Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- birthplace / ˈbɜrθˌpleɪs / (n.) – the place where something came or started from
Example:Japan is the birthplace of kabuki.
- glitzy / ˈglɪt si / (adj.) – overly fancy
Example:His glitzy party has a disco floor, rainbow lights, and a lot of glitter.
- pan-continental / pæn ˌkɒn tnˈɛn tl / (adj.) – involving a whole continent
Example:The pan-continental railway will go through North America from end to end.
- determined / dɪˈtɜr mɪnd / (adj.) – wanting to do something very much and will not allow anyone or anything to stop one’s plans
Example:My friend studied all day because he was determined to pass the lawyer’s examination.
- overtly / oʊˈvɜrt li / (adv.) – in a manner that is public or easily seen
Example:Read the contract carefully because some things are not overtly stated.
Article
Read the text below.
The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be staged in either Glasgow or Liverpool, the BBC said, after Britain was asked to hold the event on behalf of designated host country Ukraine.
Scotland’s biggest city and the birthplace of The Beatles were named the two finalists from seven U.K. cities that applied. The BBC, which will broadcast the contest, said a final decision will be made within weeks.
Ukraine won the right to host the glitzy pan-continental music competition when its entry, folk-rap ensemble Kalush Orchestra, won this year’s contest in May. Britain’s Sam Ryder was second.
Organizers concluded it was too risky to stage the event in Ukraine, so the 2023 contest went to Britain, which says the event will be a celebration of Ukrainian culture and creativity.
“We are determined to make the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest one that both reflects the winning position of Ukraine and is also an event that all of the U.K. can participate in,” said Phil Harrold, chairman of the BBC’s host city selection committee.
Founded in 1956 to help unite a continent scarred by World War II, Eurovision has grown to include more than 40 countries, including non-European nations such as Israel and Australia.
Organizers strive to keep pop and politics apart — banning overtly political symbols and lyrics — but global tensions have often imposed themselves on the contest. Russia was kicked out of this year’s competition because of its invasion of Ukraine.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Do you think the contest should still continue this year despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Britain said that Eurovision 2023 will be a celebration of Ukrainian culture and creativity. What do you think of this decision? Discuss.
Discussion B
- What do you think about banning overtly political symbols or lyrics in art contests or singing competitions? Discuss.
- The singing contest helped unite a continent after the war. Do you think events like this can greatly help in uniting different nations? Why or why not? Discuss.