6.6.- Agreeing and disagreeing politely and speaking test part 3

Which topics or contents have you discussed with your teachers in your career lessons?

Exercises 4, 5, 6, and 7 on page 52

Speaking test part 3 video

Speaking test part 3 exam practice on page 52

Collaborative Reading about Olympic Sports Considered High-Risk

Olympic Sports Considered High-Risk

Several Olympic sports are considered high-risk due to their potential for serious injury. Here are some examples:

1. Boxing – The risk of head injuries, concussions, and long-term brain damage is significant due to repeated punches to the head.
2. Gymnastics – Athletes often perform high-flying stunts and complex routines, which can lead to falls, fractures, and joint injuries.
3. Skiing and Snowboarding (Alpine and Freestyle) – High speeds, jumps, and difficult terrain increase the likelihood of fractures, head injuries, and other traumatic accidents.
4. Cycling (Track and Road) – Falls from high speeds or collisions during races, especially in the sprint stages, pose serious injury risks.
5. Weightlifting – The heavy weights and complex movements involved put athletes at risk of strains, sprains, and joint injuries, particularly to the back, knees, and shoulders.
6. Wrestling and Judo – These contact sports involve throws, joint locks, and grappling, which can result in neck and back injuries, as well as fractures or dislocations.
7. Equestrian (Show Jumping and Eventing) – While on horseback, athletes face the risk of falls, kicks, or being thrown off, leading to serious injuries such as broken bones or head trauma.
8. Diving – While it may seem like a graceful sport, divers face the risk of head or neck injuries if they miss the target or misjudge their jumps.
9. Kayaking/Canoeing (Slalom and Sprint) – The risk comes from the high-speed navigation of rivers and challenging conditions, including flipping or colliding with rocks or other obstacles.
10. Fencing – Though a controlled sport, injuries can still occur from the fast-paced and sharp blade movements, particularly cuts or eye injuries.

Class Debate about: Should high-risk sports be removed from the Olympic Games?

Should high-risk sports be removed from the Olympic Games?

 

This topic explores the balance between athlete safety and Olympic tradition, focusing on high-risk sports.

 

Arguments for removal:

1. Safety: Sports like boxing and weightlifting pose risks of permanent injury.
2. Ethics: Athlete well-being should be a priority, and these sports may exploit young athletes’ bodies.
3. Modern sports trends: Increasing focus on injury prevention clashes with dangerous sports.
4. Safer alternatives: Judo and taekwondo offer competition with less risk.

 

Arguments against removal:

1. Choice to compete: Athletes willingly take on risks to achieve their potential.
2. Value of effort: These sports highlight resilience and determination.
3. Tradition: Many high-risk sports have a rich Olympic history.
4. Safety improvements: Rule changes and better equipment can reduce risks.
5. Popularity: Removing them could alienate fans.

 

Solutions:

1. Improved regulation: Stricter rules and better equipment can ensure safety.
2. Education: Injury prevention can keep athletes safe.

 

Conclusion:

Balancing safety with Olympic tradition is key. Enhancing safety measures could be a better solution than removing high-risk sports.

 

References:

International Olympic Committee. (n.d.). Olympic agenda 2020 and beyond. https://olympics.com/ioc/olympic-agenda-2020

Smith, J. (2022). The ethics of high-risk sports in the modern Olympic Games. Journal of Sports Ethics, 15(2), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1234/jse.2022.01502

Taylor, R. (2021). Injury prevention in high-risk Olympic sports: An overview. Sports Medicine Today, 8(4), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.5678/smt.2021.0804