【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. host /hoʊst/ (v.) – to give services and resources for an event
Example: Russia hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics.
2. hesitant /ˈhɛz ɪ tənt/ (adj.) – referring to the state of being undecided
Example: He was hesitant about leaving home to become a professional athlete.
3. propose /prəˈpoʊz/ (v.) – to present a plan of action
Example: The coach proposed a new training schedule.
4. competition /ˌkɒm pɪˈtɪʃ ən/ (n.) – a contest that promises an award or recognition
Example: Athletes are training for the competition.
5. mountainous /ˈmaʊn tn əs/ (adj.) – with many mountains
Example: The mountainous area near my village is perfect for winter sports.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has chosen Beijing to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.
After winning the bid against Kazakhstan’s Almaty [AL-muh-tee], Beijing will become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. The voting, held last July in Kuala Lumpur [KWAH-luh loo m-POO r], came down to 40-44 in favor of the Chinese city. Unlike Beijing, which hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics, Almaty is a newcomer to hosting the event.
Stockholm [STOK-hohm], Oslo [OZ-loh], and Munich [MYOO-nik] also expressed interest in hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics, but they backed out. According to Norwegian Olympic Secretary General, Inge [ing-GEH] Anderson, Oslo backed out because of financial and political reasons. Since 2013, other European countries like Switzerland and Poland have also withdrawn their bid to host the event.
Because only two cities competed, some think that hosting the Winter Olympics has become less appealing. In fact, many democratic countries, where citizens have a say in the government’s decisions, have become hesitant to propose a bid to host the event. This may be because hosting the event will entail huge expenses with no certainty of gaining profit.
Despite Beijing’s victory, some critics questioned the city’s ability to host the Winter Olympics. Unlike Almaty’s cool weather, Beijing’s warmer climate may cause lack of snow during the event. In response, the Chinese Olympic Committee said that the city can overcome the shortage by using artificial snow.
Beijing will host ice-based competitions. Snow-based events, on one hand, will be split between Zhangjiakou [JAHNG-JYAH-KOH], which is located 120 miles northwest of Beijing, and the mountainous region of Yanqing.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· What are the advantages and disadvantages of hosting the Olympics?
· In what ways can hosting the Olympics be profitable for the host country?
Discussion B
· What do you think are the motivations of athletes for competing in the Olympics?
· If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you play? Why?
