Breaking News English Lesson: Figure Skating

Home | Help This Site

Japan wins its first-ever Olympic pairs skating gold (19th February 2026)

The Reading / Listening - Figure Skating - Level 3

Japan has scooped its first-ever Olympic gold medal for pairs figure skating. Ice skater Riku Miura and her partner Ryuichi Kihara dazzled a highly appreciative crowd on their way to placing first in the pairs free skate competition. Their outstanding and dynamic performance also set a world record. After the first round, the pair were a fair way down the field of contenders for gold. They knew they would have to pull out all the stops to have any chance of getting a medal. And they did that with aplomb. Their routine was a stunning display of athleticism, daring, speed, and technique. The spectators at the Milano Ice Skating Arena gave the duo a standing ovation to thunderous applause.

The couple seemed shell-shocked after leaving the ice to speak to waiting reporters. An out-of-breath Mr Kihara exclaimed: "We were determined to nail it." He added: "It's still unbelievable. I never thought we could win gold today, so it feels incredibly good." The couple first teamed up in 2019. Ms Miura said: "We have had so many experiences over the past seven years and we have grown a lot, so I think that is the reason why we managed to triumph and win the gold medal." Their coach, Bruno Marcotte, showered them with praise. He said: "I think today they were able to create magic. They skated with their heart. Their connection really came through, and it was just pure magic."

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

Figure Skating - Level 0, Figure Skating - Level 1 or Figure Skating - Level 2

Sources

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/olympics/2026/02/17/miura-kihara-gold-pairs/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolineprice/2026/02/16/olympic-pairs-figure-skating-results-miura-and-kihara-break-world-record-for-historic-gold/
https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/how-riku-miura-and-ryuichi-kihara-pulled-tear-filled-comeback-win-olympic-gold

Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice activities, drag and drop activities, sentence jumbles, which word activities, text reconstructions, spelling, gap fills and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. THE WINTER OLYMPICS: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about the Winter Olympics. Change partners often and share your findings.
2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?
Olympics / gold medal / figure skating / appreciative / world record / athleticism /
shell-shocked / nailing it / determined / couple / triumph / praise / heart / pure magic
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. THE OLYMPICS: Students A strongly believe the Winter Olympics are better than the Summer Olympics; Students B strongly believe the opposite. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. SPORTING EVENTS: What do you know about these sporting events? How exciting are they? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

	What I Know	Excitement
Winter Olympics
Summer Olympics
FIFA World Cup
Wimbledon
F1 Grands Prix
Baseball World Series

MY e-BOOK

ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers

See a sample

5. ICE: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "ice". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. WINTER EVENTS: Rank these with your partner. Put the best events at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

Figure skating
Speed skating
Snowboarding
Slalom
Bobsleigh
Curling
Ice hockey
Ski jumping

Vocabulary

Paragraph 1

1.	scooped	a.	People who are trying to win a competition or prize.
2.	dazzled	b.	Try very hard and do everything you possibly can to do your best.
3.	appreciative	c.	Won a medal, trophy, prize or other thing.
4.	contenders	d.	When people get out of their seats and clap to show they liked something very much.
5.	pull out all the stops	e.	Very surprised and impressed.
6.	with aplomb	f.	Feeling or showing gratitude or pleasure.
7.	standing ovation	g.	In a calm and confident way, especially in a challenging situation.

Paragraph 2

8.	shell-shocked	h.	A link or relationship between people or things.
9.	out-of-breath	i.	Very surprised and confused.
10.	nail it	j.	Breathing fast because you are tired.
11.	teamed up	k.	Win or be very successful.
12.	triumph	l.	Worked together with someone.
13.	showered	m.	Succeed in doing something challenging and demanding very well.
14.	connection	n.	Gave someone a lot of something.

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).

