Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a deal
    • ex. You should talk to a lawyer before you sign the deal.
  2. financial support
    • ex. Kevin is almost 45 years old, but he still gets financial support from his parents.
  3. upcoming
    • ex. I’m excited about several upcoming movies; I can’t wait to see them next month.
  4. delighted
    • ex. Anna was delighted when she saw her big, pink birthday cake.
  5. once
    • ex. We’ll eat dinner once Dad gets home.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

Font size 文字サイズ

Award-winning musician Ed Sheeran has signed a deal to be a shirt sponsor for Ipswich Town, a soccer team based in his hometown of Suffolk, England. In exchange for financial support from Sheeran, the team will help promote the musician. Players will wear shirts with the titles of Sheeran’s albums and the word “tour” on the front during the 2021-2022 season.

The musician announced the deal by posting an image of himself as a kid wearing an Ipswich Town shirt on Instagram. Sheeran said that being a shirt sponsor is his way of showing support for the local community. Ipswich Town fans were happy with Sheeran’s announcement, which came a month after new American owners bought the team for £40 million (about ¥6 billion). Ipswich Town didn’t reach the play-offs this year, but many fans say they feel positive about the upcoming season.

According to a spokesperson from Ipswich Town, the entire team is delighted that Sheeran agreed to be a shirt sponsor. They’re looking forward to seeing him and other supporters back at the soccer stadium once the season begins.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Sponsors and Owners

  • Do you think it's a good idea for musicians to sponsor sports teams? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Imagine you're going to be a sponsor for a sports team. What team do you want to sponsor? Why? Discuss.
  • New American owners bought Ipswich Town for £40 million. In your opinion, should people from overseas be allowed to buy sports teams? Why or why not? Discuss.

Support

  • Do you think everyone should support their hometown sports teams? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Sheeran said that being a shirt sponsor is his way of showing support for the local community. What are other good ways to show support for your hometown? Why? Discuss.
  • Ipswich Town didn't reach the play-offs this year, but many fans say they feel positive about the upcoming season. Do you think it's important to support your team even when they lose a lot? Why or why not? Discuss.