©Nikkei Asia
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- legendary /LEJ-uhn-der-ee/
- subsequent /SUHB-si-kwuhnt/
- convey /kuhn-VEY/
- commence /kuh-MENS/
- unanimous /yoo-NAN-uh-muhs/
[adjective] – very famous and admired or spoken about
The legendary musician’s concerts always sold out within minutes due to his immense talent and iconic status.
[adjective] – happening after something else
After the heavy rainfall, a subsequent flood submerged the lower-lying areas.
[verb] – to express a thought, feeling, or idea so that it is understood by other people
His artwork conveys profound emotions through vibrant colors and bold strokes.
[verb] – to begin something
The orchestra will commence its performance at seven o’clock sharp.
[adjective] – if a group of people are unanimous, they all agree about one particular matter or vote the same way, and if a decision or judgment is unanimous, it is formed or supported by everyone in a group
The board members were unanimous in their decision to approve the new company policy.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Shohei Ohtani, a remarkable Major League Baseball player known for his exceptional skills in both pitching and hitting, clinched the American League Most Valuable Player award for the second time, receiving all 30 first-place votes despite encountering injuries that shortened his 2023 season.
Being likened to legendary player Babe Ruth due to his dual capabilities, Ohtani showcased an impressive performance for the Los Angeles Angels, leading the AL with 44 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and 95 RBIs. Despite his pitching season being curtailed in August due to a torn ligament in his right elbow and a subsequent side strain ending his season in September, Ohtani demonstrated his prowess with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 23 starts. Expressing his desire to win after finishing second in the previous year’s voting, Ohtani conveyed through an interpreter, “My goal was to try to come out on top.” His achievement was also acknowledged in Japan, where he commenced his professional career, with the government spokesperson, Hirokazu Matsuno, showing admiration and excitement for Ohtani’s success. Meanwhile, in the National League, Ronald Acuna of the Atlanta Braves emerged victorious as the Most Valuable Player, securing a unanimous vote victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Acuna’s exceptional performance included leading the NL with 149 runs, 217 hits, and 73 stolen bases, contributing significantly to the Braves’ impressive 104 wins. This marked the first time in BBWAA history that both leagues’ MVP winners were unanimously chosen in the same year, showcasing the exceptional talent and impact of these players in the 2023 MLB season.
Being likened to legendary player Babe Ruth due to his dual capabilities, Ohtani showcased an impressive performance for the Los Angeles Angels, leading the AL with 44 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and 95 RBIs. Despite his pitching season being curtailed in August due to a torn ligament in his right elbow and a subsequent side strain ending his season in September, Ohtani demonstrated his prowess with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 23 starts. Expressing his desire to win after finishing second in the previous year’s voting, Ohtani conveyed through an interpreter, “My goal was to try to come out on top.” His achievement was also acknowledged in Japan, where he commenced his professional career, with the government spokesperson, Hirokazu Matsuno, showing admiration and excitement for Ohtani’s success. Meanwhile, in the National League, Ronald Acuna of the Atlanta Braves emerged victorious as the Most Valuable Player, securing a unanimous vote victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Acuna’s exceptional performance included leading the NL with 149 runs, 217 hits, and 73 stolen bases, contributing significantly to the Braves’ impressive 104 wins. This marked the first time in BBWAA history that both leagues’ MVP winners were unanimously chosen in the same year, showcasing the exceptional talent and impact of these players in the 2023 MLB season.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you watched Shohei Ohtani’s games? If yes, how would you describe him as an athlete? If not, would you be interested in seeing him play in person? Why or why not?
- Have you ever witnessed or been inspired by the accomplishments of athletes like Shohei Ohtani or Ronald Acuna, whose exceptional performances led them to win prestigious awards like the Most Valuable Player? If yes, how did their achievements impact your perspective on sports and athleticism? If not, are there other athletes or achievements in sports that you find particularly inspiring or influential? What specific qualities or aspects of their performances do you find most inspiring and how do you think they contribute to the broader sports landscape?
- Do you think the versatility displayed by athletes like Shohei Ohtani, excelling in both pitching and hitting, sets a new standard for the expectations placed on elite players in professional sports?
- How might the unanimous MVP recognition of Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuna reflect evolving perceptions within Major League Baseball regarding the value placed on versatile skills versus specialized expertise in a specific aspect of the game? What implications might this have on the future development and evaluation of athletes in the sport?
- Considering the global attention garnered by the unanimous MVP selections in the same year for both the American and National Leagues, what broader messages or lessons could other sports or industries draw from this occurrence about acknowledging and rewarding exceptional talent and versatility in their respective domains?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- pitching
- hitting
- capability
- victory
- exceptional talent