It was a one-off Sunday afternoon in the summer time, when Carlos Alcaraz won Wimbledon for the second time in his young career, and a close-knit team of both young and experienced players won the Eurocup in Berlin for Spain, late in the evening.
In an emotional evening, the winners of the 43rd edition of the Princess of Asturias Awards received the warm applause of the audience and the recognition of the Spanish Royal Family last Friday, while Princess Leonor read a mature speech about sacrifice and service, that made her parents gaze at her with profound pride. Then a band of pipers and drummers played the anthem of the principality of Asturias to contribute to the solemn and joyous atmosphere for the ceremony. Meryl Streep received the award for Arts, Nuccio Ordine for Communication and Humanities, Hélene Carrière D'Encausse for Social Sciences, Eliud Kipchoge for Sports, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) for International Cooperation, Jeffrey Gordon, E. Peter Greenberg and Bonnie L. Bassler for Scientific and Technical Research, Mary's Meals for Concord and Haruki Murakami for Literature.
The award ceremony was the prelude of a historical week for Princess Leonor, who has taken a week off her military training at the Military Academy of Zaragoza to pledge alliance to the Spanish Constitution and become the official heir to the throne, according to the Daily Mail, which also published the new photos released for her 18th birthday. These two articles are suitable for C1 students, you can find the key words under the following paragraph.
The texts and videos about the Award Ceremony come from the Princess of Asturias Foundation and they are suitable for B2 students and above. You can find interesting vocabulary for example, in Meryl Streep's multimedia contents: holder, to star [in a Broadway production], to stand out, a leading role, to gain [recognition], [her best] performance, to earn [her an Oscar], committed to [defending women's rights]. In Nuccio Ordine's: to earn [a PhD], outstanding, numerous [articles], well-being. In Hélene Carrière D'Encausse's: to head [a Department]. In Eliud Kipchoge's: to stand atop [the highests podium], so-called, ups and downs, [to be] nicknamed, prowess, [ability] to focus, to cut [thirty seconds] off [the previous record], to go through [the arches], to smash [the world record], [300 metres] to go, a lap [of the track], endurance runs, tempo runs, to come down to [this], [history] unfolding, a marathon event, a [considerable] chunk, a history maker, [simply] stunning, scrambling [for superlatives].Haruki Murakami: a graduate [in Literature], to converge, an unnerving [writer], the dreamlike [world], to be rooted, a budding [writer], to garner [success], a writing fellow [at Princeton University], an earthquake, [universal] scope. DNDi: a non-profit organization, underdevelopment, research, headquarters, to be chaired, funding, [public and private] entities, ailments, affordable [access], to plague [our world], neglected, toxic, scars, powerless, to launch [an initiative], to harness [the science], to develop [drugs], a conductor, a hit, to run clinical trials, to deliver [a treatment], to shape [the next years]. Jeffrey Gordon, E. Peter Greenberg and Bonnie L. Bassler: to spearhead, the microbiome, epithelial [cells], polysaccharides, thereby, to make up [the microbiota], a [new] approach, distinguished, gut,undernourished [children], to play a key role, to address [a problem], an acknowledgment, thrilling.Mary's Meals: to aim [to provide], relief, to achieve a goal, to carry out [its work], to devise, to the utmost, [local] produce, likewise, to ensure, fundraising, affiliates, to beat [in harmony], remarkable, to dwell, to struggle, a ladder, [all] walks of life.
Spain has beaten England 1- 0 to win their first Women's World Cup in Sydney. In a very tough match, where the Spanish players have shown their football and strategic skills to play as a compact team together, the female footballers have finally defeated the powerful English Lionesses, who won the European Cup Final last year (see this blog's entry on August 2nd, 2022).
