Unlocking Word
Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in
today’s article.
1. switch
(v.) [swich] – to exchange or replace something with another
Example: He switched cellphones after his old
one stopped working.
2. brawl
(n.) [brawl] – a noisy, often physically violent fight
Example: The police arrested the two men who
were having a brawl.
3. tap
into (v. phrase) [tap in-too] – to gain access to something
Example: Someday, computers may be able to
tap into people’s minds.
4. vast
(adj.) [vast, vahst] – huge or enormous
Example: The orphan inherited vast sums of money from his deceased
parents.
5. rule
out (v. phrase) [rool out] – to eliminate, exclude, or not consider
Example: Consistent practice rules out the possibility of future
errors.
Article
Read the text below.
A former sumo wrestler has switched his career to business as big economic opportunities
open up in his native country.
Thirty-year-old Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, known as
Asashoryu during his sumo wrestling days, has pursued a second career as a
businessman in his native country Mongolia. After dominating the sumo
wrestling scene for 15 years, Dagvadorj retired in 2010 after being involved
in a brawl in a Tokyo nightclub.
Despite bad publicity in Japan, he remains very popular in Mongolia where
people call him "The Champ".
Dagvadorj might have lost weight since he left
his previous profession, but he still possesses a big appetite for success.
Aiming to make it big in the business world, he is thankful that his country
has given him an opportunity to do so.
Mongolia began its modernization twenty years ago
when it underwent political and economic reform. The country has since tapped into its vast mineral resources which currently drive its economic growth.
With this wealth, businessmen like Dagvadorj get the opportunity to make
their mark in modern Mongolia.
As a businessman, Dagvadorj is uncertain if he
would be as famous worldwide as he was when he wrestled, but he intends to
strive to make the most out of Mongolia's bright future. Initially, he decided to start with his own
investment bank to finance his business plans. Now, he owns a circus in the
capital Ulaanbaatar and is working on building a huge residential and
entertainment complex.
With his charisma, some think he could someday
run for president. Dagvadorj finds the idea laughable at the moment, but he
does not rule out the possibility.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
What
are the reasons for an athlete’s retirement?
·
What
happens to an athlete after retiring from their sport?
Discussion
B
·
How
do you define a successful business?
·
What
are the characteristics of a successful business person?