[ Journals ] 5

　　The inspiration for the modern Olympic Games started in Greece more than 2,000 years ago. These games were originally a religious festival, which at their greatest lasted for five days. Only men could compete, and the sports included running, wrestling, and chariot racing.
　　Today’s Olympic Games are quite a bit different. First of all, there are two varieties: Winter Olympics and Summer Olympics. They each boast many men and women competing in a multitude of sports, from skiing to gymnastics. They are each held every four years, but not during the same year. They alternate so that there are Olympic Games every two years. The Olympics are not held only in one country, either. They are hosted by different cities around the world. The ceremony is a spectacular display, usually incorporating the traditional dances and culture of the host city.
　　The highlight of the opening ceremony is the lighting of the Olympic flame. Teams of runners carry the torch from Olympia, the site of the ancient Greek games. Although the games have changed greatly throughout the centuries, the spirit of competition is still alive and the flame represent that.


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I. Summarize

　　Greek people had race their Olympic Games at least 2,ooo years ago which inspired today’s Olympic Games. But there are some differences between today’s and ancient’s Olympic Games. For example, women were not allowed to join the game in ancient times but they can today. And the game has two types: Winter Olympics and Summer Olympics. One more thing is that today’s Olympic games are not held in only one country.
　　Besides, there’s a very special and important event is the opening ceremony. Teams of people carry the torch from the origin of Olympic games and light the flame to the host city. People thought it is the symbol of Olympic spirit.


II. Vocabulary words and phrases

i. new words/phrases
inspiration noun 啟示; 啟發
boast verb 包含
multitude noun 大眾; 民眾
gymnastic adj. 體操的
incorporating adj. 複合的
alternate verb 輪流

ii. useful / phrases
lasted 持續
throughout 完全; 遍及
competition noun 比賽; 競賽


III. The reason I chose this article

　　Olympic Games will hold in our near country, Mainland China, 2008.
　　I remembered there was an issue that politicians contented about since we are one of the countries in Asia, and we are so closed to Mainland China, so we should have the rights to carry the Olympic flame. And one of the presidential candidates promoted his politics as to win over the authority to hold Olympic games in Taiwan. I don’t know if there is any fascination in this, but It seems a really popular topics to talk resently.