Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. qualify (v.) [kwol-uh-fahy] – to be able to pass or meet a set of
standards
Example: The athlete qualified
to compete for the championships.
2. handicap (n.) [han-dee-kap] – a condition wherein a person is not
physically or mentally fit; a disability
Example: There is usually a special area on trains and subways
for people with handicaps.
3. petition (n.) [puh-tish-uhn] – a written and legal request that asks for
an action on a certain issue
Example: The employees made a petition to increase their salary.
4. set one’s eye (idiom) [set] [wuhns] [ahy] – to aim for something
Example: I am setting my
eye on that job promotion.
Article
Read the text below.
Oscar Pistorius, a South African runner with
artificial legs, is one step closer to competing in the Olympic
Games in London next year.
After finishing a race in 45.61 seconds, Pistorius qualified within
the Olympic B level which gives him a better chance to join the games.
Athletes who qualify for the “B” level are
considered a back-up and are sometimes allowed to join the Olympics when there
are not enough “A” level athletes in a particular game.
Pistorius was only .06 seconds short of getting an
A level which automatically qualifies an athlete to take part in the Olympics.
Athletes with handicap like
Pistorius can only compete in a special tournament called Paralympics.
In 2008, Pistorius made a petition to
join the Olympics in Beijing. He won the case allowing him to use artificial
legs, but he was not able to participate in the Olympics because he missed the
qualifying score.
Pistorius had been unbeaten in the Paralympic
Athletics World Championships for seven years. Now, he is setting his
eye on a bigger challenge to compete in both Paralympics and Olympics.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
What do disabled athletes have in
common with able-bodied athletes?
·
How can an athlete with handicap
compete in a regular competition?
Discussion
B
·
How are disabled people helped in
your country?
·
How are disabled people given equal opportunities
in your country?
