News Flash English :: CSOB Marathon

START

1. MARATHONS: What do you know about marathons? Have you ever been in one? Have you ever watched one? Which is the biggest marathon you know about? How long is a marathon? Go round the room swapping stories. Change partners often.

2. DICTATION: The teacher will read some of the article slowly and clearly. Students will write down what they hear. The teacher will repeat the passage slowly again. Self correct your work from page 2 - filling in spaces and correcting mistakes. Be honest with yourself on the number of errors. Advise the teacher of your total number of errors. Less than 5 is very good. 10 are acceptable. Any more is room for improvement! More than 20 - we need to do some work!

3. READING: Get students to read the passage aloud. Swap readers every paragraph.

4. VOCABULARY: Students look through the article. Underline/highlight any vocabulary you do not know. Look in dictionaries. Discuss and help each other out. The teacher will go through & explain any words or phrases you do not understand.

5. EXPLAIN: Explain the following: to host / endurance runner / enthusiasm / great atmosphere / kick off / untraditional disciplines / cultural events / will take the stage

6. MARATHONS: Think of 4 international marathons. Compare and discuss with your partner.

1	3
2	4

The teacher will choose some pairs to discuss their findings in front of the class.

7. QUICK DEBATE: Students A believe sport is good for you. Explain why. Students B is a couch potato and doesn't believe it is good for you. Explain why.

8. RUNNING A MARATHON: Think of three advantages and disadvantages of running a marathon. Compare and discuss with your partner(s).

Advantages	Disadvantages
1	1
2	2
3	3

The teacher will choose some pairs to discuss their findings in front of the class.

9. ARTICLE QUIZ: With your partner or in small groups: (1 point for each correct answer. Lose ½ point if you look at the article for help!)
Student A
1) What is 'The Hobby Run'?
2) What is taking place on Sunday March 30^th?
3) Which ambassadors are taking part in the relay run?
4) How many marathons have been in Bratislava?
5) Name the bank sponsoring the event
6) What cultural events are taking place?
7) How many competitors have put their names down?
8) Who won last years race?
9) How many untraditional disciplines will take place?
10) Who will take part in the Kids Olympics ZSE?
Student B
1) What will kick off the weekend?
2) Name three European countries with runners taking part?
3) Name the African countries mentioned
4) What does ZSE stand for?
5) What will 'Hobby Runners' be awarded?
6) Where will the marathon start?
7) Name two endurance runners
8) Name the magician
9) Who is a partner of the Slovak Olympic Committee?
10) When are the scheduled events mentioned due to take place?

10. I WENT TO SEE A MARATHON AND I SAW: Swap partners! Think of 10 things you might see when watching a marathon. Write them below. Compare and discuss with your new partner.

1	6
2	7
3	8
4	9
5	10

The teacher will choose some pairs to discuss their findings in front of the class.

11. UN-SCRAMBLE: Put the following into the right order:

Easy
1) by sponsored the is CSOB event
2) are competitors taking part 1,300 nearly
3) a marathon half is there also
4) is long 5km the Run Hobby
5) local a ZSE provider energy is
Harder
6) alongside the is Hobby marathon Run running main The
7) 5 will in schools disciplines compete untraditional
8) are ambassadors Korean and the running American
9) third marathon Bratislava host annual to its is
10) a be promises marathon weekend to it great

(Answers are on page 15 sentences adapted from article)

12. MARATHON: With your partner on the board write as many words to do with 'Marathon' as you can. One-two minutes. Compare with other teams. Discuss together - linking your words.

13. SENTENCES: Choose six/nine of the words from no 12. Write two/three sentences using two/three words in each. Underline your chosen words. The teacher will if necessary correct your work. Students might be asked to read their sentences aloud.

14. SENTENCE STARTERS: With your partner(s), finish these sentence starters. Change partner(s) and talk about the sentences you made.

