English Learning: Rise of Women’s Professional Soccer
Dialogue
Alice: Hey Bob, did you catch the Women’s World Cup final? It was absolutely electric!
Bob: Alice, I almost did, but I ended up watching a documentary about competitive napping. My bad! But I saw highlights – looked intense!
Alice: Competitive napping? You’re missing out! The atmosphere, the skill… it was next level. Women’s soccer is really taking off.
Bob: Yeah, I’ve noticed. My social media feed is suddenly full of incredible goals and celebrations. It’s quite the phenomenon, isn’t it?
Alice: Absolutely! Attendance records are being smashed, TV viewership is soaring. It’s not just a niche sport anymore.
Bob: I remember when people used to say women’s sports weren’t as exciting. Clearly, they ate their words.
Alice: They definitely did! The athleticism, the tactical play, the sheer passion – it’s all there. Plus, the drama!
Bob: So, are you telling me I should swap my competitive napping for a season ticket to the NWSL?
Alice: Bob, you absolutely should! Or at least tune in more often. You might even become a convert.
Bob: Hmm, a convert, eh? Are we talking about world-class talent, or just… really good?
Alice: We’re talking world-class, my friend! These athletes are at the top of their game. Seriously, the technical ability is mind-blowing.
Bob: Okay, okay, you’ve convinced me. Next big match, you’re dragging me to watch it. No napping documentaries allowed!
Alice: Deal! You won’t regret it. Prepare to be amazed. And maybe buy a scarf.
Bob: A scarf? Is there a particular team I should be rooting for?
Alice: Oh, you’re in deep now! Let me tell you about the Portland Thorns…
Current Situation
Women’s professional soccer is currently experiencing unprecedented growth and popularity worldwide. Major events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic tournaments consistently break viewership and attendance records, captivating global audiences.
Professional leagues, such as the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, the Women’s Super League (WSL) in England, and many others across Europe, Asia, and South America, are attracting significant investment, media attention, and fan bases. Clubs are signing top talent, and player salaries, though still lagging behind men’s football in many areas, are steadily increasing.
This rise is driven by exceptional athleticism, tactical brilliance, compelling narratives, and increased visibility. The sport is inspiring millions of young girls and boys, challenging outdated stereotypes, and proving that women’s sports can be just as thrilling and engaging as any other.
Key Phrases
- take off: to become successful or popular very quickly. The band’s new album really took off after it was featured in a commercial.
- quite the phenomenon: something very impressive, remarkable, or unusual. Her sudden rise to fame has been quite the phenomenon.
- eat their words: to admit that one was wrong about something, especially when one had been boastful or overly confident. He said our team would never win, but after our victory, he had to eat his words.
- become a convert: to change one’s beliefs, habits, or preferences, especially to a new interest or way of thinking. After trying sushi for the first time, she instantly became a convert.
- at the top of their game: performing at the highest level of one’s ability. The chess grandmaster is truly at the top of her game; she hasn’t lost a match all year.
- rooting for: to support (a team, contestant, person, etc.) with enthusiasm, often by cheering. Which team are you rooting for in the championship?
Grammar Points
1. The Present Perfect Tense
The Present Perfect tense (has/have + past participle) is used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into the present, or actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past but have a clear relevance to the present.
- “I have noticed.” (Bob started noticing in the past and continues to notice now.)
- “You’ve convinced me.” (The act of convincing happened in the past, but the result – Bob being convinced – is relevant now.)
2. “Used to” for Past Habits or States
We use “used to” + base form of the verb to talk about habits, states, or situations that were true or happened regularly in the past but do not happen now.
- “I remember when people used to say women’s sports weren’t as exciting.” (This implies that people said this in the past, but they don’t say it anymore, or their opinion has changed.)
- It cannot be used for a single past event.
3. Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and an adverb or a preposition (or both) that, when used together, often have a meaning different from the original verb. They are very common in informal English.
- “taking off” (verb “take” + adverb “off”): becoming popular/successful.
- “tune in” (verb “tune” + preposition “in”): to watch or listen to a broadcast.
- “rooting for” (verb “root” + preposition “for”): to support a team/person.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks with Key Phrases
Complete the sentences using the correct form of the key phrases from the dialogue.
- The new restaurant really ______ in its first month, with lines out the door every night.
- When I first heard about meditation, I was skeptical, but now I’ve ______ to daily practice.
- He boasted that he would finish the marathon easily, but he couldn’t even finish half, so he had to ______.
- That young prodigy is truly ______; his musical performances are breathtaking.
Exercise 2: Rewrite Sentences using “Used to” or Present Perfect
Rewrite the following sentences. Use “used to” for past habits/states and the Present Perfect where appropriate.
- In my childhood, I often played video games for hours. (Use “used to”)
I ______. - She doesn’t work as a journalist anymore. (Use “used to”)
She ______. - I haven’t visited Paris before, but I want to go. (This sentence is already in Present Perfect, correct?)
- The company started producing electric cars five years ago and continues to do so. (Use Present Perfect Continuous, or simple Present Perfect + duration)
The company ______.
Exercise 3: Match the Phrasal Verb with its Meaning
Match the phrasal verbs on the left with their meanings on the right.
- take off
- eat their words
- root for
- tune in
- to become popular or successful
- to support or cheer for
- to admit one was wrong
- to watch or listen to a broadcast
Exercise 4: Open-ended Question
What aspects of women’s professional soccer do you find most appealing, and why do you think it is becoming increasingly popular?
Answers
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
- The new restaurant really took off in its first month, with lines out the door every night.
- When I first heard about meditation, I was skeptical, but now I’ve become a convert to daily practice.
- He boasted that he would finish the marathon easily, but he couldn’t even finish half, so he had to eat his words.
- That young prodigy is truly at the top of his game; his musical performances are breathtaking.
Exercise 2: Rewrite Sentences
- I used to play video games for hours.
- She used to work as a journalist.
- The sentence “I haven’t visited Paris before, but I want to go” is already in the Present Perfect tense and is grammatically correct.
- The company has been producing electric cars for five years. (Or: The company has produced electric cars for five years.)
Exercise 3: Match the Phrasal Verb
- take off – 1. to become popular or successful
- eat their words – 3. to admit one was wrong
- root for – 2. to support or cheer for
- tune in – 4. to watch or listen to a broadcast
Exercise 4: Open-ended Question
(Answers will vary, but should demonstrate understanding of the topic and use of relevant vocabulary.)
Example answer: “I find the incredible skill and teamwork of women’s professional soccer players most appealing. The intensity and passion they bring to every game are captivating. I think it’s becoming popular because more people are tuning in and realizing the high level of play. Plus, it’s inspiring to see these athletes at the top of their game, breaking barriers.”
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