photo Tara Benwell Listen to News with Tara Benwell - Instructions:
1. Preview the vocabulary and read the gapfill text.
2. Play the news report and try to fill in the blanks.
3. Answer the comprehension questions by writing full sentences.
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dateline: 09 March 2016

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Maria Sharapova Fails Drug Test

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

  • performance enhancing: improving athleticism
  • anti-doping: against the use of illegal drugs
  • banned: disallowed
  • prescription: a doctor’s authorization for treatment or medicine

Maria Sharapova Fails Drug Test

Russian tennis champion Maria Sharapova has tested for a performance enhancing drug. Sharapova has taken for the test sample that was collected by the World Anti-Doping Agency at the Australian Open this year. The highest paid female athlete in the world has been taking meldonium for the ten years, though it has only been a banned since January 2016. Sharapova has claimed that she did not read an email that listed the drug as a newly banned substance. In Russia, this drug is widely available without a prescription. Some trainers say meldonium restores the body but does not enhance performance. The International Tennis Federation is currently looking into the case and says the tennis star could face a 4-year .

Comprehension Questions

  1. What did Sharapova admit to doing?
  2. What does the report say about Sharapova’s wealth?
  3. Why do some trainers disagree with the ban on meldonium?

Discussion Questions: Nike, which has been Sharapova’s main sponsor since she was 11 years old, has suspended ties with the 5-time Grand Slam winner. Do you think it’s wise for her sponsors to back away so quickly? Why or why not?

show Answers

Written and recorded by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub
Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.
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