Marathons _____________________________________________________
Runners _______________________________________________________
The winner ____________________________________________________
The marathon __________________________________________________
The finishing line ________________________________________________
The fastest time ________________________________________________

15. TEN SPORTS: Swap partners! Think of 10 sports. Write them below. Compare and discuss with your new partner.

1	6
2	7
3	8
4	9
5	10

The teacher will choose some pairs to discuss their findings in front of the class.

16. TEN SPORTS Look at your results to no 15. Discuss the following with your partner.

Student A
1) Which of the above do you do currently?
2) Which of the above have you done?
3) Which of the above is the most demanding sport?
4) Your question
Student B
1) Which of the above is the newest sport?
2) Which of the above will be at the Olympics?
3) Which of the above wouldn't you partake in?
4) Your question

AFTER READING / LISTENING

1. TRUE / FALSE: After reading the article guess whether these sentences are true (T) or false (F):

a.	Bratislava is to host its fourth annual marathon	T / F
b.	The event is sponsored by local bank Tatra Banka	T / F
c.	1,300 competitors have put their names down for the marathon	T / F
d.	Running alongside the main marathon is 'The Hobbit Run'	T / F
e.	International runners include Morocco, Ethiopia and Russia	T / F
f.	Last years marathon winner came from Germany	T / F
g.	Schools will take part in 6 untraditional disciplines	T / F
h.	Politicians and famous personalities will be taking part in the event	T / F

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

a.	Marathon	Drink
b.	Event	Combination
c.	Endurance	Eagerness
d.	Package	Taking part
e.	Reporters	Perseverance
f.	Competing	Start
g.	Enthusiasm	Occasion
h.	Atmosphere	Journalists
i.	Kick off	Race
j.	Refreshment	Ambience

3. PHRASE MATCH: Match the following phrases from the article:

a.	Bratislava is	to be a great marathon weekend
b.	The event this year	Slovakia have registered for the relay run
c.	A record number of runners will be	of sporting and cultural events scheduled...
d.	The marathon is part of a package	is 'The Hobby Run.'
e.	The Korean and American ambassadors to	is a local energy provider
f.	Nearly 1,300 competitors have put their	setting off from Hviezdoslav Square
g.	Running alongside the main marathon	lots of fun
h.	The event promises to be	is sponsored by local bank CSOB
i.	ZSE	names down for the marathon event
j.	All in all, it promises	to host its third annual marathon

GAP FILL: READING

Put the words into the gaps in the text.

Bratislava is to ____ its third annual marathon. The event this year is sponsored by local bank CSOB. A record number of runners will be setting off from Hviezdoslav Square on Sunday 30^th March. The marathon is part of a _______ of sporting and cultural events scheduled to take place during the last three days of the month. Speaking to reporters Andrea Beresova from CSOB City Marathon Bratislava 2008 said, "The Korean and American ambassadors to Slovakia have registered for the _____ ___, while a number of politicians and famous personalities such as national tennis player Dominik Hrbaty have made surprise entries as well." Nearly 1,300 competitors have put their names down for the ________ event, which is expected to feature last year's ______ Bogdan Dziuba from Poland and other successful _______ from Germany, Hungary, Ukraine, and Slovakia. Competing in the half marathon will be well-known _________ runners such as Morocco's Elisha Sawa, Ethiopia's Wellay Amare Weldgyorgis and Bernard Dematteis from Italy.

package

winner

endurance

relay

runners

marathon

run

host

_______ alongside the main marathon is 'The Hobby Run.' This non-competitive 5km long run is for those sportsmen and women who don't regularly train but who have plenty of ______ and __________. Each hobby ______ will be awarded a medal and small refreshment on finishing. These 'hobby runners' will help create a great atmosphere during the marathon. Organisers will kick off the weekend on Friday in Main Square, Bratislava with an Olympic type event for pupils of __________ schools called 'The Kids Olympics ZSE.' Schools will compete in 5 ____________ disciplines. The _____ promises to be lots of fun. ZSE is a local energy provider and is a _______ of the Slovak Olympic Committee. Cultural events over the weekend will include performances on the Friday night from Vlado Vizar's Jazz Quartet, Marian Grexa and the Chrobaky Band, while magician Peter Sestak, singer Petrik and bands Vidiek and Parti will take the stage on Saturday. All in all, it promises to be a great marathon weekend!

partner

untraditional

energy

enthusiasm

event

elementary

runner

running

GAP FILL: LISTENING:

Listen and fill in the spaces.

