The English Lesson 18 theme is JOSIAH THUGWANE

Part One: Learn English Skills

Read the following text and answer the questions that follow:

Josiah Thugwane (pronounced Tug-wan-ee) is not just a marathon runner. He is a true South African hero. After winning a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games he became a role model for many South Africans who were inspired by his rags-to-riches story.

Josiah was born into poverty and from an early age was forced to spend his days working on a farm. He dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player, but a television programme on road running made him change his mind. He won the first race he entered even though he didn't even have his own pair of running shoes!

He went on to win many more races but continued to live in poverty. By the time of his Olympic success Josiah was working as a cleaner in a mine and lived in a small shack with no electricity or running water. He could barely speak English and couldn't read or write, but all that changed with his gold medal win. Although he received sponsorships and became a professional runner, he took three months off to improve his English. After this break he could speak the language fluently and even read and write well.

Even though Olympic success allowed him this education and made him a rich man, Josiah remains very humble. In 1997 he gave up his place in the world marathon championships to allow another runner to take part. He has also spent some of his money on running shoes that are handed out to underprivileged people in townships. When Josiah retires he hopes to work even harder at helping and encouraging young athletes. It is this generosity that makes Josiah Thugwane a true South African hero. 

Your Turn

1. What event did Josiah Thugwane win at the Olympic Games?
    
2. When he was a child, what did Josiah dream of becoming?
    
3. What word in the text means the same as "hardly"?
    
4. What word means the same as "modest"?
    
5. Why did Josiah give up his place in the 1997 world marathon championships?
    
6. What does Josiah hope to do once he has retired?
    
7. Genius question: what do we call a person who isn't generous?

Part Two: Learn English Structure

BRING and TAKE

"BRING" and "TAKE" are often confused, but there is a subtle difference between the two words.

We use "BRING" for movements to the place where the speaker or hearer is:

• This is a big stadium. Thank you for BRINGING me here to see the athletics.
   
• The athlete will BRING his javelin TO us.

We use TAKE for movements to other places:

• Let's watch one more race and then I'll TAKE you home
   
• The athlete will TAKE his javelin FROM us (to another place). 

Your Turn

1. Can you _____ Josiah's medal to my house so I can see it?
    
2. Can you _____ Josiah's medal back to him?
    
3. On the phone: Can we come and see you next weekend? We'll ____ a picnic.
    
4. Let's see Josiah next weekend. We can ____ a picnic.

Part Three: Funnies

George W. Bush is opening the Olympic Games and has to read a speech. "Oh," he begins. "Oh, oh, oh ..." An aide nudges him. "Mr Bush, stop," says the aide. "You're reading the Olympic symbol." 

Part Four: Quotations

Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts. - Steve Prefontaine

You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming. - Frank Shorter

We can't all be heroes because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as the they go by. - Will Rogers

Answers

Answers to Part One

1. He won the marathon event.
2. Josiah dreamt of becoming a soccer player.
3. "Barely"
4. "Humble"
5. He wanted to give another runner the chance to take part.
6. He hopes to work even harder at encouraging and helping young athletes.
7. We call them a "miser".

Answers to Part Two

1. bring
2. take
3. bring
4. take