Ticker-Tape Parade Held for US Women’s World Cup Win

September 8, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. victory /ˈvɪk tə ri/ (n.) – the success of beating someone in a competition
Example: To attain victory in any sport, you have to train hard.

2. parade /pəˈreɪd/ (n.) – a large public procession usually done in honor of a person or event
Example: Very few events are celebrated in our city with a parade.

3. outstanding /ˌaʊtˈstæn dɪŋ/ (adj.) – excellent or very good
Example: He is both an outstanding student and athlete.

4. confetti /kənˈfɛt i/ (n.) – small bits of colored paper scattered around during a festive event
Example: The organizers decided to use confetti in the wedding.

5. bear /ˈbɛər/ (v.) – to hold, carry, or possess something
Example: The uniform bears the team’s logo.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
The United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT) has celebrated its World Cup victory through a ticker-tape parade.

The ticker-tape parade is a New York City tradition that started in 1886, when the Statue of Liberty was inaugurated. This parade, which is usually held for those who have made outstanding achievements, involves employees throwing ticker tape out their windows.

On July 10, the USWNT was honored through the ticker-tape parade after winning the championship game against Japan. The team won 5-2 against Japan during the FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Vancouver, Canada, making the USWNT world champions for the third time. Mayor Bill de Blasio stated that this is the first ticker-tape parade in New York’s history that was held to honor an all-women sports team.

During the parade, the USWNT was accompanied by groups from New York’s five boroughs or administrative divisions—Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten [STAT-n] Island. Confetti made out of paper materials was all over the place. Young women and little girls also came out cheering, waving the American flag, dancing, and taking pictures, while some wore jerseys bearing the name of the players in the team.

According to Time magazine, it has been more than three years since the last ticker-tape parade was held in New York. The ticker-tape parade for the USWNT is only the fifth parade since 2000. In the past years, ticker-tape parades were held more frequently. In fact, there were 11 parades held in 1953 alone.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think this type of parade can also be held in your town/city? Why or why not?
·         How else can people with great achievements be celebrated?

Discussion B

·         What are the advantages and disadvantages of holding an extravagant parade?
·         What other achievements or breakthroughs do you think deserve to be celebrated? Explain. 

September 8, 2015