Unit 2 Sports Events

The Olympic Games

Learning goals: To learn about the Olympic Games and some famous athletes; To figure out the significance of the Olympics and express it; To be able to understand a speech and give a speech on one’s favorite Olympic sport and athlete

Brainstorming What do you know about the Olympic Games? the Olympic flag Mascot Motto Emblem Torch Medals Founder Events IOC 5

America Africa Europe Asia Oceania

Welcome to Beijing Mascots Beibei Jingjing Huanhuan Yingying Nini 7

Swifter, higher, stronger Motto Swifter, higher, stronger 8

Emblem 9

friendship luminosity justice peace 10

Gold medals NIKE Goddess of Victory 11

Events Table Tennis Boxing Badminton Archery Tennis Fencing 12

Diving Gymnastics Weightlifting Judo Wrestling Shooting 13

Do you want to know more about the Olympic Games?

Fast reading 1 What is the speech about? 2 What was Pierre de Coubertin’s hope when he brought the Olympic Games back to life ? 3 What does the speaker wish for at the end of the speech? The history and significance of the Olympic Games He hoped that the Olympic Games would make it possible for people of all countries to live side by side in peace He wishes the Olympic Movement a successful future to match its past glory

C1 Detailed reading According to the speech, the speaker is an athlete 2) The first ancient Olympic Games were held in AD 776 3) Everyone was allowed to take part in the ancient Olympics an IOC member 776 BC Only men were

C1 Detailed reading 4) The contemporary Olympic Games were first held in Rome in 1896 5) At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Chinese women’s badminton team won the gold medal for the first time in history 6) Zhang Ning was in her late thirties when she competed in the 2008 Olympic Games Athens gymnastics early

The Ancient Olympic Games The 1st Modern Olympic Games What are the differences/similarities between the ancient and the modern Olympic Games? The Ancient Olympic Games The 1st Modern Olympic Games Differ-ences Simi-larities athletes from all over the world can take part, _______________ language they speak or what sex they are always held at the same places; only ____were allowed to compete without clothes men no matter what both were/are held every ____years 4 some of the sports played are still played now

Discussion The Olympic Games have a long history and enjoy great popularity. Why do people love the Olympic Games?

Do you agree “swifter, higher, stronger” is a good motto not only for sports but also for life? Why? The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, as the most important thing in life is not the success but the struggle. The motto encourages people not to be satisfied with the present. People all over the world should unite and struggle for a better future.

Do you want to know more about the athletes in the Olympic Games?

Reading Comprehension IV Name Nationality Which Olympics Olympic achieve-ments Other information birth name Cassius Clay; won the World Heavyweight Boxing Championship in 1964; lit the Olympic flame at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics Muha-mmad Ali gold medal, boxing 1960 Rome Olympics American

1984 Los Angeles Olympics; 1992 Barcelona Olympics Name Nationality Which Olympics Olympic achieve-ments Other information 1984 Los Angeles Olympics; 1992 Barcelona Olympics two gold medals, basketball American Michael Jordan 1984 Los Angeles Olympics won the first Olympic gold medal for China Chinese gold medal Xu Haifeng

four gold medals, table tennis Name Nation-ality Which Olympics Olympic achievements Other information Chinese 1992 Barcelona Olympics; 1996 Atlanta Olympics Deng Yaping four gold medals, table tennis Chinese the first Asian to win this race gold medal, men’s 110-metre hurdles 2004 Athens Olympics Liu Xiang Chinese gold medal, badminton won the gold medal at the age of 33 2008 Beijing Olympics Zhang Ning

Discussion What qualities do you think these athletes have in common? They work very hard to achieve their aims. They have passion/love for both sports and their countries. They are not satisfied with the present and they struggle for better.

Speech What is your favorite Olympic Sport? Who is your favorite Olympic athlete? Why?