©(AP Photo/Felix Scheyer)
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is the difference between the Paralympics and the Olympics?
- Can you explain the purposes of the major international sports events?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- cue /kyoo/
- concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/
- spectator /SPEK-tey-ter/
- appropriate /uh-PROH-pree-it/
- cheer /cheer/
[noun] – signals or prompts used to guide actions or behaviors
The teacher gave visual cues to help students understand the new concept.
[noun] – the ability to focus mental effort on a specific task or activity
The scientist’s concentration was crucial while conducting the complex experiment.
[noun] – people who watch an event or performance
The spectators cheered loudly as the runners approached the finish line.
[adjective] – suitable or proper for a particular situation or context
The staff advises visitors on when it is appropriate to speak quietly in order to manage the noise levels in the library.
[verb] – to give a loud shout of approval or encouragement
The crowd began to cheer as the team scored the winning goal.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games have highlighted the unique sports of blind football and goalball, which are designed for athletes with visual disabilities. These events take place at the Eiffel Tower Stadium, where the usual noise of soccer is replaced by a focused silence. In these sports, athletes rely on sound cues, such as the rattling of the ball, to navigate the field. This requires the audience to stay quiet during gameplay, creating an atmosphere of intense concentration and mutual respect.
The innovative approach has allowed spectators to experience a different side of sports, where silence plays a crucial role in enhancing performance. To manage this silence, a commentator guides the audience on when it is appropriate to cheer. Large signs with the message “GET LOUD!!!!” are displayed during breaks, encouraging fans to express their excitement. Although some spectators initially found the quietness unusual, they gradually adapted, making their cheers more powerful when allowed. This careful control of noise not only improves the athletes’ focus but also creates a respectful environment, contrasting with the typical loud sports events. As blind football and goalball continue to grow in popularity, it is expected that both fans and athletes will become more accustomed to these unique conditions, further enhancing the supportive atmosphere at future events.
The innovative approach has allowed spectators to experience a different side of sports, where silence plays a crucial role in enhancing performance. To manage this silence, a commentator guides the audience on when it is appropriate to cheer. Large signs with the message “GET LOUD!!!!” are displayed during breaks, encouraging fans to express their excitement. Although some spectators initially found the quietness unusual, they gradually adapted, making their cheers more powerful when allowed. This careful control of noise not only improves the athletes’ focus but also creates a respectful environment, contrasting with the typical loud sports events. As blind football and goalball continue to grow in popularity, it is expected that both fans and athletes will become more accustomed to these unique conditions, further enhancing the supportive atmosphere at future events.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where are the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games taking place?
- Why must the audience stay quiet during the gameplay of these sports?
- How does the commentator help manage the silence at the events?
- What message is displayed on the large signs during breaks at the games?
- What impact does controlling noise have on the atmosphere of the sports events?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever played a sport where the rules were changed to help players focus better? If yes, what were the changes, and how did they affect the game? If not, what changes would help players focus better in your favorite sport?
- Have you ever had to stay focused in a difficult situation? If yes, how did you manage to stay focused? If not, what do you think would help you stay focused if you faced a challenging situation?
- Do you agree that creating a quiet environment at sports events can help athletes perform at their best?
- How could changing the noise level at sports events affect both the athletes and the people watching?
- What are some ways athletes can stay focused during a big game or important match?