“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 10: Sports and Competition
Story 01: Why People Root for the Underdogs
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- underdog
- David and Goliath
- adversity
- empathy
- challenge
- unpredictable
- dominant
- leveled
- upset
- captivating
Read or Listen to the following passage:
There’s something about cheering for the underdog that captures our hearts and imaginations. Whether it’s in sports, politics, or movies, we often find ourselves drawn to those who are considered the “little guy” or the “David” in a “David and Goliath” scenario. But why do we root for them? Here are a few reasons:
- We love an underdog story: There’s something inherently inspiring about someone overcoming the odds and succeeding against all expectations. It’s a testament to the human spirit, and we can’t help but feel inspired when we witness it.
- We feel empathy: When we see someone who is struggling or facing adversity, we tend to feel a sense of empathy for them. We can relate to their struggles and want to see them succeed.
- We love a challenge: It’s easy to root for the favorite, but it’s much more exciting to root for the underdog. There’s a sense of challenge and unpredictability that comes with supporting the “little guy,” and it can be thrilling to see them come out on top.
- We dislike bullies: When someone is perceived as being too powerful or dominant, we tend to root against them. It’s human nature to want to see the playing field leveled, and rooting for the underdog can feel like a way of doing just that.
- We love a good upset: Upsets are one of the most exciting things in sports, and rooting for the underdog is often the best way to experience them. When an underdog pulls off a stunning victory, it’s a moment that we remember for years to come.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why people root for the underdogs. Whether it’s because we love an underdog story, feel empathy, love a challenge, dislike bullies, or simply love a good upset, there’s something about cheering for the little guy that captures our hearts and imaginations.
Comprehension Questions:
- Why do people love an underdog story?
- What emotion do people feel when they see someone facing adversity?
- Why is it more exciting to root for the underdog than the favorite?
- Why do people tend to root against those who are perceived as too powerful?
- What is one of the most exciting things in sports that people love to witness?
Conversations Starters:
- What is it about rooting for the underdog that makes sports so captivating to watch?
- Do you think it’s fair that certain teams or individuals are often considered the dominant ones in their sport?
- Have you ever faced adversity while playing a sport or in a competition? How did you overcome it?
- Do you believe that empathy towards your opponents can make you a better athlete?
- Have you ever been in a David and Goliath situation where you were the underdog? What was the outcome?
- What do you think it takes for an underdog team to pull off an upset against a dominant opponent?
- Do you prefer to root for the underdog or the dominant team in a sporting event? Why?
- Have you ever participated in a sport that was unpredictable, where the outcome was never certain? How did that make you feel?
- What role do you think luck plays in sports, especially when it comes to upsets and unpredictable outcomes?
- In your favorite sport, is there an underdog team that you always root for, even if they rarely win? Why or why not?