3rd annual marathon to run in Bratislava

Bratislava ____________________ annual marathon. ___________________ is sponsored by local bank CSOB. A record number of runners ___________________ from Hviezdoslav Square on Sunday 30^th March. The marathon is part of a package of sporting and cultural events scheduled to take place during the last _________________ month. Speaking to reporters Andrea Beresova from CSOB City Marathon Bratislava 2008 said, "The Korean and American ambassadors to Slovakia have registered _________________, while a number of politicians and famous personalities such as national tennis player Dominik Hrbaty have made surprise entries as well." Nearly 1,300 competitors have put their __________________ marathon event, which is expected to feature last year's winner Bogdan Dziuba from Poland and other successful runners from Germany, Hungary, Ukraine, and Slovakia. Competing in the half marathon will be well-known endurance runners such as Morocco's Elisha Sawa, Ethiopia's Wellay Amare Weldgyorgis and Bernard Dematteis from Italy.

Running alongside the main marathon is 'The Hobby Run.' This non-competitive 5km _______________ those sportsmen and women who don't regularly train but __________________ energy and enthusiasm. Each hobby runner will be awarded a medal and small refreshment on finishing. These 'hobby runners' __________________ great atmosphere during the marathon. Organisers will kick off the weekend on Friday in Main Square, Bratislava with an Olympic type event for pupils of elementary schools called 'The Kids Olympics ZSE'. Schools will compete in 5 untraditional disciplines. The event promises _________________. ZSE is a local energy provider and is ________________ Slovak Olympic Committee. Cultural events over the weekend will include performances on the Friday night from Vlado Vizar's Jazz Quartet, Marian Grexa and the Chrobaky Band, while magician Peter Sestak, singer Petrik and bands Vidiek and Parti will take the stage on Saturday. All in all, ___________________ great marathon weekend!

DISCUSSION

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

Did the headline make you want to read the article?
Have you ever run in a marathon?
Are you into sport?
What is the furthest you have ever run?
What other sports do you do?
What is your favourite sport?
What is your least favourite sport?
Are you an armchair sports lover?
Will you be watching the Olympics?
Can you name any famous runners?

---------------------------------------------------------------------

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

What is your favourite sport?
What are your favourite hobbies?
Do you think sportsmen and women who take drugs should be banned from their sport?
What sports did you play at school?
Have you ever done a mini marathon?
Who is your current favourite sportsperson?
Who is your favourite sports person of all time?
What sports would you like to do in the future?
Are you going to China to watch the Olympics?
Did you like this discussion?

AFTER DISCUSSION: Join another partner / group and tell them what you talked about.

What was the most interesting thing you heard?
Was there a question you did not like?
Was there something you totally disagreed with?
What did you like talking about?
Which was the most difficult question?

SPEAKING

OLYMPIC PREPARATION:

In pairs or in teams of 3/4

You are going to the Olympics in China later this year. You are at a meeting of fellow athletes who are going to be taking part. Go round the room finding out exactly who does what sport. Use the table below to help you.

Name	Sport	Preparations they have undertaken so far
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

The teacher will ask for some peoples results.

LANGUAGE: CORRECT WORD: Choose the correct words from a-d below and write them in the article.

Bratislava is to host its (1)__ annual marathon. The event (2)__ year is sponsored by local bank CSOB. A record number of runners will be setting off from Hviezdoslav Square on Sunday 30^th March. The marathon is part of a package of sporting and cultural events scheduled to take place during the last three days of the month. Speaking to reporters Andrea Beresova from CSOB City Marathon Bratislava 2008 said, "The Korean and American ambassadors to Slovakia have registered for the relay run, while a number of politicians and famous personalities such as national tennis player Dominik Hrbaty have made surprise entries as well." Nearly 1,300 competitors have put their names down for the marathon event, (3)__ is expected to feature last year's (4)__ Bogdan Dziuba from Poland and (5)__ successful runners from Germany, Hungary, Ukraine, and Slovakia. (6)__ in the half marathon will be well-known endurance runners such as Morocco's Elisha Sawa, Ethiopia's Wellay Amare Weldgyorgis and Bernard Dematteis from Italy.