The conversation, in very natural American English, is quite long (57:28), so it is recommended for C1 students and above. There seems to be no operating link to the script on the web page, so, you can use this list of interesting and salient words as a listening guide: a commercial, greasy, pots and pans, to belong in the kitchen, to reach out to, triumph, to have a ripple effect, an awakening, to box women, to make a difference, diva, the "b" word, slut, harsh, abrasive, to suck around, bitch, mortified, dumb, dragon-lady, household names, to bear the brunt of [something], label, to open up, competitive, an order [of nuns], the sisters, to renounce [their] vows, to behold to a system, to be raised [Catholic], to trickle down, limitless, to date [my now husband], to embody [the spirit of ambition], a trend-setter, a trail-blazer, to focus on [other passions], to pop in, a great vibe, super loyal, to show up, [the pain] I am going through, to check yourself, bossy, to fade, to be fearless, to be blanking, to be afraid of heights, a wound, a godly fear, unhealthy fear, to jump in [there], to call [the ball] out, [to have] a meltdown, a double standard, a stand-point, [pressure] to mount, [these] fellows, that was nuts, to be at fault, [to use] a curse word, to step away [from tennis], deleting, to dig [deeper on an idea], scenarios, [is] power hungry, a role model, it boils down to [antipathy], to come with a backlash, a climber, a ripple effect, to be nurturing, a boost [in pay], careerwise, the mother-work balance, [I'm always] devil's advocate, breastfeeding, infamous [cat suit], that outfit, [she fell from] a high chair, [I felt so] guilty, a cast, to rock [her to sleep], [I'm] hard on myself, so emotionally drained, I took a lot on, to show up, an official engagement, a township, a nursery, to give [each other] a break, to swim in the shallow end, to betray that trust, a monumental decision, baseball cap, on vacation, to struggle with it, for one purpose, I can't wait [to wake up one day], it's new territory, to toil over [a decision], it takes [counselling, support], [the last] hurrah, the locker room, sad tears, to evolve [into something else], [some sort of] involvement, pregnancy, to wobble around, [I'm] fortunate enough, your calling, choosing a path, it takes [a lot of] courage, that's insane, classy girl, to tear up, this newness, it doesn't get better than that, to be messing around, stunning, it's the sweetest thing, a two-bedroom home, the most amazing ride, I'm getting emotional, to close things out, to hold a space, a perfectionist, thoughtful, compassionate, genuinely funny, a fully-fledged [human being], [I] have a voice, super-understanding, a mom, a marker of drive, a commitment to achievement, nuances, to have an agenda, whatever gets thrown at you, my little mermaid, to shut the door on her ambition, see you guys!
After the Lionesses, England's female football team, won the European Cup last Sunday, there has been a national celebration of soccer and female empowerment. The media have reflected the historical moment by flooding the waves with words of praise and joy for the victorious women athletes. BBC Radio 4 programme Today is a good example of this shared communal enthusiasm, and on August 1st, Today devoted several slots to cover the different angles of the the story during the 3 hour programme (that podcast is available on line for 29 days, and it is suitable for C2 students). A compilation of the different interviews can be heard on Best of Today, a podcast that is only available on line for 6 days, also suitable for C2 students. In the podcast 5 Minutes On, you can hear a short summary of the story for a whole year (C1).
The article about Sarina Wiegman can be read by C1 students, and you will find interesting words like: an alchemist, formidable, an accomplishment, to sum up, austere, stern, the touchline, to imprint on, to flourish, sore, a feat, back-to-back, to play bad cop, to raise an eyebrow, a close-knit [England camp], to eke out, priceless, the dressing-room, to be forthright, the national team, a tall order, arduousness, surreal, contenders, to haul [them] over the line, to tie up, loose [ends], sleek, at the helm, to back up [a title], a stunning [win], deservedly, a letdown, a squad, akin to, [with] momentum, a fixture, a draw, the buildup, to bask, glow, on the pitch, legacy, a camper van [holiday], to eschew, glitz, glare, damehood.
In the article "This Will Change Women's Football for Ever" (C1), you can find interesting words like: a lioness, to capture [the country's] imagination, [girls and boys] alike, outrageous, to score, attendance, a turnstile, to top it off, a thunderbolt, to crack [into the net], [the clock] to tick down [towards extra-time], to backheel, a nutmeg [goal], stunning, cheek, to roar, an [advertising] hoarding, the pitch, coverage, a pundit, mainstream, watercooler talk, to flock, to stick around, for years to come, to reach [the final], funding, a squad, a [home/ away] leg, a day job, fixture, vile [weather], to set up, to aim [top], to pay off, to land [a trophy], to draw from [a diverse talent pool], to launch, to address [a problem], a grassroots [club], a step, an inspirational role model, to clear the path, legacy, to ensure [that], to go down in history,
Ellen MacArthur has recently won the Princess of Asturias Prize for International Cooperation, The Majorca Daily Bulletin reported last week. In 2005, Ms MacArthur became the first woman to break the world record as a solo sailor around the world and later she started the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to promote the circular economy and design a more sustainable future for the finite world resources. As a result of their campaign, in March 2022 the UN adopted a resolution to negotiate a legally-binding treaty on plastic pollution, which is hoped to be drawn and signed by the end of 2024.
