Reading Interpretation

India is working against the clock to try and save the 2010 Commonwealth Games after a series of PR disasters. The sporting event is behind the Olympics and World Championships in terms of status. India is holding it for the first time but is struggling to satisfy competing national teams. Several well-known athletes, including Jamaica’s Olympic 100-metre champion and world record holder Usain Bolt, have already pulled out, some because they have security concerns. More athletes were worried about their safety after two Taiwanese tourists were shot in Delhi last week. Other countries are worried about health and safety. The Scottish and South African teams are among many who described the athletes’ village as “unfit for human habitation.”

The Commonwealth Games are attended by countries who have strong links with the British monarchy. It is the second time for an Asian country to host the games, following Malaysia in 1998. This year has seen the Games dogged by problems. A majority of Indians believe they are a waste of money; they are already more than 500 per cent over budget. This week has seen several embarrassing accidents with the Games’ facilities; a footbridge leading to the main stadium collapsed, injuring 28 people, four critically; and part of the ceiling in the weightlifting venue fell down. Many athletes say they are worried about diseases and terrorism. The Games’ organizers are confident everything will be ready on time and that Western nations are worrying too much.

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if a-h below are true (T) or false (F).
a. India has limited time to finish preparing to host a major sports event.
T / F
b. India is holding the Commonwealth Games for the first time.
T / F
c. Usain Bolt, the 100-metre champion, is the biggest star at the Games.
T / F
d. All athletes are very happy with the housing India is providing.
T / F
e. Only countries that have a king or queen can compete at the Games.
T / F
f. One other Asian country has hosted the Commonwealth Games.
T / F
g. Several weightlifters fell down at a weightlifting venue.
T / F
h. The Games’ organizers think Western countries should worry less.
T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.
1.series a.fell down
2holding b.worries
3.pulled out c.hold
4.concerns d.sequence
5.habitation e.positive
6.links f.hosting
7.host g.bulk
8.majority h.living
9.collapsed i.connections
10.confident j.withdrawn