Running alongside the main marathon is 'The Hobby Run.' This non-competitive 5km long run is for those sportsmen and women who don't regularly train but who have plenty of energy and enthusiasm. Each hobby runner will be awarded a medal and small refreshment on finishing. These 'hobby runners' will help create a great atmosphere during the marathon. Organisers will kick off the weekend on Friday in Main Square, Bratislava with an Olympic type event for pupils of elementary schools called 'The Kids Olympics ZSE.' (7)__ will compete in 5 untraditional disciplines. The event promises to be lots of fun. ZSE is a local energy provider and is a (8)__ of the Slovak Olympic Committee. Cultural events (9)__ the weekend will include performances on the Friday night from Vlado Vizar's Jazz Quartet, Marian Grexa and the Chrobaky Band, (10)__ magician Peter Sestak, singer Petrik and bands Vidiek and Parti will take the stage on (11)__. All in all, it promises to be a great marathon (12)__!

1.	(a)	second	(b)	third	(c)	fourth	(d)	fifth
2.	(a)	last	(b)	these	(c)	the	(d)	this
3.	(a)	why	(b)	which	(c)	who	(d)	when
4.	(a)	winner	(b)	loser	(c)	runner up	(d)	guest
5.	(a)	either	(b)	others	(c)	another	(d)	other
6.	(a)	competing	(b)	competed	(c)	compete	(d)	competes
7.	(a)	offices	(b)	universities	(c)	schools	(d)	colleges
8.	(a)	husband	(b)	partner	(c)	wife	(d)	daughter
9.	(a)	under	(b)	during	(c)	on	(d)	over
10.	(a)	where	(b)	awhile	(c)	when	(d)	while
11.	(a)	Friday	(b)	Saturday	(c)	Sunday	(d)	Monday
12.	(a)	week	(b)	month	(c)	weekend	(d)	event

GRAMMAR 1: MIDWAY

Put the words into the gaps in the text.

Bratislava is to host (1)___ third annual marathon. (2)___ event (3)____ year is sponsored by local bank CSOB. A record number of runners will be setting off from Hviezdoslav Square on Sunday 30^th March. The marathon is part of a package of sporting and cultural events scheduled to take place during the last three days of the month. Speaking to reporters Andrea Beresova from CSOB City Marathon Bratislava 2008 said, "The Korean and American ambassadors to Slovakia have registered for the relay run, (4)_____ a number of politicians and famous personalities such as national tennis player Dominik Hrbaty have made surprise entries as well." Nearly 1,300 competitors have put (5)_____ names down for the marathon event, (6)_____ is expected to feature last year's winner Bogdan Dziuba from Poland and (7)_____ successful runners from Germany, Hungary, Ukraine, and Slovakia. Competing in the half marathon will be well-known endurance runners such as Morocco's Elisha Sawa, Ethiopia's Wellay Amare Weldgyorgis and Bernard Dematteis (8)____ Italy.

the

their

its

from

while

this

which

other

Running alongside the main marathon is 'The Hobby Run.' (1)____ non-competitive 5km long run is for (2)_____ sportsmen and women who don't regularly train but (3)___ have plenty of energy and enthusiasm. Each hobby runner will be awarded a medal and small refreshment on finishing. (4)_____ 'hobby runners' will help create a great atmosphere during the marathon. Organisers (5)____ kick off the weekend on Friday in Main Square, Bratislava (6)____ an Olympic type event for pupils of elementary schools called 'The Kids Olympics ZSE.' Schools will compete in 5 untraditional disciplines. The event promises to be lots of fun. ZSE is a local energy provider and is a partner of the Slovak Olympic Committee. Cultural events over the weekend will include performances on the Friday night (7)____ Vlado Vizar's Jazz Quartet, Marian Grexa and the Chrobaky Band, (8)_____ magician Peter Sestak, singer Petrik and bands Vidiek and Parti will take the stage on Saturday. All in all, it promises to be a great marathon weekend!

these

while

will

this

those

from

with

who

GRAMMAR 2: EASY

Put the words into the gaps in the text.

