A Russian girl, Maria Sharapova, reached the summit of women’s tennis when she was barely eighteen. As you read about her, see if you can draw a comparison between her and Santosh Yadav.
1. Match the following.
something disarming
quickly, almost immediately
at odds with
more calm, confident and in control than people of her age usually are
glamorous attire
in contrast to; not agreeing with
in almost no time
something that makes you feel friendly, taking away your suspiciousness
poised beyond her years
sent off
packed off
attractive and exciting clothes
launched
causing strong feelings of sadness
heart wrenching
started
2. As you read, look for the answers to these questions.
– Why was Maria sent to the United States?
– Why didn’t her mother go with her?
– What are her hobbies? What does she like?
– What motivates her to keep going?
1.
|
something disarming |
something that makes you feel friendly, taking away your suspiciousness |
|
at odds with |
in contrast to; not agreeing with |
|
glamorous attire |
attractive and exciting clothes |
|
in almost no time |
quickly, almost immediately |
|
poised beyond her years |
more calm, confident and in control than people of her age usually are |
|
packed off |
sent off |
|
launched |
started |
|
heart wrenching |
causing strong feelings of sadness |
2.
Maria was sent to the United States for her tennis training.
Her mother could not go with her because of visa restrictions.
Her hobbies are fashion, singing and dancing. She likes reading the novels of Arthur Conan Doyle. She has a fondness for sophisticated evening gowns, pancakes with chocolate spread and fizzy orange drinks.
Apart from money, the motivation to become number one in the world keeps her going.