Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. politics
    • ex. Office politics can make work stressful when people compete for power or favors.
  2. elect
    • ex. The class president was elected by the students.
  3. sheikh
    • ex. The sheikh is a respected leader in his community.
  4. step down
    • ex. The manager decided to step down after five years in the role.
  5. a bidder
    • ex. Bidders raised their hands to offer a higher price.

Article

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

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Qatar scored a win in Olympic politics as members of the Olympic Council of Asia elected Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani as their new president. He will complete the term of Randir Singh of India, who chose to step down for health reasons. The vote took place at the council’s annual meeting, where Sheikh Joaan was the only candidate.

 The sheikh received 44 votes. His term will run until 2028. In his speech, he said, “I stand before you today with feelings of great pride and responsibility.” Sheikh Joaan also leads the Qatar Olympic Committee and holds a senior position in a global Olympic group. He is the younger brother of the Emir of Qatar, who has long been part of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Qatar’s influence in the Olympic world continues to grow as the IOC prepares to choose a host for the 2036 Summer Games. Qatar and India are seen as strong bidders, while Saudi Arabia is also interested. Qatar will also host the Asian Games in 2030 and 2034, with the next Games set to open in Japan this September.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Olympics

  • Qatar and India are seen as strong bidders to host the Summer Games, while Saudi Arabia is also interested. Why do you think countries are very interested in hosting the Summer Games? Discuss.
  • In Olympic politics, rich countries often have more power. Is this fair to smaller or poorer countries? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • When the IOC chooses a host for 2036, should they care more about Olympic politics and money, or which country has the best fans? Discuss.

Great Pride and Responsibility

  • Why do you think being elected as president of the Olympic Council of Asia brought Sheikh Joaan feelings of pride and responsibility? Discuss.
  • Is it a good thing or a bad thing to feel great pride and responsibility? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • What moments in your life have brought you feelings of great pride and responsibility? Discuss.