t breathe, so cutting your way out is logical. However, the slope was not steep enough for a major avalanche. It is strange that an avalanche should occur on such a shallow hill.

What about the radiation found on their clothes? This could be a sign of a secret military weapon. If the military is involved, the files will likely remain classified forever. Some theorists argue that the hikers might be victims of a parachute mine test.

The Medical Puzzle The injuries are the most baffling part. Three hikers had crushed ribs, but no external bruises. Doctors compare it to a car crash. A human can’t cause that damage with a fist. It must be a force of immense pressure.

Furthermore, one hiker was missing her tongue. While this could be the result of natural decomposition, it fuels the darkest theories.

The Conclusion? We may never know the truth. It could be infrasound driving them mad, it might be a KGB cover-up, or it will perhaps remain a “compelling natural force” forever. One thing is certain: you should think twice before venturing into the “Mountain of the Dead.”

2. The Psychology of Survival

Concept: Paradoxical Undressing Why were they naked? This phenomenon should be familiar to anyone studying hypothermia. As the body freezes, muscles controlling blood vessels tire and relax. Warm blood rushes to the skin, making the victim feel incredibly hot. They tear off their clothes. It is a cruel trick of the mind; just as they should be bundling up, they strip down.

3. Key Vocabulary

1. Treacherous (Adj): Hazardous due to hidden dangers.
2. Baffling (Adj): Impossible to understand; perplexing.
3. Catastrophic (Adj): Involving sudden great damage.
4. Speculation (Noun): Forming a theory without firm evidence.
5. Ominously (Adv): Suggesting something bad is going to happen.
6. Dispatched (Verb): Sent off to a destination for a purpose.
7. Sustained (Verb): To undergo or suffer (an injury).

4. Grammar Spotlight: Modals of Present & Future

Based on the rules from your PDF.

1. Deduction & Certainty (Must / Can’t)

• Rule: Use must when you are sure something is true. Use can’t when you are sure it is impossible.
• Text Example: “Something terrifying must be the cause.” (I am sure of this).
• Text Example: “A human can’t cause that damage.” (I am sure this is impossible).

2. Possibility (Could / May / Might)

• Rule: Use these when you are not sure, but it is possible.
• Text Example: “This could be the result of an avalanche.”
• Text Example: “The hikers might be victims of a test.”

3. Expectation & Oddity (Should)

• Rule: As per your PDF, should is used with adjectives describing chance (odd, strange) to express surprise.
• Text Example: “It is strange that an avalanche should occur on such a shallow hill.”

4. Assumption (Will)

• Rule: Use will to express a confident assumption or prediction about the situation.
• Text Example: “The files will likely remain classified.”

5. Obligation (Must not / Don’t have to)

• Rule: Must not is a prohibition. Don’t have to means there is no obligation (you have a choice/it’s not necessary).
• Text Example: “We must not look at it simply as an accident.” (Prohibition/Strong advice).
• Text Example: “You don’t have to be a detective…” (It is not necessary to be one).

5. Activity: Grammar & Vocabulary

Part A: Vocabulary Context Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the list: (dispatched, baffling, speculation, treacherous, sustained, ominously, catastrophic)

1. The storm caused __________ damage to the town.
2. The dark clouds gathered __________ overhead.
3. The detective found the clues completely __________.
4. The mountain pass is __________ in winter.
5. An ambulance was __________ to the scene immediately.
6. The hiker __________ a severe head injury.
7. There is widespread __________ that aliens were involved.

Part B: Grammar (Modals) Choose the correct modal based on the context.

1. (Deduction) The lights are off and the car is gone. They (must / can’t) be home.
2. (No Obligation) You (must not / don’t have to) finish the report today; the deadline is next week.
3. (Oddity/Chance) It is strange that he (should / must) say that to you.
4. (Possibility) Don’t drink that water! It (could / must) be contaminated.
5. (Prohibition) You (don’t have to / must not) smoke in the hospital. It is forbidden.

✅ Answer Key Part A: 1. Catastrophic, 2. Ominously, 3. Baffling, 4. Treacherous, 5. Dispatched, 6. Sustained, 7. Speculation. Part B: 1. Can’t, 2. Don’t have to, 3. Should, 4. Could, 5. Must not.