Asia
Europe
Africa
America
Oceania
fish
panda
Tibetan antelope
swallow
torch
1. Where did the ancient Olympic Games start?
Olympia (Greece).
2. How many countries competed in the ancient Olympic Games?
One (Greece).
3. Who could not take part in the ancient Olympic Games?
Slaves and women.
4. When and where did the modern Olympic Games start?
Athens in 1896.
5. Who was China’s first gold medal winner and for what event?
Xu Haifeng for shooting.
6. What are the three words that show the spirit of Olympic Games?
Swifter, higher, stronger.
7. What do the five rings on the Olympic flag stand for?
The five continents.
8. What are the official mascots for the Beijing Olympics?
The five mascots are officially called the Five Fuwas. They are Beibei, the fish; Jingjing, the panda; Huanhuan, the Olympic flame;
Yingying, the Tibetan antelope; and Nini, the swallow. The first syllables from their two-syllable names form a line that reads “Beijing Huanying Ni”, or in English “Welcome to Beijing”.
Pausanias
Li Yan
Ancient
Olympics
Modern
Olympics
Skimming
Scan the passage and find the differences and similarities between the ancient Olympic games and the modern Olympic games.
winter
more
Greek
all over
the world
women
every country
is possible
an olive
wreath
medals
having running races
held every four years
no prize money for winners
4. the same motto: Swifter, Higher and
Stronger
5. seen as most important competition
1. Read the passage carefully and tell the statements true or false.
1. The olive wreath has been replaced by
money. ( )
2. The Olympics were not always held in Greece 2000 years ago. ( )
At first, Pausania thinks people may be competing for money in the modern Olympic Games. ( )
F
F
T
4. Pausania is surprised to know that
women are to take part in the modern
Olympic Games. ( )
5. We feel proud because we have finally
got the chance to hold the Olympic
Games. ( )
6. Horse riding events belong to the
Winter Olympics. ( )
T
T
F
7. Ancient Greek cities competed against each other for money. ( )
8. The village built for Olympic athletes is made up of a main reception building, several stadiums and a gymnasium. ( )
9. 2012 Olympics will be held in London. ( )
F
T
T
2. Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions.
1. What amazes Pausanias about the Olympic Games?
Pausanias is amazed that many countries take part in the Olympic Games and women too and there are two sets of Games – the Winter and the Summer Olympics.
2. Why does he think Athens and Beijing should feel proud?
Because Li Yan has explained that it is a great honour to host the Olympic Games.
3. Why does he think people may be competing for money in the modern Olympic Games?
He think that so many things have changed in the Olympic Games that he fears that the spirit of the Olympics may have changed too.
The Olympic Games are the biggest sports meeting in the world, which include two kinds, the ________ and the ______ Olympics. Both of them are ____ every ____ _____. All countries can take part if their athletes are _____ _______ to the games.
Summer
Winter
held
four years
good enough
Women are not only _______ to join in but playing a very _________ role. A
______ ______ is built for the competitors to live in, a ________ for competitions, a large swimming pool, a ___________ as well as seats for those who watch the games.
It’s a great ______ to host the Olympic Games.
allowed
important
special village
stadium
gymnasium
honor
The Olive wreath has been ________ by medals. But it’s still about being able to run _______, jump _______ and throw _______.
swifter
higher
further
replaced
Why do so many countries want to host the Olympic Games while other do not?
Reasons to
host the OG
great
responsibility
a great
honour
tourism
New sports
facilities
national
pride
new
investment
Reasons
not to host
the OG
much
planning
too
expensive
accidents
attacks
Many
stadiums
Accom-
modation
pressure+
stress
1. Review the text and the new
expressions.
2. Pick out the sentences with the future passive voice in the text.