©REUTERS
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you think a World Rally Championship involves?
- What might be the key elements or challenges that participants face in this type of competition?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt /
- maintain /meyn-TEYN/
- highlight /HAHY-lahyt/
- competitive /kuhm-PET-i-tiv/
- generate /JEN-uh-reyt/
[verb] – to show or make something clear
The chemistry teacher asked the students to demonstrate their understanding of the experiment by conducting it themselves.
[verb] – to continue to have, to keep in existence, or not allow to become less
The janitor maintained the cleanliness of the school, ensuring a hygienic environment for the students.
[verb] – to attract attention to or emphasize something important
The news article highlighted the achievements of the local community, bringing attention to their positive contributions.
[adjective] – wanting very much to win or be more successful than other people
The friendly game of cards turned competitive as each player became determined to win.
[verb] – to cause something to exist
The new marketing campaign is expected to generate interest and attract a larger audience to the upcoming product launch.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In a thrilling culmination to the 2023 World Rally Championship held in Japan, Elfyn Evans, the skilled driver hailing from Wales, demonstrated his prowess, leading Toyota to a resounding victory and securing the coveted top spot on the podium. This momentous event unfolded as Evans, with eight career triumphs, left an indelible mark on the season, crossing the finish line over a minute ahead of his French teammate Sebastien Ogier. Accompanied by Finland’s Kalle Rovanpera, who secured a commendable third place, the Japanese rally not only solidified Evans as the championship runner-up but also underscored Toyota’s dominance, celebrating a one-two-three finish and successfully defending their manufacturers’ championship title for the third consecutive year.
On the highest step of the podium, Elfyn Evans radiated pride and shared insights into the team’s collective triumph. Overcoming challenging conditions on Friday, Evans skillfully navigated the wet opening leg, establishing a substantial lead that he tactically maintained throughout the race. The Japanese rally, serving as a grand finale, highlighted the competitive spirit, with Hyundai’s Esapekka Lappi securing the fourth position and preventing a complete Toyota podium sweep. As the season concluded, racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipated the 2024 season, set to kick off in Monte Carlo from January 25 to 28, adding to the excitement generated by Toyota’s triumphant 2023 season.
On the highest step of the podium, Elfyn Evans radiated pride and shared insights into the team’s collective triumph. Overcoming challenging conditions on Friday, Evans skillfully navigated the wet opening leg, establishing a substantial lead that he tactically maintained throughout the race. The Japanese rally, serving as a grand finale, highlighted the competitive spirit, with Hyundai’s Esapekka Lappi securing the fourth position and preventing a complete Toyota podium sweep. As the season concluded, racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipated the 2024 season, set to kick off in Monte Carlo from January 25 to 28, adding to the excitement generated by Toyota’s triumphant 2023 season.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Who won the 2023 World Rally Championship in Japan, and where is he from?
- How did Elfyn Evans establish a significant lead during the race, and what challenges did he overcome on Friday?
- What did Elfyn Evans’s victory mean for Toyota in terms of the championship standings, and how many times has Toyota defended their manufacturers’ championship title?
- Who secured the third position in the Japanese rally, and why is this achievement commendable?
- What prevented a complete Toyota podium sweep in the Japanese rally, and how did this affect the final results of the competition?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever watched a rally competition, or do you know someone who has attended such an event? If yes, what was the experience like? If not, would you be interested in attending a rally in the future?
- Do you have a favorite sports team or athlete that you support? If yes, how does the feeling of supporting that team compare to the excitement described in the article about Elfyn Evans and Toyota winning the World Rally Championship? If not, would you be interested in following or supporting a particular sports team or athlete in the future?
- Do you think Elfyn Evans’ victory and Toyota’s one-two-three finish in the 2023 World Rally Championship solidify Toyota’s status as a dominant force in the rally world?
- Why do you think securing the top three positions in the rally is significant for Toyota? How does it contribute to their success in the championship?
- In what ways does Elfyn Evans’s strategic lead on Friday impact the overall outcome of the race? How might different weather conditions or racing strategies influence the results of a rally competition?