Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you know about the Paralympic Games? Can you name any sports that are included in the Paralympic Games?
- Have you ever watched a Paralympic event on TV or online? If yes, which athletes or sports impressed you the most, and why? If not, what might you enjoy watching?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- exciting /ik-SAHY-ting/
- show /shoh/
- music /MYOO-zik/
- accessibility /ak-ses-uh-BIL-uh-tee/
- cover /KUHV-er/
[adjective] – causing great enthusiasm and eagerness
The roller coaster ride was very exciting for the children.
[noun] – a performance or presentation, such as a play or concert
We went to see a magic show last night.
[noun] – vocal or instrumental sounds combined to produce harmony
He listens to classical music every day.
[noun] – the quality of being able to be reached or entered easily
The new building has improved accessibility for wheelchair users.
[verb] – to place something over or on top of something else
Please cover the cake with plastic wrap.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Thomas Jolly, the creative director of the Paris Paralympic Games’ opening ceremony, has announced exciting plans for the event. Set to occur at the famous Champs-Elysees and Place de La Concorde, the ceremony aims to change how people view disabilities. Jolly, who also worked on the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony, stated that dance will be a major part of the performance. Swedish director Alexander Ekman will create a visually striking show with dancers using crutches, wheelchairs, and specially adapted tricycles. Music by Victor Le Masne will blend real sports sounds with rhythmic beats to emphasize the athletes’ abilities and experiences.
To ensure accessibility, the traditional cobblestones of the Champs-Elysees will be covered with asphalt for the event and removed after the Paralympic Games end on September 8. Unlike the Olympic Opening Ceremony, which faced strict security and rainy weather, this ceremony will allow spectators to watch from various spots along the Champs-Elysees and near the Louvre Museum. Organizers are prepared for any weather changes. The event will feature 100 dancers, including 20 with disabilities, and aims to challenge and reshape societal views on disabilities. The rehearsal, held under large banners at La Concorde, showcased a grand open arena around the Luxor Obelisk. Victor Le Masne’s composition, “Sportography,” captures the spirit of athleticism with its mix of sports sounds and drum rhythms, focusing on the athletes’ experience.
To ensure accessibility, the traditional cobblestones of the Champs-Elysees will be covered with asphalt for the event and removed after the Paralympic Games end on September 8. Unlike the Olympic Opening Ceremony, which faced strict security and rainy weather, this ceremony will allow spectators to watch from various spots along the Champs-Elysees and near the Louvre Museum. Organizers are prepared for any weather changes. The event will feature 100 dancers, including 20 with disabilities, and aims to challenge and reshape societal views on disabilities. The rehearsal, held under large banners at La Concorde, showcased a grand open arena around the Luxor Obelisk. Victor Le Masne’s composition, “Sportography,” captures the spirit of athleticism with its mix of sports sounds and drum rhythms, focusing on the athletes’ experience.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where will the Paris Paralympic Games’ opening ceremony take place?
- Who is the creative director of the opening ceremony for the Paris Paralympic Games?
- What is one major part of the performance that will be included in the opening ceremony?
- What will Alexander Ekman create for the ceremony?
- Why will the traditional cobblestones of the Champs-Elysees be covered?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever attended a performance or event that aimed to change people’s views on disabilities? If so, what did you think of it? Did it change your perspective in any way? If not, would you be interested in attending such an event? Why or why not?
- Have you participated in any activities or events where accessibility was a major concern? If so, how did the event address accessibility, and what was your experience? If not, how do you think better accessibility could improve events for people with disabilities?
- Do you agree that including people with disabilities in major events like the Paralympic Games helps to challenge and change societal views?
- How might the inclusion of specialized equipment in performances influence the public’s perception of disability? What are the potential benefits and challenges?
- In what ways can the strategies used in the Paris Paralympic Games’ opening ceremony be applied to other public events to improve accessibility and inclusivity?