Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. allocate (v.) [al-uh-keyt] – to distribute, keep, or save something for a special reason
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. allocate (v.) [al-uh-keyt] – to distribute, keep, or save something for a special reason
Example: The government will allocate
money collected from taxes to different education projects this year.
2. competitive (adj.)
[kuhm-pet-i-tiv] – involving a contest (competition) or people proving themselves better than
others
Example: Competitive sports can sometimes be rough and result in injuries.
3. echo (v.) [ek-oh] – to say or do something similar to what another person has said or done
Example: Michael Jordan’s
famous words have been echoed by many
athletes facing difficulties. (“I can accept failure, but I can’t accept not
trying.”)
4. crucial (adj.) [kroo-shuhl] – very important
Example: Constant practice is crucial to the success of an athlete.
5. get into (phrasal v.) [get in-too, -tuh] – to be part of, to be interested in
5. get into (phrasal v.) [get in-too, -tuh] – to be part of, to be interested in
Example: Yao Ming inspired many
Chinese children to get into basketball.
Article
Read the text below.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that £125 million (pounds) a year will be allocated to support athletes preparing for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The money will come
from the Exchequer, the UK’s government department for tax and finances, and
from the National Lottery. The sports agency UK Sport will be in charge of
managing the funds.
Previously, the
Exchequer had only guaranteed financial support until 2014. But Mr. Cameron
extended this support to make sure British athletes will perform well in 2016
Rio Olympics.
The success of Team
GB (Great Britain) in the London Olympics was greater than expected. The team
won more medals than they targeted, taking home a total of 65 medals, 29 of
which were gold.
Cameron thinks that
maintaining the financial support to the sports program is crucial in continuing this success
not only in Rio but also in future Olympic games.
However, politician
Ed Miliband is asking for a more long-term plan. He believes that success in competitive sports like the Olympics inspires
people.
The Prime Minister echoed the same opinions as Miliband
when Cameron mentioned the plans to build a sporting legacy for younger
generation.
Cameron plans to
include competitive sports in school curriculum. He revealed a plan to invest
one billion pounds in school sports. To
encourage children to get into
sports, athletes supported by UK Sport will be asked to go around schools five
days a year.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Do you agree that
athletes' success in sports can be inspiring? Please explain your answer.
·
Describe an athlete
who you think has inspired people in your country.
Discussion B
·
What do you
think are the benefits of competitive sports?
·
Should children
be more involved in sports? Why or why not?