Two Japanese figure skaters made a crowd at the Olympics dizzy. T / F
The skaters' performance equalled a world record. T / F
The skaters were in last place before their winning round. T / F
Spectators at the arena stood up and clapped the skaters. T / F
One of the skaters was a little breathless when he spoke to a reporter. T / F
The pair have been skating together for over a decade. T / F
The skaters' coach told them to have a shower after their performance. T / F
The coach said the skaters created pure magic. T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

scooped
appreciative
pull out all the stops
daring
applause
nail
reason
praise
connection
pure

perfect
bravery
100%
supportive
relationship
won
approval
clapping
do one's best
explanation

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

Japan has scooped
set a
Their routine was a stunning
a standing
to thunderous
We were determined to nail
I never thought we
The couple first
that is the reason why
I think today they were

world record
teamed up in 2019
ovation
we managed to triumph
display of athleticism
its first-ever Olympic gold medal
able to create magic
it
applause
could win gold today

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

routine
scooped
stops
set
standing
appreciative
applause
field

Japan has (1) ______________________________________________ its first-ever Olympic gold medal for pairs figure skating. Ice skater Riku Miura and her partner Ryuichi Kihara dazzled a highly (2) ______________________________________________ crowd on their way to placing first in the pairs free skate competition. Their outstanding and dynamic performance also (3) ______________________________________________ a world record. After the first round, the pair were a fair way down the (4) ______________________________________________ of contenders for gold. They knew they would have to pull out all the (5) ______________________________________________ to have any chance of getting a medal. And they did that with aplomb. Their (6) ______________________________________________ was a stunning display of athleticism, daring, speed, and technique. The spectators at the Milano Ice Skating Arena gave the duo a (7) ______________________________________________ ovation to thunderous (8) ______________________________________________.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

showered
breath
teamed
pure
nail
magic
triumph
shocked

The couple seemed shell-(9) ______________________________________________ after leaving the ice to speak to waiting reporters. An out-of-(10) ______________________________________________ Mr Kihara exclaimed: "We were determined to (11) ______________________________________________ it." He added: "It's still unbelievable. I never thought we could win gold today, so it feels incredibly good." The couple first (12) ______________________________________________ up in 2019. Ms Miura said: "We have had so many experiences over the past seven years and we have grown a lot, so I think that is the reason why we managed to (13) ______________________________________________ and win the gold medal." Their coach, Bruno Marcotte, (14) ______________________________________________ them with praise. He said: "I think today they were able to create (15) ______________________________________________. They skated with their heart. Their connection really came through, and it was just (16) ______________________________________________ magic."

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) Riku Miura and her partner Ryuichi Kihara dazzled a ______
     a. highly appreciative crowds
     b. highly appreciation crowd
     c. highly appreciative crowd
     d. higher appreciative crowd
2) After the first round, the pair were a fair way down the field of ______
     a. containers for gold
     b. contenders of gold
     c. contenders for gold
     d. contend does for gold
3) And they did ______
     a. that with aplomb
     b. that with a bomb
     c. that with a plume
     d. that wither plume
4) Their routine was a stunning display of athleticism, daring, ______
     a. speed, end technique
     b. speedy, end technique
     c. speed, and technical
     d. speed, and technique
5) the Milano Ice Skating Arena gave the duo a standing ovation ______
     a. to thunderous applaud
     b. to thunderous applauds
     c. to thunderous applause
     d. to thunderous appraise

6) Mr Kihara exclaimed: "We were determined ______."
     a. toe nail it
     b. two nail it
     c. to nail it
     d. to kneel it
7) I never thought we could win gold today, so it ______
     a. feels incredibly good
     b. feels incredible good
     c. feel incredibly good
     d. feelers incredibly good
8) so I think that is the reason why we ______
     a. managed to triumphant
     b. managed to triumph
     c. managed to triumphal
     d. managed to triumphs
9) Their coach, Bruno Marcotte, showered ______
     a. them with pries
     b. them with prize
     c. them with appraise
     d. them with praise
10) Their connection really came through, and it was ______
     a. just purist magic
     b. just purity magic
     c. just purify magic
     d. just pure magic

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

Japan has (1) __________________________________________________-ever Olympic gold medal for pairs figure skating. Ice skater Riku Miura and her partner Ryuichi Kihara dazzled (2) __________________________________________________ crowd on their way to placing first in the pairs free skate competition. Their outstanding and dynamic performance also (3) __________________________________________________ record. After the first round, the pair were a fair way down the (4) __________________________________________________ for gold. They knew they would have to pull out all the stops to have any chance of getting a medal. And they did that with aplomb. Their routine was a stunning (5) __________________________________________________, daring, speed, and technique. The spectators at the Milano Ice Skating Arena gave the duo a standing (6) __________________________________________________ applause.

