Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a semifinal
    • ex. She was the youngest player to move to the semifinal.
  2. a mascot
    • ex. The team’s mascot entertained the fans during the game.
  3. praise
    • ex. The manager praised the team for finishing the project early.
  4. a medalist
    • ex. The athlete became a medalist after winning a silver medal.
  5. a skateboarder
    • ex. The young skateboarder practiced at the park every afternoon.

Article

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

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Yuki Kurihara, a Japanese elementary school student, won a gold medal in esports at the Asian Games after beating South Korea’s Kang Dongshin 10-2 in the final of the Puyo Puyo Champions puzzle game in September.

Kurihara also beat Thailand’s Tanarak Wongkitikun 10-1 in the semifinal. After his win, Kurihara said he was very happy with the gold medal. He also liked the gold-colored mascot doll he received. Kang praised Kurihara’s skill, accuracy, and technical ability. Kurihara started playing esports in kindergarten and is reported to train for eight hours each day while continuing his schoolwork.

Kurihara is believed to be the youngest gold medalist in Asian Games history. Esports first became part of the Asian Games three years ago in Hangzhou, China, and quickly became popular. It was so popular that people had to enter a lottery to get tickets. Other young athletes are also making news at the Games. Hong Kong skateboarder Kamus Wong is 12, while China’s 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi has won three gold medals.

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.

Asian Games

  • How important are the Asian Games for your country? Discuss.
  • If the Asian Games were held in your city, would you attend the games? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • How can the Asian Games help people from different Asian countries connect? Discuss.

Esports

  • Kurihara started playing esports in kindergarten and continued developing his skills as he grew older. What are the advantages and disadvantages of exposing children to esports at a young age? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, should esports be included in physical sports events like the Asian Games? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Kurihara trains in esports, while other young athletes at the Asian Games compete in sports such as swimming and skateboarding. If you could play in a big sports event, which would you prefer playing: esports or physical sports? Discuss.