Dame Ellen MacArthur was invited to the BBC Radio 4 programme Desert Island Discs back in 2009. In this 45' interview she talks about her background, her achievement in sailing, and her charity work. Her English is a perfect model for C1 and C2 students, because it is rich, but not pompous; there are technical terms, but it is not packed with jargon; the colloquial expressions fit naturally in the context because they are genuinely used to clarify ideas, unlike the florid attempts of some C1 and C2 students who force the one or two expressions they have recently learnt in their textbooks to try to impress their examiners. The interview has no script, so it is recommended for C2 students, but this vocabulary list can also be used as a rough listening guide to help C1 students follow the interview:
Castaway, to sail solo, limitless passion, iron-will [to triumph], upbringing, to pour over, to skip [school lunches], dinghy, the finish line, relief, it's over, dock, pitch black, to stumble upon, odd scene, crammed, loo, toilet seat, to step off [a boat], to crave [for normalilty], track, outcast, voyage, to get [somebody] through, multitasking, to fix [the engine], chafing, kettle, a gas stove, gas cilinders, to pour in [the water], fuel, an intolerance [to bread], appetite for [a pint of beer], difficult to be around, a feeling of achievement, adrenaline, to wear off, to have a knack [for fixing things], to grow your own vegs, to go karts, lawnmower, a girly girl, a Cindy, a tomboy, to whittle wood, caring, to change the path, to see [me] off, to wish [me] well, scholarship, to make sure [her children went to university], canteen, an inspiration [to me], dinghy, a cabin, a chart table, a bunk, [my] nan, an instrumental force, to dismantle [my bed], barn, a sleeping bag, sewing machine, a set [of sailing trousers], pocket money, income, school dinner money [change], mashed potato & gravy, meniscus, to pile [the money], the money box, a building society, to hand over [the cash], a pet chicken, reservoir, to make do [with playing in the garden], obsessiveness, achiever, obsessive, break times, focused, [I like] being around people, time runs, survival, a moneyed pastime, Derbyshire Education Committe, a wetsuit, a tracksuit, a pakamac, to make it through [to the end of the week], properly equipped, to pack it in, a telling look, brutally selfish, to spread the wings [and fly], poignantly, a massive challenge, to come your way, to take each day as it comes, to be out there, the sunset, the highlights [of your life], in terms of, to smash the daggerboard to pieces, to sum it up, sponsorship, amassing funds, to cobble together [money], the stakes are higher, miniature, Boots, there is room [for relationships], a beanbag, a net, to flush right through, a fleece blanket, waterproofs, to doze, freezing cold, emotional, cheery [song], to recapture [a solo record], an astounding lap [of the planet], to jar [inside me], everything is looked after, precious, to take [something] for granted, kitchen roll, to tear a square, to hit home to me, an adventurous place, resources, [a moment of] epiphany, to eclipse, to draw a line [on that part of your life], leukemia, a new understanding, to maroon, shelter, to have a good shot [at something], a trust, a luxury, bearable, a worm, slinky, fluffy, goggly eyes.
In the Majorca Daily Bulletin report you will find interesting words like: yachting champ, social entrepreneur, to sail solo, to play a key role, to bring about [a move], to be hailed as a watershed moment, an [environmentalist] campaigner, prestigious, the circular economy, to head, to bear [her name], the jury, a statement, to outlast, to outpace, demanding, to advocate, a sustainable model [of production and consumption], to forge a major legally-binding [international agreement].
Here you can also watch a TED Talk she gave in March 2015 about her sailing experience and what she learnt about the scarcity of resources in the global economy. The talk lasts 15':47", and it has subtitles, so it is accessible to B2 students and above.
If you are still interested in Ellen's sailing, you can watch the documentary "Taking On the World: The Official Story" about her participation in the Vendée Global, 2001. There are no subtitles available, but the little density of the words might make it accessible for C1 students with the help of the images (1h. 10m, 12s.).
Rafa Nadal has made history again. Last Sunday he won his 14th Roland Garros title and his 22nd Grand Slam title, two in a row in 2022. Here you can read the BBC News report on the RG victory, which is suitable for C1 students, and the NPR story, which uses shorter sentences and easier words, and could easily be read by B2 students. If you are keen on tennis, you can watch the highlights of the Roland Garros Final here (11':41"). Some of the most interesting words you can find in the BBC News report are: to beat, back-to-back, to reclaim, straight [sets], [eighth] seed, clay, in a row, to surpass, left-hander, to drop his racquet, to hamper, the rib, nous, a miscue, to take his serve, a vicious forehand winner, a double fault, discomfort, a long-standing [foot problem], groundstrokes, a wide backhand, to target, to save [three break points] to hold, a break point, to pummel, to punch, to hand over [a two-set lead], ruthlessly, to wrap up [the third set], the hallmark, to unleash [his forehand], a runner-up.
This is a short video report called "A day with Rafael Nadal. Roland Garros 2022" (3':47") which is suitable for B2 students, although there are technical words, and this is an extended video of Rafa's Press Conference after RG 2022 final (41':16"), which can problably be followed by B2 students and above, where he talks about the pain he has suffered in his foot, his passion for tennis and for competition, about the match (he talks in Spanish and in Catalan in the second half of the interview). You can also click to listen to Rafael Nadal's interview to CNN (19':04") here, which can be problably understood by B2 students because of Rafa's accent, even though there are no subtitles available.