3rd annual marathon to run in Bratislava

Bratislava is to host its third annual marathon. The event this year is sponsored (1)__ local bank CSOB. A record number of runners will be setting off from Hviezdoslav Square on Sunday 30^th March. The marathon is part (2)__ a package of sporting and cultural events scheduled to take place during (3)___ last three days of the month. Speaking (4)__ reporters Andrea Beresova from CSOB City Marathon Bratislava 2008 said, "The Korean and American ambassadors to Slovakia have registered for the relay run, while (5)__ number (6)__ politicians and famous personalities such as national tennis player Dominik Hrbaty have made surprise entries as well." Nearly 1,300 competitors have put their names down (7)___ the marathon event, which is expected to feature last year's winner Bogdan Dziuba from Poland and other successful runners from Germany, Hungary, Ukraine, and Slovakia. Competing in the half marathon will be well-known endurance runners such as Morocco's Elisha Sawa, Ethiopia's Wellay Amare Weldgyorgis (8)___ Bernard Dematteis from Italy.

the

for

and

Running alongside the main marathon is 'The Hobby Run.' This non-competitive 5km long run is for those sportsmen and women who don't regularly train (1)___ who have plenty of energy and enthusiasm. Each hobby runner will be awarded a medal and small refreshment on finishing. These 'hobby runners' will help create a great atmosphere during the marathon. Organisers will kick off (2)___ weekend (3)__ Friday in Main Square, Bratislava with (4)__ Olympic type event for pupils of elementary schools called 'The Kids Olympics ZSE.' Schools will compete (5)__ 5 untraditional disciplines. The event promises to be lots of fun. ZSE is a local energy provider and is a partner (6)__ the Slovak Olympic Committee. Cultural events over the weekend will include performances on the Friday night from Vlado Vizar's Jazz Quartet, Marian Grexa and the Chrobaky Band, while magician Peter Sestak, singer Petrik (7)___ bands Vidiek and Parti will take the stage on Saturday. (8)___ in all, it promises to be a great marathon weekend!

but

the

and

all

HOMEWORK

1. INTERNET: MARATHONS: Search the internet for the world's biggest or top 5 marathons. Talk about what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

2. NEWSPAPER ARTICLE: Write an article on "A day at Bratislava marathon." (Imagine!) (Minimum 200 words)

3. NEWSPAPER ARTICLE: Write an article on "The training and preparation I do as a professional runner." (Imagine!) (Minimum 200 words)

4. NEWSPAPER ARTICLE: Write an article on " took part in the Bratislava marathon and..." (Minimum 200 words)

Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Which article was best and why?

WRITING: IN CLASS:

1. FIVE MINUTE ARTICLE: Write an article on "A day at Bratislava marathon." You have five minutes. Afterwards swap articles with your partner. Read through their article and correct any mistakes. The teacher will select some students to read out their work. Countdown: Every minute the teacher may say, "You have xx minutes."

2. FIVE MINUTE ARTICLE: Write an article on "The training and preparation I do as a professional runner." (Imagine!) You have five minutes. Afterwards swap articles with your partner. Read through their article and correct any mistakes. The teacher will select some students to read out their work. Countdown: Every minute the teacher may say, "You have xx minutes."

3. FIVE MINUTE ARTICLE: Write an article on "I took part in the Bratislava marathon and..." (Imagine!) You have five minutes. Afterwards swap articles with your partner. Read through their article and correct any mistakes. The teacher will select some students to read out their work. Countdown: Every minute the teacher may say, "You have xx minutes."

