Brazil Builds New Stadium for the 2014 World Cup

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. stadium [STEY-dee-uh m] (n.) – a sports arena with seats for a great number of audience

Example: The sports coordinator is making sure that the stadiums for the sports festival are in good shape.

           

2. unique [yoo-NEEK] (adj.) – not like anything else or one of a kind

Example: The stadium’s unique architecture stands out among other building designs.

3. rendering [REN-der-ing] (n.) – an interpretation or representation of something like a building, interior, etc.

Example: The local government displayed renderings of the new sports complex throughout the city.

4. intense [in-TENS] (adj.) – unusually strong or heavy

Example: Despite the intense rain, the players continued the game.

5. cover all the bases [KUHV-er awl thuh BEY-siz] (idiom) – to deal with or anticipate all the possibilities

Example: The coach assured the athletes about the game, saying he has covered all bases.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Brazil is building Arena da Amazonia in the city of Manaus for the much awaited 2014 FIFA World Cup. City officials and the FIFA are hoping that the new stadium would draw the crowd to the city, which is known for the unique phenomenon called "the meeting of the waters." The stadium, which is set to hold 44,000 people, is located near the Amazon Rainforest and the place where the Amazon and the Rio Negro rivers meet but do not mix. Being near the Amazon Rainforest, the new stadium also has some commendable environment-friendly features. According to a FIFA officer, the stadium will utilize sun and wind energy for electricity. With all the excitement going on, many people worry if the construction can be completed on time. Renderings of how the stadium would look like are everywhere, but the stadium is far from being finished. As of August, the construction is less than 80% complete. With the intense rainy season in December, Manaus has a few months left to complete the arena. On another note, some people are criticizing the construction of the stadium as it would ultimately cost about $225 million. With this much investment, some think that the money can be better invested elsewhere. In fact, a group of protesters demonstrated this disapproval during the recent confederations cup. Many Brazilians are also wondering about what will happen to the stadium when the 2014 World Cup is done. But, the city government has covered all bases. After the games, the officials plan to use the stadium for concerts, conferences, and UFC fights to keep it profitable.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think the location of the stadium would help in attracting fans to watch the FIFA world cup live? Why or why not?

·         How do you think would the new stadium help Brazil? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Should the government spend a lot of its budget for holding events like the World Cup? Why or why not?

·         Aside from sports, what other aspects should a government spend its money on? Please explain your answer.

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