Rafa Nadal is not only a great tennis player, but a gentle and caring guy. This video, Why We love Rafael Nadal (9':34"), shows why so many people around the world adore him, and below you will find another video "Rafa Nadal Being Hilarious for 10 Minutes Straight" (10':04"), which shows Rafa's great sense of humour.
This is the glossary for the BBC Radio 5 Live interview, which is long enough to be used as a listening guide: a defining year, the paddock, a monumental moment, to cheer (for him), a standing ovation, achievement, colossal, realm, to witness history, the greatest ever, ultra succesful, a statesman, whole package, measured in his emotion and focused, a genious display, [last few] laps, that genious and brillance, so critical [in his career], to stay put, a leap of faith, to count my blessings, the right thing for me, to be aware of, surroundings, to match an icon, to dream big, plenty to pick, to take points away from him, cannot hold a candle to Lewis on Sunday, can't leave anything on the table, you scrap everything, tenacity, to pit, tyres, he had no right to win [the race], absolutely ridiculous, blown out of the water, absolutely ferocious, absolutely useless, slippery [pit lane], astonishing, acrobatics, do the Maths in your head, strands of information, he gets credit, to deserve, talent, to stay focused, to beat [Michael's] record, a fantastic achievement, to set up the car, the best ever, to be honest, his record surpassed, he would be OK, fair to compare, to exhibit, mastery, an outstanding [driver], win percentage, brilliant, rolled them into one, creeping up around 30%, [the car] they step into, these machines, the sum of all this, the current crop [of football players], facilities, data, magical vacuum, to set parameters, tiers, a like to like comparison, to read the stats, stunning, to take a bow, tributes, to reach out, biassed, based in [Britain], to be hailed as [the greatest sports person], the realm of, in his breadth, he has utterly dominated, Swedish domiciled, the key difference, the equipment, head-to-head, unique, the outright [best], to be knighted, they stand out, engaged, involved, charities, issues, using their platform, they gravitate to him, to step forward, to make his voice heard, charitable contibution, never swayed away from him, the stopwatch, the real world, he has a voice, utilize [his voice], more round up, there is purpose in [something], squeezed in a box, this deal [among us], to work out, to turn up, social intelligence, work ethic, inspirational, glamour, sustainablility, he has a spotlight on [him], to lead the way, to push forward, human rights record, his focus, to speak up, to dream big, not built into them, to deal with, to strengthen, to go through, to take with [him], makes people uncomfortable, there's much more to be done, to drive change, to race against, key points, meritocracy, a blinked view, not a bouncer, good enough, incredible, paddock, [no one] to look up to, to condemn [issues], his stature, to get enraged, to galvanize people behind him, rightly so, racist slurs, to preserve, to take on this mantra, quite clear, cash is king, he revels in this idea, foundations, to get heavily into, different irons in the fire, to ge a headline, he won't play ball, pretty impressive, he transcends sports, a headline generator, an incredible work ethic, quite unusual, aloof, moody, incredibly thoughful, to put a lot of effort, to speak for ten minutes on end, not waffle, underlying point, to quote, on black and white, incredibly softly spoken, glib, disingenious, weird lingering, misconceptions, in your copy, a nice bloke, baffling, post-race interview, he'll definitely be around, to check out 2020, he'll stick around, a decent chance of being in F1, to win all the Wallies around, getting the contracts down, not so straightforward, sponsorship deals, to walk away, he definitely is hungry, end on a high note, to ball out gracefully, to set the bar high, to move aside, to move on, our panel.
Finally, you can watch Nayim's historic goal with the comments in English in the video below:
*****
Listening task for the ballad The Lobbing of David Seaman (RTÉ's version) by poet Murray Lachlan Young:
The Lobbing
of David Seaman
Ah, come all ye teenage goalkeepers
And listen unto me,
I'll tell you of a goalie
Who went out to gay Paree;
The Gunners called him '(1) ___________ Hands',
David Seaman was his name,
But that (2) ______________ night in Paris
Was his world consumed in flames.
It was in the
final minutes
And the game was
surely gone
With oaken heart
and broken (3) ___________
He urged the Gunners on,
The (4) ____________
expecting penalties
were whistling
full time,
But one (5)
_____________ Zaragozan
Saw the keeper
off his line.
So up steps
Seaman's nemesis
and his name it
was Nayim,
He kicked a
mighty lofted (6) __________
So high above the
scene
Poor Seaman scrambled backwards
To face this
final card
To be (7)
____________ by a cannon ball
From over fifty
yards.
Oh! The tears of
David Seaman
They define the Gunners'
(8) ______________,
But he could not
change the score line
And he could not
change his name.
So he took the
well-trod channel
Of a man whose (9)
______________ has failed,
Oh! He posed for
lifestyle magazines,
And he (10)
___________ a pony tail.
[Second Part, from 17:38 to 18:43]
