Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. motivational (adj.) [moh-tuh-vey-shuhn-nl] – describes something that encourages people to do something
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. motivational (adj.) [moh-tuh-vey-shuhn-nl] – describes something that encourages people to do something
Example: She bought a
motivational book to help her boost her confidence.
2. aspiring (adj.) [uh-spahyuhr] – describes one who wants to achieve a dream or ambition
Example: The aspiring athlete trains hard for the
competition.
3. contend (v.) [kuhn-tend] – to compete for something
Example: New basketball players
will have to contend with last year’s champions.
4. idol (n.)
[ahyd-l] – one who is honored or well-liked by people
Example: Fans screamed when the
singing idol appeared on the stage.
5. step up (idiom) [step uhp] – to improve one’s performance; to advance
Example: The young musicians
should step up if they want to
perform in a concert.
Article
Read the text below.
A boost in the presence of women in the last Olympics is inspiring female athletes to join the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
All countries which
participated in the 2012 Games sent female competitors—the first time it has
happened in history. In fact, several Olympic teams had more women
participants than men.
In the past, women
were prevented from joining such sports competitions for the fear that sports
may kill them or make them unable to bear babies, said Teresa Edwards. Edwards is a four-time Olympic champion in women's
basketball and Team USA's coach.
In August, she was
part of a motivational talk in
East London for young, aspiring
athletes. Edwards said that women athletes have already proven that these old
claims are false. She talked about how positive changes are now happening.
One female discus thrower
who attended the talk was Ije Enwerem. She has been playing the sport for
four years, and many believe she will contend
in the Rio Olympics.
What makes her work
hard in her sport is the fact that she is a woman. She wants to prove that
women can be as good as men when it comes to sports. Her female sports idols also inspire her to do her best
to be able to join the 2016 Olympics.
Edwards explained that
while many female athletes have stepped
up to join sports competitions, many girls are still told not to do
sports. She believes women athletes have to become role models by
continuously participating in competitions, so people will know there is
nothing wrong with women joining sports.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
What can be the reason why more female athletes
were sent to join the 2012 Games?
·
Would you say
this news is significant? Please explain your answer.
Discussion B
·
Why do you think
some people do not like the idea of female athletes or women in sports?
·
How can we
encourage more women to get into sports?
