Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. fit (adj.) [fit] – in good physical condition
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. fit (adj.) [fit] – in good physical condition
Example: Athletes undergo
regular medical check-up to make sure they are fit to play.
2. scorching (adj.) [skawr-ching] – very
hot
Example: Our family goes to the
beach every summer to escape the scorching
heat.
3. sit out
(v.) [sit][out] – to not participate
Example: Because of her injury,
she decided to sit out the dance
competition.
4. forgo (v.) [fawr-goh] – to give up something
Example: No one
wanted to forgo his lunch to attend
the training.
5. stamina (n.) [stam-uh-nuh] – physical
strength that lasts for a long time
Example: Soccer players train
to develop stamina since a game lasts
for 90 minutes.
Article
Read the text below.
At the Boston
Marathon held in April 17, more runners than usual were treated for medical
reasons, after the scorching heat
proved too much for the participants in the 26.2-mile course.
About 2,100 runners
were given medical treatment, including 152 people who were taken to
hospitals due to complications from the heat. During the race, temperatures
reached above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 30.5 degrees Celsius.
Days before the
marathon, organizers encouraged only the fittest
runners to run this year’s race, as high temperatures were already expected.
Runners with
medical issues, such as heart and breathing problems, cough or cold or a
recent stomach virus were asked to sit
out this year’s marathon. The
organizers warned participants to be extra careful to avoid heat stroke.
Before the marathon,
the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), which manages the race, advised those without
experience in running to forgo this
year’s race and join next year’s instead. Out of more than 27,000 runners registered
for the marathon, around 14% no longer joined after the warnings.
Nonetheless,
organizers were prepared for the event. The BAA increased water supplies and
ice along the race course. Additional ambulances and Red Cross stations were
also in place. Spray hoses from fire departments were even ready to help
runners cool down.
Despite the
difficult situation, runners from Africa, who are used to running under high
temperatures, showed they had the most stamina
to finish the race. All top three runners from the men’s and women’s
divisions were Kenyans.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
In your opinion, how does temperature affect
the performance of athletes like marathon runners?
·
Would you join a marathon in your country if it
were held in the middle of summer? Why?
/ Why not?
Discussion B
·
Is there
a sport or activity that you sometimes enjoy doing even though you have little
experience of it?
·
Do you think people should give up a sport or
other activity they like because others advise them to stop? Why or why not?