Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. pump up (phrasal v.) [puhmp-uhp] - to fill with enthusiasm, strength and energy; to give
motivation
Example:
The sales manager pumped up his team
members by promising to give cash bonuses if they reach the sales target.
2. femininity (n.) [fem-uh-nin-i-tee] – a quality or trait
of being a female; the way of looking and behaving in ways appropriate for a
woman or girl
Example:
As an architect, Ana Evans shows her femininity
through the soft details of her designs.
3. elegance (n.) [el-i-guhns] – style and good taste
especially in appearance, behavior or movement
Example:
I have always looked up to my sister for her elegance especially in choosing her wardrobe.
4. perseverance (n.) [pur-suh-veer-uhns] – continued action
or belief despite hard times and difficulties
Example:
The University grants scholarships to students who show perseverance in their studies.
5. triumph (n.) [trahy-uhmf] – victory; successful
ending of something
Example:
Our triumph during the debate
competition encouraged a lot of students to join the debating club.
Article
Read
the text below.
The recent World Cup victory of the women’s soccer team from Japan pumped
up Japanese swimmer Kosuke Kitajima to win a world title in Shanghai this
year.
The team, also known as Nadeshiko, named after a Japanese flower
symbolizing femininity and elegance, achieved the first ever
World Cup title for Asia through teamwork and perseverance. The team now
ranks fourth in the world after beating Germany, Sweden and the United States.
Kitajima, a two-time double Olympic breaststroke champion, said that the
soccer team’s triumph inspired the country and has encouraged him to
work hard for the swimming competition in Shanghai this year.
Earlier, he was given the title “Frog King” during the 2008 Beijing
Olympics when he won both 100 meter and 200 meter titles. However, Kitajima
failed to perform well during last year’s competition in China because of a
shoulder injury. Now he wants to prove that he is still up and ready to compete
for the world title.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy
a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
What do you think
are the advantages of winning the world title?
·
How would people
in your country feel if your team doesn’t get the world title?
Discussion B
·
How do you think
is teamwork related to perseverance?
What
are the other factors that may affect a team’s chance of winning?