The couple (7) __________________________________________________ after leaving the ice to speak to waiting reporters. An (8) __________________________________________________ Mr Kihara exclaimed: "We were determined to nail it." He added: "It's still unbelievable. I never thought we could win gold today, so it feels incredibly good." The (9) __________________________________________________ up in 2019. Ms Miura said: "We have had so many experiences over the past seven years and we have grown a lot, so I think that is the reason why we (10) __________________________________________________ and win the gold medal." Their coach, Bruno Marcotte, showered (11) __________________________________________________. He said: "I think today they were able to create magic. They skated with their heart. Their connection (12) __________________________________________________, and it was just pure magic."

Comprehension questions

What did the article say the crowd was like?
What did the skating duo set?
What did the duo have to pull out to win?
What did spectators do when they stood up?
How loud was the applause for the two skaters?
How was Ryuichi Kihara when he spoke to reporters?
What were the skaters determined to do?
When did the two skaters start working together?
Who is Bruno Marcotte?
What did the skaters' coach say the pair created?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What did the article say the crowd was like?
a) silent
b) energetic
c) quiet
d) appreciative
2) What did the skating duo set?
a) a goal
b) a world record
c) a fire
d) a dinner table
3) What did the duo have to pull out to win?
a) a lucky charm
b) a freezer
c) a tooth
d) all the stops
4) What did spectators do when they stood up?
a) screamed
b) cheered
c) clapped/applauded
d) waved
5) How loud was the applause for the two skaters?
a) It was quiet.
b) It wasn't so loud
c) It was like a train.
d) It was thunderous.

6) How was Ryuichi Kihara when he spoke to reporters?
a) excited
b) nervous
c) out of breath
d) shaking
7) What were the skaters determined to do?
a) nail it
b) stay on their sleep
c) celebrate
d) have fun
8) When did the two skaters start working together?
a) last year
b) a decade ago
c) seven years ago (in 2019)
d) when they were kids
9) Who is Bruno Marcotte?
a) a skating expert
b) the skaters' coach
c) a rival skier
d) the partner of one of the skaters
10) What did the skaters' coach say the pair created?
a) pure magic
b) wonderful memories
c) perfection
d) a new move

Role play

Role A – Figure Skating
You think figure skating is the best winter sport. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their sports. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): curling, ice hockey or ski jumping.

Role B – Curling
You think curling is the best winter sport. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their sports. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): figure skating, ice hockey or ski jumping.

Role C – Ice Hockey
You think ice hockey is the best winter sport. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their sports. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): curling, figure skating or ski jumping.

Role D – Ski Jumping
You think ski jumping is the best winter sport. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their sports. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): curling, ice hockey or figure skating.

After reading / listening

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words...

'skating'

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

and 'gold'.
________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

• Share your findings with your partners.

• Make questions using the words you found.

• Ask your partner / group your questions.

2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

•Share your questions with other classmates / groups. •Ask your partner / group your questions.

3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

Olympics

gold medal

competition

performance

athleticism

standing ovation

shell-shocked

out of breath

nailing it

praise

connection

pure magic

Student survey

Write five GOOD questions about this topic in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper. When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

(Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

Discussion - Figure Skating

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

What did you think when you read the headline?
What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'Olympics'?
What do you think of the Winter Olympics?
What do you think of figure skating?
When was the last time you were dazzled by someone?
Have you ever won a medal?
What Olympic sport would you like to win a gold medal in?
Have you ever had to pull out all the stops?
When was the last time you gave someone a standing ovation?
How do you feel when your country wins Olympic gold?

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
What do you think of when you hear the word 'skating'?
What do you think about what you read?
Which are better, the Winter or Summer Olympics?
Which is better, figure skating or speed skating?
When was the last time you were shell-shocked?
When was the last time you nailed something?
How would it feel to win Olympic gold for your country?
What was the last thing you saw that was 'pure magic'?
What questions would you like to ask the gold medallists?

