Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. drop [drop] (v.) – to remove from a list or a set
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. drop [drop] (v.) – to remove from a list or a set
Example: The managers will drop him from the team because of his bad attitude.
2. appall [uh-PAWL] (v.) – to make someone very shocked about something unpleasant or bad
Example: Fans were appalled when they learned the sports star had cheated in the race.
3. flock [flok] (v.) – to move in large numbers
Example: People flocked to the stadium to watch the championship game.
4. boycott [BOI-kot] (v.) – to refuse to buy, use, or participate in something as a means of protest
Example: Some countries have boycotted the Olympics in the past because they did not agree with other countries’ policies.
5. relevant [REL-uh-vuhnt] (adj.) –closely connected to a particular subject
Example: Employers check if you have work experiences relevant to the position you are applying for.
Article
Read the text below.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recently dropped wrestling as a core sport from the Olympic Summer Games starting in 2020.
Wrestling is now among eight sports (including baseball and karate) to compete for inclusion in the 2020 Olympics. The IOC will choose only one to join the 25 core sports.
The IOC's decision appalled many wrestling fans. Supporters flocked to the Internet, where they set up pages like “Keep Wrestling in the Olympics” on Facebook and created the hashtag #SaveOlympicWrestling on Twitter.
American fans also made petitions to the White House, asking the president to pressure the IOC into changing its decision. They likewise urged the US government to boycott the Olympic Games if wrestling was not brought back.
Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in the world, with records of matches going as far back as 3,000 B.C. It has been included in every modern Olympics since the Games began in 1896, except in the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris.
However, despite its rich history, wrestling was removed in an effort to keep the Olympic Games relevant to sports fans of all ages, according to a statement by the IOC. The IOC had removed wrestling and other sports because of their low popularity during the Games.
The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles contends that the sport remains popular. The group says wrestling is being played in 180 countries, many of which have it as their national sport.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you agree with the IOC's decision to drop wrestling from the Olympics? Why or why not?
· Are there any sports that you think should be included in or removed from the Olympics?
Discussion B
· Can you describe old customs or activities in your country that are no longer being observed today? Why were they discontinued?
· Do you think we can make old practices relevant in today’s world? How?