Politics and the Olympics don't mix. The success of the Games will be determined by the competition between athletes and the friendship of the various nations. China's president, Hu Jintao, made the statement, as he expressed the real meaning and spirit of the Games. During the Cold war, nations regularly protested the Olympics due to political squabbles, and refused to let their athletes compete. There aren't any chances of similar disagreements at the 2008 Olympic Games, and Hu could add some positive comments just days before August 8th.

China's president ignored the problems which have dogged the games during the past months. He ignored the environmental problems and pollution from which China suffers as it rushes to become an industrial superpower. He ignored the recent terrorist attack which killed sixteen policemen, as well as the terrorist's threat to target "the most critical point of the Olympics." He ignored human rights abuses and the strict restrictions China has placed on the media.

As a reminder, however, Hu said to the assembled reporters to respect China's laws and to report fairly on the Games. The meeting was carefully controlled, and reporters had to submit questions in advance. When one reporter posed a question on human rights, Hu didn't respond.

The primary purpose of the meeting was to promote a friendlier China as it takes its place on the world stage. China's government also hopes that this year's Olympics will demonstrate a new, modern image.

Preview some of the lesson material:

Do you agree of disagree? Why?

1. I'm very interested in the Olympics.
2. The Olympics are politically motivated.
3. The Olympics promote peace around the world.
4. My home country often wins medals at the Olympics.
5. Countries and sponsors spend too much money on the Olympics.

Fragments: Remember how the fragments were used, and complete the sentence from today's article.

1. China's president, Hu Jintao, made the statement, as he expressed...
2. He ignored the environmental problems and pollution from which...
3. He ignored the recent terrorist attack which killed sixteen policemen, as well as...
4. He ignored human rights abuses and...
5. The meeting was carefully controlled, and reporters...

post-Comprehension: Talk about the following questions in pairs/groups. Remember to support your answers!

1. What's your opinion or impression of the Olympic Games? Please explain.
2. What's your opinion or impression of China? Please explain.
3. Do you think President Hu should have talked about the problems China faces? Why/not?
4. What do you think about a possible terrorist attack at the 2008 Summer Games? Please explain.
5. If you were the president of China, how would you determine if the Olympics were successful? Please explain.

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