SPELLING TEST

The teacher will ask the class individually to spell the following words that are in the article:

1 successful	11 ambassadors
2 winner	12 marathon
3 plenty	13 enthusiasm
4 type	14 refreshment
5 provider	15 untraditional
6 atmosphere	16 performances
7 disciplines	17 package
8 alongside	18 politicians
9 elementary	19 endurance
10 personalities	20 regularly

ANSWERS: 2

12. UN-SCRAMBLED: (adapted from article)

Easy
1) The event is sponsored by CSOB
2) Nearly 1,300 competitors are taking part
3) there is also a half marathon
4) The Hobby Run is 5km long
5) ZSE is a local energy provider
Harder
6) Running alongside the main marathon is The Hobby Run
7) Schools will compete in 5 untraditional disciplines
8) The Korean and American ambassadors are running
9) Bratislava is to host its third annual marathon
10) It promises to be a great marathon weekend

ANSWERS: 1

TRUE / FALSE:

a. F

b. F

c. T

d. F

e. F

f. F

g. F

h. T

SYNONYM MATCH:

a.	Marathon	Race
b.	Event	Occasion
c.	Endurance	Perseverance
d.	Package	Combination
e.	Reporters	Journalists
f.	Competing	Taking part
g.	Enthusiasm	Eagerness
h.	Atmosphere	Ambience
i.	Kick off	Start
j.	Refreshment	Drink

PHRASE MATCH:

a.	Bratislava is	to host its third annual marathon
b.	The event this year	is sponsored by local bank CSOB
c.	A record number of runners will be	setting off from Hviezdoslav Square
d.	The marathon is part of a package	of sporting and cultural events scheduled...
e.	The Korean and American ambassadors to	Slovakia have registered for the relay run
f.	Nearly 1,300 competitors have put their	names down for the marathon event
g.	Running alongside the main marathon	is 'The Hobby Run.'
h.	The event promises to be	lots of fun
i.	ZSE	is a local energy provider
j.	All in all, it promises	to be a great marathon weekend

GAP FILL: 3rd annual marathon to run in Bratislava: Bratislava is to host its third annual marathon. The event this year is sponsored by local bank CSOB. A record number of runners will be setting off from Hviezdoslav Square on Sunday 30^th March. The marathon is part of a package of sporting and cultural events scheduled to take place during the last three days of the month. Speaking to reporters Andrea Beresova from CSOB City Marathon Bratislava 2008 said, "The Korean and American ambassadors to Slovakia have registered for the relay run, while a number of politicians and famous personalities such as national tennis player Dominik Hrbaty have made surprise entries as well." Nearly 1,300 competitors have put their names down for the marathon event, which is expected to feature last year's winner Bogdan Dziuba from Poland and other successful runners from Germany, Hungary, Ukraine, and Slovakia. Competing in the half marathon will be well-known endurance runners such as Morocco's Elisha Sawa, Ethiopia's Wellay Amare Weldgyorgis and Bernard Dematteis from Italy. Running alongside the main marathon is 'The Hobby Run.' This non-competitive 5km long run is for those sportsmen and women who don't regularly train but who have plenty of energy and enthusiasm. Each hobby runner will be awarded a medal and small refreshment on finishing. These 'hobby runners' will help create a great atmosphere during the marathon. Organisers will kick off the weekend on Friday in Main Square, Bratislava with an Olympic type event for pupils of elementary schools called 'The Kids Olympics ZSE.' Schools will compete in 5 untraditional disciplines. The event promises to be lots of fun. ZSE is a local energy provider and is a partner of the Slovak Olympic Committee. Cultural events over the weekend will include performances on the Friday night from Vlado Vizar's Jazz Quartet, Marian Grexa and the Chrobaky Band, while magician Peter Sestak, singer Petrik and bands Vidiek and Parti will take the stage on Saturday. All in all, it promises to be a great marathon weekend!

LANGUAGE WORK

1 - b

2 - d

3 - b

4 - a

5 - d

6 - a

7 - c

8 - b

9 - d

10 - d

11 - b

12 - c