©REUTERS/Maye-E Wong
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How do countries get their athletes ready for big events like the Olympics?
- Is fencing a popular sport in your country? What do you know about it?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- competitive /kuhm-PET-i-tiv/
- initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/
- take control /teyk kuhn-TROHL/
- overcome /oh-ver-KUHM/
- decisive /dih-SAHY-siv/
[adjective] – involving competition; striving to win or be better than others
The new student was very competitive in the spelling bee, always aiming to be the best.
[adverb] – at the beginning; at first
Initially, I thought the book would be boring, but it turned out to be quite interesting.
[phrasal verb] – to assume authority or power over something
After the CEO resigned, the new manager quickly took control of the project to ensure it stayed on track.
[verb] – to defeat or succeed in controlling or dealing with something
She overcame her fear of public speaking through practice and determination.
[adjective] – able to make decisions quickly and confidently, or showing this quality
His decisive actions during the emergency helped save lives.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Japan made history by winning the Olympic men’s foil team event for the first time at the Paris Games on Sunday. In a thrilling match, Japan defeated Italy with a final score of 45-36. Takahiro Shikine started the scoring, and Kazuki Iimura, who was fourth in the individual foil event, made the crucial touches needed for the victory. France won the bronze medal in the same event, setting a new record for the most Olympic medals earned by a single country in one Games since World War II.
The match was highly competitive, with Japan initially leading before Italy took control. Important moments included Iimura’s seven key touches against Filippo Macchi and Yudai Nagano’s perfect round, adding five more touches against Alessio Foconi. This win is Japan’s fifth fencing medal and their second gold in Paris, following Koki Kano’s victory in the men’s epee. The success of Japan’s fencing team has been credited to the skills of their French coaches, Erwann Le Pechoux and Franck Boidin. Japan defeated Canada 45-26 in the quarterfinals and then overcame France 45-37 in the semifinals. France won the bronze medal match against the United States, thanks to Enzo Lefort’s eight decisive touches, which brought France’s total medal count at the Paris Games to 44, surpassing their previous record from the Beijing Games.
The match was highly competitive, with Japan initially leading before Italy took control. Important moments included Iimura’s seven key touches against Filippo Macchi and Yudai Nagano’s perfect round, adding five more touches against Alessio Foconi. This win is Japan’s fifth fencing medal and their second gold in Paris, following Koki Kano’s victory in the men’s epee. The success of Japan’s fencing team has been credited to the skills of their French coaches, Erwann Le Pechoux and Franck Boidin. Japan defeated Canada 45-26 in the quarterfinals and then overcame France 45-37 in the semifinals. France won the bronze medal match against the United States, thanks to Enzo Lefort’s eight decisive touches, which brought France’s total medal count at the Paris Games to 44, surpassing their previous record from the Beijing Games.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What was the final score of the match between Japan and Italy?
- How did Kazuki Iimura contribute to Japan’s victory?
- What position did Kazuki Iimura achieve in the individual foil event?
- Which country won the bronze medal in the men’s foil team event?
- Which two teams did Japan defeat to reach the final?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever been part of a team where everyone had to work together to win an important competition? If so, what role did you play, and how did it feel to contribute to the team’s success? If not, what kind of team sport or activity would you like to try and why?
- Have you ever watched a live sports event where the outcome was very close and exciting? If so, which event was it, and what made it memorable for you? If not, what is a sport or event you would like to see live, and why does it interest you?
- Do you agree that the close and thrilling nature of a match can make a victory even more memorable and significant for both the team and the fans?
- Considering Japan’s strategy and performance in the Olympics, what lessons can other sports teams learn from their approach to preparation and competition?
- How could Japan’s success in fencing make the sport more popular in Japan and maybe affect how other countries approach fencing?