Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you enjoy most about swimming?
- What types of swimming styles do you know? Can you describe or demonstrate one of those styles?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- determination /dih-tur-muh-NAY-shuhn/
- maintain /meyn-TEYN/
- obstacle /OB-stuh-kuhl/
- overcome /oh-ver-KUHM/
- adversity /ad-VUR-si-tee/
[noun] – the quality of being determined to do or achieve something
Her determination to succeed helped her win the swimming competition.
[verb] – to continue to have; to keep in existence
He tries to maintain a healthy diet to stay fit for swimming.
[noun] – something that blocks your way so that movement or progress is prevented or made more difficult
The heavy rain was an obstacle to their outdoor swimming plans.
[verb] – to succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty
She had to overcome her fear of deep water before she could learn to swim.
[noun] – a difficult or unlucky situation or event
Despite facing adversity, he never gave up on his goal to become a professional swimmer.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Regan Smith’s journey to breaking the world record in the women’s 100-meter backstroke at the U.S. swimming trials was not just about her physical strength but also showed her determination and personal growth. After initially setting a world record early in her career, Smith faced new challenges that came with sudden fame and high expectations. Dealing with these challenges was difficult. She struggled to maintain her performance with all the new attention and also had mental obstacles to overcome. Smith found comfort and advice from a sports psychologist, along with strong support from her coach, Bob Bowman, who is well-known for guiding the career of swimming star Michael Phelps. Together, they started a journey of self-discovery and intense training.
Despite setbacks, such as narrowly missing out on the Olympics in another event, Smith demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. She bounced back by setting another world record at the trials, proving her ability to overcome obstacles. Beyond sports, Smith’s achievement became a symbol of her unstoppable spirit and dedication. Her journey from adversity to triumph not only solidified her status as a top swimmer but also inspired people worldwide. Regan Smith’s journey, both in the pool and beyond, exemplifies resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence through perseverance.
Despite setbacks, such as narrowly missing out on the Olympics in another event, Smith demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. She bounced back by setting another world record at the trials, proving her ability to overcome obstacles. Beyond sports, Smith’s achievement became a symbol of her unstoppable spirit and dedication. Her journey from adversity to triumph not only solidified her status as a top swimmer but also inspired people worldwide. Regan Smith’s journey, both in the pool and beyond, exemplifies resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence through perseverance.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What was Regan Smith’s major achievement at the U.S. swimming trials?
- How did Regan Smith initially react to sudden fame and high expectations?
- Who helped Regan Smith manage her challenges, and how?
- What setback did Regan Smith face in her swimming career?
- What does Regan Smith’s journey symbolize beyond her achievements in swimming?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced a situation where you had to overcome a big challenge? If so, what helped you get through it? If not, how do you think you would handle it?
- Have you ever had a mentor or coach who significantly impacted your life? If so, how did they help you? If not, how do you think having a mentor could help you?
- Do you agree that having a strong support system is crucial for overcoming personal challenges?
- What qualities do you think are necessary for someone to break a world record in any sport?
- How can the journey of an athlete like Regan Smith inspire people in their everyday lives?