Intermediate Reading Exercise
Four Gen-Z Pursuits
Jump to exercise walkthrough video
Read the descriptions of four modern pursuits (A, B, C, and D). For each question, decide which pursuit is being described.
Gen Z Pursuits
A. E-Sports - Described by Leo
It might look like we are just playing video games, but competitive e-sports is a serious discipline. Professional players train for hours every day, just like traditional athletes, developing lightning-fast reflexes and complex strategic thinking. It is a mental marathon, not a physical one. Millions of people watch major tournaments over the internet, following their favourite teams and players. The appeal is the incredible level of skill on display. It requires intense focus and teamwork that is just as valid as any physical sport, and the excitement of a close final is unbelievable.
B. Cycle Ball - Described by Sara
Imagine playing football, but everyone is riding a specially designed bicycle with no brakes. That is cycle ball. It is usually played indoors with teams of two. You are not allowed to touch the ball with your hands or feet; you have to control and shoot the ball using the wheels of your bike, or your head. It requires an extraordinary amount of balance and technical skill. It is incredibly fast-paced and amazing to watch. People are always surprised by how much control and power the players can generate using just their bikes.
C. Speed Cubing - Described by Dan
The goal of speed cubing is simple: solve a Rubik's Cube as fast as humanly possible. But behind that simple goal is a world of complexity. We do not solve it by guessing; we memorise hundreds of specific sequences of moves, called algorithms, for every possible scramble. It is all about pattern recognition and muscle memory. You have to train your hands to perform the moves without thinking. It is an individual pursuit, and the real competition is against the clock and your own previous records. It is a test of memory, dexterity, and intense mental focus.
D. Quidditch - Described by Freya
Yes, it is the sport from the Harry Potter books, but it has been adapted for the real world and is now played at universities all over the globe. It is a full-contact, mixed-gender sport that combines elements of rugby, basketball, and dodgeball. A team scores points by throwing a ball through one of three hoops, while also trying to avoid being hit by other balls. The game has a unique rule that creates a level playing field between athletes of different strengths and speeds. It is incredibly strategic and physically demanding, but it also has a wonderful sense of community.
Correction Walkthrough Video
It's time to improve your understanding with our video walkthrough. In this lesson, we'll not only go over the correct answers with detailed explanations, but also review the key vocabulary and read the full text for listening practice. Watching this is the perfect way to consolidate your learning and boost your reading skills.