Discussion — Write your own questions

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

(a) ________________

(b) ________________

(c) ________________

(d) ________________

(e) ________________

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

(f) ________________

(g) ________________

(h) ________________

(i) ________________

(j) ________________

Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

Japan has (1) ____ its first-ever Olympic gold medal for pairs figure skating. Ice skater Riku Miura and her partner Ryuichi Kihara (2) ____ a highly appreciative crowd on their way to placing first in the pairs free skate competition. Their outstanding and dynamic performance also (3) ____ a world record. After the first round, the pair were a fair way down the field (4) ____ contenders for gold. They knew they would have to pull out all the stops to have any chance of getting a medal. And they did that (5) ____ aplomb. Their routine was a stunning display of athleticism, daring, speed, and technique. The spectators at the Milano Ice Skating Arena gave the duo a standing ovation (6) ____ thunderous applause.

The couple seemed (7) ____-shocked after leaving the ice to speak to waiting reporters. An out-of-(8) ____ Mr Kihara exclaimed: "We were determined to (9) ____ it." He added: "It's still unbelievable. I never thought we could win gold today, so it feels incredibly good." The couple first teamed up in 2019. Ms Miura said: "We have had so many experiences over the past seven years and we have grown a lot, so I think that is the reason why we (10) ____ to triumph and win the gold medal." Their coach, Bruno Marcotte, (11) ____ them with praise. He said: "I think today they were able to create magic. They skated with their heart. Their connection really came through, and it was just (12) ____ magic."

Which of these words go in the above text?

(a) scuppered (b) scraped (c) scooped (d) skippered
(a) dazzled (b) muzzled (c) frazzled (d) drizzled
(a) set (b) let (c) bet (d) het
(a) of (b) at (c) on (d) by
(a) with (b) wither (c) within (d) without
(a) on (b) of (c) at (d) to
(a) husk (b) framework (c) shell (d) grenade
(a) breathe (b) breathless (c) breather (d) breath
(a) nail (b) tack (c) screw (d) rivet
(a) managed (b) coped (c) achieved (d) fended
(a) flurrying (b) showered (c) spitting (d) rained
(a) purify (b) purist (c) pure (d) purity

Spelling

Paragraph 1

a highly ieapctevarpi crowd
a fair way down the field of nntrosedec
they did that with lapbmo
a stunning display of titmeilasch
a standing avtoion
to thunderous plpasuae

Paragraph 2

The couple seemed k-hselescdolh
An hotobfuate-r- Mr Kihara
We were edritemend to nail it
It's still elubibeavenl
we managed to uthmrpi
Marcotte ehworesd them with praise

Put the text back together

(    )   a world record. After the first round, the pair were a fair way down the field of
(    )   breath Mr Kihara exclaimed: "We were determined to nail it." He added: "It's still unbelievable. I never thought we
(    )   contenders for gold. They knew they would have to pull out all the stops to have any chance
(    )   could win gold today, so it feels incredibly good." The couple first teamed up in 2019. Ms Miura said: "We have had
(    )   first in the pairs free skate competition. Their outstanding and dynamic performance also set
( 1 )   Japan has scooped its first-ever Olympic gold medal for pairs figure skating. Ice skater Riku Miura and her
(    )   of getting a medal. And they did that with aplomb. Their routine was a stunning display of athleticism, daring,
(    )   partner Ryuichi Kihara dazzled a highly appreciative crowd on their way to placing
(    )   reason why we managed to triumph and win the gold medal." Their coach, Bruno Marcotte, showered
(    )   so many experiences over the past seven years and we have grown a lot, so I think that is the
(    )   speed, and technique. The spectators at the Milano Ice Skating Arena gave the duo a standing ovation to thunderous applause.
(    )   The couple seemed shell-shocked after leaving the ice to speak to waiting reporters. An out-of-
(    )   them with praise. He said: "I think today they were able to create magic. They skated
(    )   with their heart. Their connection really came through, and it was just pure magic."

