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Study Time

90 Minutes

Lesson #

6

The surprising history of sneakers

Level

Intermediate

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Watch the Video



Sneakers have had a big impact on our society.

Vocabulary

Read and memorize the vocabulary. Use the arrows on the side to navigate.

ESL Vocabulary Images

to be founded

when a company started

Listening

Discuss the questions with your classmates or teacher. Play the video for a hint. 

1.

What are different names for sneakers?

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Sneakers are also called tennis shoes or trainers.

2.

Why were sneakers first produced?

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Because they were needed to walk on grass for sports like tennis and croquet.

3.

When was the Converse "All Star" first released?

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It was released in 1917.

4.

Who founded Adidas and Puma?

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They were founded by German brothers, Adi and Rupolf Dassler.

5.

Which celebrity first wore the brothers shoes? When was it?

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Jessie Owens, an American runner, wore the Dasslers' shoes at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

6.

What does the company name "Adidas" mean?

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It stands for ADI DASsler, the founder's name.

7.

When did Nike sell lots of shoes?

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During the jogging boom in the 1970s.

8.

How much money did the Nike- Michael Jordan partnership make in the first 12 months?

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It made over $100 million in sales.

9.

How much did Nike pay for design for their logo?

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They paid $35.

10.

Why are sneakers a problem for the environment?

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Sneaker parts take a long time to degrade.

Discussion Questions

Discuss the questions with your classmates or teacher.

  • Do you wear sneakers a lot?

  • What brand of sneakers do you like?

  • Do you wear sneakers only when exercising?

  • How many pairs of shoes do you have?

  • Tell me about the last pair of shoes you bought.

  • Should office workers be allowed to wear sneakers in the office?

  •  What do you think of designer shoes?

  • Do you prefer comfortable plain shoes or uncomfortable fashionable ones?

  • Have you ever worn your shoes inside someone's home? How did you feel about it?

  • What can we do to reduce shoe waste?

Would you like to chat with the teacher about this topic?
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