Learn English with the News: “A new Olympic Sport?”

Good morning!

So the Olympic Games are just around the corner. There are many sports to watch, from long jumping to running, swimming to dance, and now there is a new sport that wants to be considered for the Games: quidditch.

For those of you who have not read or watched Harry Potter, it’s a sport created by British author J. K. Rowling in her novels. In her books, it is played by wizzards and witches on broomsticks.

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2. Understand the vocabulary
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Text

Channeling Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts, a game of quidditch in Oxford. Players even “ride” on broomsticks, though no flying is involved. Fans used the Olympics to showcase their sport as the Games’ torch arrived in the city. And Alex Benepe of the International Quiddich Association says it’s worthy of an Olympic slot.

– There are a lot more ridiculous sports in the Olympics right now if you ask me, so I think anyone who doubts it should come out and see Quidditch and see how intense it is.

And some spectators agree.

– It’s just funnier to watch than a lot of other sports, it’s just hilarious.

– It’s a very British thing and I feel it would be good to bring something more British to the games.

– I would definitely watch it if it was.

– They would have to tighten up on the rules.

– I would watch it, but I don’t think it should be an Olympic sport, I don’t think it should be.

The first non-fiction quidditch game took place at a U.S. college in 2005 and the sport now boasts a rule book and an annual World Cup. But despite its spread to 25 countries with some 700 teams, it might be a while before a broomstick-between-the-legs sport makes it into the Olympics.

Vocabulary

Channeling – to express (your ideas, thoughts, feelings, energy, etc.) through a particular behavior or action.

Showcase – to show (something or someone) in an attractive or favorable way.

Torch – a long stick with material at one end that burns brightly.

Spectators – a person who watches an event, show, game, activity, etc., often as part of an audience.

Hilarious – very funny.

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