Put the words in the right order

first-ever gold has its Japan medal . Olympic scooped
a appreciative crowd . dazzled highly skaters The
competition . first free in pairs Placing skate the
A contenders . down fair field of the way
a applause . ovation received standing They thunderous to
after couple ice . leaving seemed shell-shocked The the
determined He it . nail said to we were
a could gold . I never thought we win
I is reason So that the think why .
able create magic . they to Today were

Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

Japan has scraped / scooped its first-ever Olympic gold medal for pairs / pair figure skating. Ice skater Riku Miura and her partner Ryuichi Kihara dazzled a highly appreciative / appreciation crowd on their way to pacing / placing first in the pairs free skate competition. Their outstanding and dynamic performance also set a world record. After a / the first round, the pair were a fair way down the field of contenders for / of gold. They knew they would have to pull out all the stops to have any chance to / of getting a medal. And they did that with a bomb / aplomb. Their routine was a stunning display of athleticism, dare / daring, speed, and technique. The spectators at the Milano Ice Skating Arena gave the duo a standing ovation to thunderous applause / applaud.

The couple seemed shell-shocked after left / leaving the ice to speak to waiting reporters. An out-of-breath / breather Mr Kihara exclaimed: "We were determined to nail / screw it." He added: "It's still unbelievable / believable. I never thought we could win gold today, so it feels incredibly good." The couple first teamed down / up in 2019. Ms Miura said: "We have had so many experiences over / under the past seven years and we have grown a lot, so I think that is the reason why we managed to triumph / triumphant and win the gold medal." Their coach, Bruno Marcotte, rained / showered them with praise. He said: "I think today they were able to create magic. They skated with their heart / kidneys. Their connection really came through, and it was just pore / pure magic."

Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct. Look up the definition of new words.

Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

J_p_n h_s sc__p_d _ts f_rst-_v_r _lymp_c g_ld m_d_l f_r p__rs f_g_r_ sk_t_ng. _c_ sk_t_r R_k_ M__r_ _nd h_r p_rtn_r Ry__ch_ K_h_r_ d_zzl_d _ h_ghly _ppr_c__t_v_ cr_wd _n th__r w_y t_ pl_c_ng f_rst _n th_ p__rs fr__ sk_t_ c_mp_t_t__n. Th__r __tst_nd_ng _nd dyn_m_c p_rf_rm_nc_ _ls_ s_t _ w_rld r_c_rd. _ft_r th_ f_rst r__nd, th_ p__r w_r_ _ f__r w_y d_wn th_ f__ld _f c_nt_nd_rs f_r g_ld. Th_y kn_w th_y w__ld h_v_ t_ p_ll __t _ll th_ st_ps t_ h_v_ _ny ch_nc_ _f g_tt_ng _ m_d_l. _nd th_y d_d th_t w_th _pl_mb. Th__r r__t_n_ w_s _ st_nn_ng d_spl_y _f _thl_t_c_sm, d_r_ng, sp__d, _nd t_chn_q__. Th_ sp_ct_t_rs _t th_ M_l_n_ _c_ Sk_t_ng _r_n_ g_v_ th_ d__ _ st_nd_ng _v_t__n t_ th_nd_r__s _ppl__s_.

Th_ c__pl_ s__m_d sh_ll-sh_ck_d _ft_r l__v_ng th_ _c_ t_ sp__k t_ w__t_ng r_p_rt_rs. _n __t-_f-br__th Mr K_h_r_ _xcl__m_d: "W_ w_r_ d_t_rm_n_d t_ n__l _t." H_ _dd_d: "_t's st_ll _nb_l__v_bl_. _ n_v_r th__ght w_ c__ld w_n g_ld t_d_y, s_ _t f__ls _ncr_d_bly g__d." Th_ c__pl_ f_rst t__m_d _p _n 2019. Ms M__r_ s__d: "W_ h_v_ h_d s_ m_ny _xp_r__nc_s _v_r th_ p_st s_v_n y__rs _nd w_ h_v_ gr_wn _ l_t, s_ _ th_nk th_t _s th_ r__s_n why w_ m_n_g_d t_ tr__mph _nd w_n th_ g_ld m_d_l." Th__r c__ch, Br_n_ M_rc_tt_, sh_w_r_d th_m w_th pr__s_. H_ s__d: "_ th_nk t_d_y th_y w_r_ _bl_ t_ cr__t_ m_g_c. Th_y sk_t_d w_th th__r h__rt. Th__r c_nn_ct__n r__lly c_m_ thr__gh, _nd _t w_s j_st p_r_ m_g_c."

