“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 03: Endurance Sports and Triathlons: Pushing the Limits
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Grueling
- Endurance
- Discomfort
- Persevere
- Tight-knit
- Belonging
- Accomplishment
- Translation
- Adversity
- Satisfaction
Read or Listen to the following passage:
Endurance sports like triathlons have become increasingly popular in recent years, attracting athletes of all ages and abilities who are looking to challenge themselves and test their physical limits. Triathlons, in particular, are a grueling test of endurance that require participants to swim, bike, and run over long distances, often in challenging conditions. Here are a few reasons why endurance sports and triathlons are so appealing:
- Physical Challenge: Endurance sports push athletes to their physical limits, requiring them to build strength, stamina, and endurance through hours of training and practice. For many, the satisfaction of completing a triathlon is worth the months of hard work and sacrifice.
- Mental Toughness: Endurance sports also require mental toughness, as athletes must overcome fatigue, pain, and doubt in order to finish. The ability to push through discomfort and persevere in the face of adversity is a valuable life skill that can translate into other areas of life.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Finishing an endurance event like a triathlon can be a major source of accomplishment and pride, giving athletes a sense of achievement that can be hard to find elsewhere.
- Community: Endurance sports have a strong sense of community, with athletes often forming tight-knit groups that provide support, encouragement, and motivation. This sense of belonging can be an important factor in an athlete’s success.
- Adventure: Endurance sports like triathlons often take place in beautiful locations, providing athletes with an opportunity to explore new places and challenge themselves in new ways.
In conclusion, endurance sports and triathlons offer a unique combination of physical and mental challenges, a strong sense of community, and a sense of adventure that can be difficult to find elsewhere. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, there’s something to be gained from pushing yourself to new heights and exploring the limits of what you’re capable of.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is an endurance sport?
- What three activities are required for a triathlon?
- Why do endurance sports require mental toughness?
- What is one benefit of participating in an endurance sport?
- Why can triathlons be considered an adventure?
Conversations Starters:
- Have you ever participated in endurance sports?
- What motivates athletes to participate in grueling endurance sports like triathlons?
- How important is mental toughness in enduring the discomfort and challenges of endurance sports?
- What role does belonging to a tight-knit community play in an athlete’s success in endurance sports?
- How do athletes persevere through adversity and setbacks during training and competitions?
- What is the feeling of accomplishment like after finishing an endurance event like a triathlon?
- What strategies do athletes use to overcome discomfort and fatigue during endurance events?
- How important is proper translation in the international community of endurance sports?
- How has technology impacted the training and performance of endurance athletes?
- What do you think are some common misconceptions about endurance sports and the athletes who participate in them?
