In 2024, the torch won’t have to leave Europe after it is lit in Olympia, Greece. The 2024 Summer Olympics will begin in Paris, France, on July 26, marking exactly a century since Paris last hosted the Olympic Games in 1924. This year’s opening ceremony promises to be a true spectacle: National teams will parade on boats down the Seine River. The Olympic torch will be carried along the river until it reaches the Trocadeoro Gardens, which is across from the Eiffel Tower on the opposite side of the river. Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to line the banks of the river as the national teams and the Olympic torch pass by.
At this year’s Olympics, a new sport is going to be added. For the first time ever, breakdancing will be recognized as an official Olympic sport. Several other recent additions that were added at the Tokyo Olympics will also return for a second time. These include skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing.
Another aspect of the 2024 Paris Olympics is a new approach being taken to limit the Games’ carbon footprint. The Olympic Committee and Paris city planners are working together and asking tourists and national teams to assist in the ambitious project. The Olympic Village will adopt a sustainable model and enforce a zero-waste policy. Their goal is to reduce the environmental impact of the Games by 50 percent in comparison to previous Games. The Olympic Committee hopes that the 2024 Games will serve as an example for future Olympic events while also raising environmental awareness across the world.
Photos: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
2024年，火炬在希臘奧林匹亞被點燃後不需要離開歐洲。2024年夏季奧林匹克運動會於7月26日在法國巴黎揭開序幕，標誌著巴黎自上次1924年主辦奧運會以來恰好過了一世紀。今年的開幕典禮可望會很壯觀：國家隊會沿著塞納河而下搭船遊行。奧運聖火會沿著塞納河一路被帶進特羅卡德羅花園，該地區就在塞納河對岸的艾菲爾鐵塔對面。國家隊和奧運火炬經過時，預計會有數以萬計的觀眾排排站在塞納河的兩岸。
今年的奧運即將加入一項新運動。霹靂舞有史以來第一次將被認可為正式的奧運運動項目。最近加入到東京奧運的其他新增項目也會第二次回歸。這些項目包含滑板、運動攀登，以及衝浪。
2024巴黎奧運的另一個面向是採取了一項新做法，用以限制賽事本身的碳足跡。奧林匹克委員會以及巴黎都市規劃師正在合作，並請求觀光客以及國家隊來協助此一宏偉的計畫。奧運村會採取永續的做法並實施零浪費政策。其目標為，比之前的賽事減少50%的環境衝擊。奧林匹克委員會希望2024的賽事能作為未來奧運活動的典範，同時也提升全世界的環保意識。
What Did You Learn?
1. What can we learn about the Olympic torch relay from the Day 1 passage?
(A) It has been a tradition since the first Olympic Games.
(B) The flame is lit by the organizer of the Olympic Games.
(C) The torch may not always be held by a runner during its journey.
(D) It is held in the venue of the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
2. What will visitors to the 2024 Paris Olympics likely see?
(A) Athletes competing in a dance sport.
(B) Many products made with single-use plastics.
(C) A torchbearer reaching the opening ceremony by plane.
(D) National teams running along the Seine River to the venue.
3. Which of the following is true about the Olympic Games?
Host City Year Feature
(A) Amsterdam 1928 Its Games adopted the same rules as the ancient ones.
(B) Berlin 1936 The torch was transported by over 3,000 runners.
(C) London 1948 The torch lighting ceremony started this year.
(D) Paris 2024 It is the first time that the city is holding the Olympics.
4. Which topic is NOT mentioned in the two-day passage?
(A) New sports at the 2024 Olympics. (B) A brief introduction to the city of Paris.
(C) The origin and symbol of the Olympic flame. (D) Environmental awareness at the 2024 Olympics.
參考答案
1. (C) 2. (A) 3. (B) 4. (B)
Word in Use
1. mark vt. 標誌
The sound of the gun marked the start of the race.
槍聲響標誌著比賽開始。
2. host vt. 主辦
With new equipment and convenient transportation, the school will host the national exam.
該校有新設備且交通便利，將會主辦國家考試。
3. parade vi. 遊行
Marching bands paraded down the street and attracted many people’s attention.
行進的樂隊沿街遊行，吸引了許多人的目光。
4. opposite a. 對面的，另一邊的
I ran to platform one to board the train, only to find that my train was on the opposite side.
我跑到第一月臺搭車，卻發現我的火車是在另一邊。
5. spectator n. 觀眾
Enthusiastic spectators filled the stadium and cheered for their favorite team.
體育場裡充滿了熱情的觀眾，他們為喜愛的隊伍歡呼。
Practical Phrases
1. promise to be n/adj. 可望∕預計會……
After months of preparation, the singer’s concert promises to be a memorable experience for all audiences.
準備了數個月後，該歌手的演唱會預計會是所有觀眾難以忘懷的體驗。
2. be across from... 在……對面
Our new office is across from a park, which allows us to take a walk after lunch.
我們的新辦公室對面是一座公園，讓我們吃完午餐後可以去那裡散散步。
3. pass by 經過，路過
There’s always a nice fragrance coming from the flower shop whenever I pass by.
我每次經過，那間花店都會飄出一縷芳香。
4. be recognized as... 被認可為……
recognize vt. 認可，承認
The scientist’s latest research was recognized as a significant contribution to the field.
該科學家最近的研究被認可為是對該領域的重大貢獻。
5. in comparison to / with... 與……相比
comparison n. 比較，對比
In comparison to last year’s sales figures, this year’s profits have increased.
與去年的銷售數字相比，今年的利潤增加了。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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