🎬 Interactive video — script & questions
NARRATOR: Anna and Marco are at a tennis court on Saturday morning.
SPEAKER 1: Hi Marco! Are you ready to play tennis today?
SPEAKER 2: Yes, Anna! I am very excited. I love tennis. Do you play often?
SPEAKER 1: I play three times a week. It is a great sport. Look, I have got my new tennis racket. It is red and white.
SPEAKER 2: That is a beautiful racket! I have got a blue one. Can you teach me? I am a beginner.
SPEAKER 1: Of course! First, we warm up. Then we practice the basic shots — forehand and backhand. It is not difficult.
SPEAKER 2: Good! I can run and I can hit the ball, but I cannot do the backhand yet.
SPEAKER 1: That is normal. Many players start like that. Come on, let's begin!
SPEAKER 2: Okay. Where are the tennis balls?
SPEAKER 1: They are in the bag over there, near the net. There are ten balls in it.
SPEAKER 2: Perfect! Let's play!
- What day of the week are Anna and Marco at the tennis court?
- a) Monday morning
- b) Saturday morning
- c) Friday evening
- d) Sunday afternoon
- How often does Anna play tennis?
- a) Two times a week
- b) Once a week
- c) Three times a week
- d) Every day
- What colour is Anna's tennis racket?
- a) Blue
- b) Red and white
- c) Green and yellow
- d) Black and silver
- What can Marco NOT do yet?
- a) Run
- b) Hit the ball
- c) The backhand
- d) Warm up
- Where are the tennis balls?
- a) In Anna's racket bag at home
- b) In the bag near the net
- c) In Marco's pocket
- d) On the tennis court under a tree
📖 Reading
Maria is a tennis player. She is thirty years old and she lives in Spain. She plays tennis every day at a big club near her house.
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Maria has a lesson with her coach. Her coach is very good, and he can help her hit the ball hard. Maria has got a new tennis racket. It is red and black.
Today, Maria is playing a match with her friend Tom. Tom is a good player too, but he isn't very fast. The sun is hot, and there are many people at the club today. They are watching the match and they are happy.
After the match, Maria and Tom are tired. They sit down and drink water. 'Good game!' says Tom. 'Thank you! You can play very well,' says Maria. Then they go home. Tomorrow, Maria has got another lesson at nine o'clock in the morning.
🗣️ Speaking — discussion
Context
- Tennis has produced some of the world's youngest sports champions, from Rafael Nadal to Naomi Osaka, who have achieved incredible success in their teens and twenties.
- These players often train from a very young age with demanding schedules, traveling internationally, and competing at the highest level.
- Success in professional tennis requires not only physical talent but also mental strength, discipline, and sacrifice of a normal teenage life.
- Many young players face pressure from coaches, parents, and sponsors to win, which can affect their mental health and happiness.
- Some players eventually take breaks from tennis to recover mentally, while others thrive under the pressure and continue winning.
Themes
- Ambition and Hard Work — Young tennis players sacrifice their childhood and education to pursue dreams of becoming professional champions. This raises questions about whether such early dedication is necessary and what the long-term benefits and costs are.
- Mental Health and Pressure — Professional tennis can be extremely stressful, with players facing public criticism, expectations, and loneliness while traveling. Understanding mental health in sports is increasingly important.
- Family and Support Systems — Success in tennis often depends on family support, coaches, and mentors who guide young players. The role of family involvement in children's sports is a key factor in their success.
- Global Competition and Opportunity — Tennis is a global sport that offers young players the chance to travel, earn prize money, and become international celebrities. This creates both opportunities and challenges.
Personal Response
- Do you play tennis? If yes, how often? If no, would you like to learn?
- What do you think is the best age to start playing tennis?
- Would you want your child to play professional tennis? Why or why not?
Themes & Ideas
- What are the advantages of starting tennis at a young age?
- What are the disadvantages or challenges young tennis players face?
- How is tennis different from other sports like football or basketball?
Critical Thinking
- Do you think young players should focus only on tennis, or should they study other subjects too?
- How can parents and coaches help young players stay healthy and happy?
- Is it fair to put so much pressure on children to become professional athletes?
Cultural & Social Topics
- Are young tennis players good role models for other children?
- How has social media changed the experience of young professional tennis players?
- What responsibility do tennis players have to their fans and sponsors?
🎭 Classroom activity
Role-play activity: 'Interview a Young Tennis Player.' One student is a young tennis champion, and another is a journalist. The journalist asks about the player's daily routine, dreams, challenges, and advice for other young players. After 5-7 minutes, students switch roles.
✏️ Questions
- Maria ___ a new tennis racket. (have got)
- Look! The players ___ (play) a match right now on court two.
- There ___ two tennis balls on the ground near the net.
- My coach ___ (can) hit the ball very fast.
- ___ your bag on the bench before the tennis lesson starts, please.
- Tom is a good player, but he ___ (not/win) every match.
- Where does Maria play tennis?
- a) At a big club near her house
- b) At a school
- c) At her house
- d) At a park in the city
- How many days a week does Maria have a lesson with her coach?
- a) Two days
- b) Three days
- c) Four days
- d) Every day
- What color is Maria's new tennis racket?
- a) Blue and white
- b) Green and yellow
- c) Red and black
- d) Black and white
- In this text, what does 'fast' mean?
- a) Able to move quickly
- b) Able to hit hard
- c) Able to see well
- d) Able to sit down
- Why are there many people at the club today?
- a) They are having lunch
- b) They are watching Maria and Tom's match
- c) They are having a lesson
- d) They are buying rackets
- What can we say about Maria and Tom after the match?
- a) They are angry with each other
- b) They are tired and they drink water
- c) They go to buy a new racket
- d) They start a new match immediately