Current events: Natural Disasters and Chengdu World Uni Games
Happy Saturday everyone! Numerous significant events have recently taken place in China, so today I would like to provide you with some advanced vocabulary, so that you can express your opinions and ideas to English speakers.
Chengdu World University Games
成都大运会
What an event! I hadn’t heard much about the Chengdu World University Games, but after a conversation with my colleagues in China and a quick search online, I realised what a monumental event it was. From watching the Opening Ceremony video and reading a few articles with reviews and comments from attending tourists and athletes, I get the impression that it was an extremely positive experience for all involved. I think this is summarised by the following line I read in the UK article covering the event:
“Their experience in the city has been gold medal standard” “金牌标准/质量高”
So let’s take a closer look at some native vocabulary that you can use to explain this event and what took place!
-the crowd went wild 群情激昂/欣喜若狂= lots of celebration, excitement and cheering from the spectators
-buzzing atmosphere 兴奋= excitement and suspense
-sporting spirit/camaraderie 体育精神 = feelings of unity, fairness, respect for each other
-fair play 公平竞争 = impartiality, playing by the rules
-triumphant music 胜利的音乐 = victorious, glorious, winning
-firework display 烟花秀
-outstanding / phenomenal 杰出的/非凡的
-stadium 体育场 - the whole stadium shook
-Raise or wave a flag 升起/挥舞旗帜
-The intersection of local and global culture 本土化与国际化交融
-The mascot 吉祥物 = panda
-lighting of the cauldron / torch 点燃主火炬
-“stars of the show” 著名选手- the athletes
Task: Can you try to write your own sentence describing the opening ceremony of the Chengdu World University Games using some of this advanced vocabulary?
Natural Disasters
自然灾害相关词汇
Unfortunately, in China and across the world, natural disasters are becoming increasingly frequent. This is an important, sensitive and serious subject of conversation. Below, you will find advanced-level vocabulary to describe some key events when a natural disaster strikes. I have also written two short paragraphs to show you these key words in context.
Key vocabulary:
-strike/struck （疾病/灾难）等侵袭
-mass devastation 大规模破坏
-Victims 受害者
-disaster-stricken area 受灾地区
-record flooding 历史性的洪灾
-Mobilise 动员
-disaster relief 救灾
-rescue missions 救灾行动
-Solidarity 团结一致
-Disaster 灾难
-Strife 冲突
What types of natural disasters can strike? We can be struck by a flood, an earthquake, a forest fire, or a tornado. This often causes mass devastation to affected areas - many people lose their lives and homes. We can refer to these people as victims. We can refer to the specific area as a ‘disaster-stricken area’.
Recently in China, many areas have experienced record flooding / record rates = higher / more powerful than ever before. In response to a natural disaster, many people mobilise to assist with disaster relief, volunteer supplies, and rescue missions. This is a powerful example of solidarity; when people come together and unite in the face of disaster or strife.
Task: Imagine you are a news reporter and read these paragraphs out loud. You can also record yourself and send into the English Practise Corners or your Course Community Groups, and you will receive feedback!
夏末英语
Somersetenglish
