New Destinations B2 Module 4

Read the text below and answer the questions that follow.

Sailing’s Young Hope

Ellen MacArthur is the inspirational woman sailor who on 7 February, 2005 broke the world record when she became the fastest person to sail around the world. Ellen became interested in sailing at the age of eight when she was taken aboard her aunt’s sailing boat. This was an exciting experience for a young girl living in land-locked Derbyshire so far from the coast.

Ellen faced many difficulties in becoming a professional sailor because she lacked sponsorship. Despite this, she raised enough money to buy a boat and when she was twenty, she entered the Mini Transat race in France and sailed her boat 3000 miles across the Atlantic in just 33 days. Impressed by this remarkable achievement, a group called Kingfisher gave Ellen sponsorship. Ellen’s career as a sailor really took off after this, particularly in France, where she was adored by the public and was given the official title ‘Sailing’s Young Hope’.

Next, Ellen entered the Vendee Globe competition with her new boat Kingfisher; she exceeded all expectations and finished second. The greatest challenge for her was spending over 90 days alone facing terrifying storms at sea. Ellen showed remarkable determination, courage and endurance.

Ellen went on to become the fastest solo sailor to sail around the world in 2005. In recognition of her achievement, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Ellen is a woman who has succeeded despite all odds being against her and she is an inspiration to us all.

In the first paragraph, what does this refer to?

Read the text below and answer the questions that follow.

Sailing’s Young Hope

Ellen MacArthur is the inspirational woman sailor who on 7 February, 2005 broke the world record when she became the fastest person to sail around the world. Ellen became interested in sailing at the age of eight when she was taken aboard her aunt’s sailing boat. This was an exciting experience for a young girl living in land-locked Derbyshire so far from the coast.

Ellen faced many difficulties in becoming a professional sailor because she lacked sponsorship. Despite this, she raised enough money to buy a boat and when she was twenty, she entered the Mini Transat race in France and sailed her boat 3000 miles across the Atlantic in just 33 days. Impressed by this remarkable achievement, a group called Kingfisher gave Ellen sponsorship. Ellen’s career as a sailor really took off after this, particularly in France, where she was adored by the public and was given the official title ‘Sailing’s Young Hope’.

Next, Ellen entered the Vendee Globe competition with her new boat Kingfisher; she exceeded all expectations and finished second. The greatest challenge for her was spending over 90 days alone facing terrifying storms at sea. Ellen showed remarkable determination, courage and endurance.

Ellen went on to become the fastest solo sailor to sail around the world in 2005. In recognition of her achievement, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Ellen is a woman who has succeeded despite all odds being against her and she is an inspiration to us all.

Derbyshire is a place

Read the text below and answer the questions that follow.

Sailing’s Young Hope

Ellen MacArthur is the inspirational woman sailor who on 7 February, 2005 broke the world record when she became the fastest person to sail around the world. Ellen became interested in sailing at the age of eight when she was taken aboard her aunt’s sailing boat. This was an exciting experience for a young girl living in land-locked Derbyshire so far from the coast.

Ellen faced many difficulties in becoming a professional sailor because she lacked sponsorship. Despite this, she raised enough money to buy a boat and when she was twenty, she entered the Mini Transat race in France and sailed her boat 3000 miles across the Atlantic in just 33 days. Impressed by this remarkable achievement, a group called Kingfisher gave Ellen sponsorship. Ellen’s career as a sailor really took off after this, particularly in France, where she was adored by the public and was given the official title ‘Sailing’s Young Hope’.

Next, Ellen entered the Vendee Globe competition with her new boat Kingfisher; she exceeded all expectations and finished second. The greatest challenge for her was spending over 90 days alone facing terrifying storms at sea. Ellen showed remarkable determination, courage and endurance.

Ellen went on to become the fastest solo sailor to sail around the world in 2005. In recognition of her achievement, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Ellen is a woman who has succeeded despite all odds being against her and she is an inspiration to us all.

In the second paragraph, what does sponsorship mean?