Unlocking Word
Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. dignitary
(n) [dig-ni-ter-ee] – a person with a high position or rank
Example:
Dignitaries attended the President’s
party.
2.
infection (n.) [in-fek-shuhn] – the spread of a sickness from one person to another
Example: Children may get infection when playing with other sick children.
3. hygiene (n.) [hahy-jeen] –habits or activities that maintain good health
Example: Regularly brushing your teeth is
considered good hygiene.
4. etiquette (n.) [et-i-kit, -ket] – accepted rules of polite behavior
Example: In most culture, shaking hands is an
important social etiquette.
5. mingle (v.) [ming-guhl] – to move around and talk to different people (usually in parties or meetings)
Example: A good party host must mingle with the guests and make everyone
feel comfortable.
Article
Read the text below.
The British Olympian Association (BOA) has
advised British athletes to avoid shaking the hands of competitors and
foreign dignitaries during this
year’s Olympics.
Dr. Ian McCurdie, Chief Medical Officer of the
BOA, cautions athletes about the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, in
order to avoid getting sick. He says that the Olympic Village, which will
house the British team and athletes from 204 countries, is a good environment
for the spread of infection.
While it may be a bit strange for British people
to not greet others with a handshake, the BOA says athletes must take extra
care not to catch infection. Dr. McCurdie stresses that even the tiniest
feeling of discomfort could lead to a loss.
Winning less medals would be disappointing, especially
since Britain aims to reach at least fourth place, as it did when the country
won 47 medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
However, some believe the doctor’s advice is too
extreme. British etiquette expert Liz Wyse worries that failing to respond
to another person’s offer of a handshake could be seen as impolite by
visiting dignitaries and Olympians.
Meanwhile, the United States
Olympic Committee (USOC) says U.S. athletes will not be told to avoid
handshakes. According to the USOC, the Olympics is a chance for athletes to
embrace the Olympic spirit and mingle with
fellow athletes from all over the world.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Do you agree with the
BOA’s advice to British athletes? Please explain your answer
·
What can be other ways
for athletes to avoid getting sick during the games?
Discussion B
·
What social etiquette
is unique to your culture?
·
How important are
social greetings like shaking one’s hand or bowing?