Punctuate the text and add capitals

japan has scooped its firstever olympic gold medal for pairs figure skating ice skater riku miura and her partner ryuichi kihara dazzled a highly appreciative crowd on their way to placing first in the pairs free skate competition their outstanding and dynamic performance also set a world record after the first round the pair were a fair way down the field of contenders for gold they knew they would have to pull out all the stops to have any chance of getting a medal and they did that with aplomb their routine was a stunning display of athleticism daring speed and technique the spectators at the milano ice skating arena gave the duo a standing ovation to thunderous applause

the couple seemed shellshocked after leaving the ice to speak to waiting reporters an outofbreath mr kihara exclaimed we were determined to nail it he added its still unbelievable i never thought we could win gold today so it feels incredibly good the couple first teamed up in 2019 ms miura said we have had so many experiences over the past seven years and we have grown a lot so i think that is the reason why we managed to triumph and win the gold medal their coach bruno marcotte showered them with praise he said i think today they were able to create magic they skated with their heart their connection really came through and it was just pure magic

Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

Japanhasscoopeditsfirst-everOlympicgoldmedalforpairsfigureska
ting.IceskaterRikuMiuraandherpartnerRyuichiKiharadazzledahighly
appreciativecrowdontheirwaytoplacingfirstinthepairsfreeskatecom
petition.Theiroutstandinganddynamicperformancealsosetaworldre
cord.Afterthefirstround,thepairwereafairwaydownthefieldofconten
dersforgold.Theyknewtheywouldhavetopulloutallthestopstohavean
ychanceofgettingamedal.Andtheydidthatwithaplomb.Theirroutine
wasastunningdisplayofathleticism,daring,speed,andtechnique.The
spectatorsattheMilanoIceSkatingArenagavetheduoastandingovatio
ntothunderousapplause.Thecoupleseemedshell-shockedafterleavi
ngtheicetospeaktowaitingreporters.Anout-of-breathMrKiharaexcl
aimed:"Weweredeterminedtonailit."Headded:"It'sstillunbelievable.
Ineverthoughtwecouldwingoldtoday,soitfeelsincrediblygood."Thec
ouplefirstteamedupin2019.MsMiurasaid:"Wehavehadsomanyexper
iencesoverthepastsevenyearsandwehavegrownalot,soIthinkthatist
hereasonwhywemanagedtotriumphandwinthegoldmedal."Theircoa
ch,BrunoMarcotte,showeredthemwithpraise.Hesaid:"Ithinktodayth
eywereabletocreatemagic.Theyskatedwiththeirheart.Theirconnecti
onreallycamethrough,anditwasjustpuremagic."

Free writing

Write about figure skating for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Academic writing

Winter sports are more exciting than summer sports. Discuss.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Homework

1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google’s search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.
2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about this news story. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.
3. FIGURE SKATING: Make a poster about figure skating. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
4. EVERY TWO YEARS: Write a magazine article about holding the Olympics every two years. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against this.
Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).
5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.
6. LETTER: Write a letter to an expert on figure skating. Ask him/her three questions about it. Give him/her three of your opinions on this sport. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

A Few Additional Activities for Students

Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

Also...

Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

News
Warm ups
Pre-reading / Post-reading
Using headlines
Working with words
While-reading / While-listening
Moving from text to speech
Post-reading / Post-listening
Discussions
Using opinions
Plans
Language
Using lists
Using quotes
Task-based activities
Role plays
Using the central characters in the article
Using themes from the news
Homework

Buy my book

$US 9.99

Answers

(Please look at page 26 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

Back to the top

Help Support This Web Site

Please consider helping Breaking News English.com

Sean Banville's Book

Download a sample of my book "1,000 Ideas & Activities for Language Teachers".

Breaking News English Lesson: Figure Skating

Home | Help This Site

PRINT

LISTEN

READ

GRAMMAR

SPELL

WORDS