Questions:
1. How many events are there for the Summer and Winter Olympics? Can you list some of them?
2. When and where will the next Olympic Games be held? What do you think the Chinese team will do in order to win more medals?
3. Why do so many countries want to host the Olympic Games?

AN INTERVIEW（采访）

Pausanias, who was a Greek writer(希腊作家) 2,000 years ago, has come on a magical（神秘的） journey to find out about the present day Olympic Games. He is now interviewing Lili, a Chinese girl.
P: My name is Pausanias. I lived in what you call “Acnient Greece（古希腊） ” and I used to write about the Olympic Games more than 2,000 years ago. I have come to your times to find out about the present（当代） day Olympic Games because I know that in 2004 it will be held in my hometown. Exercise me, can I ask you some questions?
L: Of course. What would you like to know?
P: How often do you hold your Games?
L: Every four years athletes（运动员） from all over the world are admitted as competitors. There are two sets Games- the Summer and the Winter Olympics. The Winter Olympics are usually held two years before the Summer Olympics.
P: Winter Games? How can the runners enjoy competing in winter? And what about the horses?
L: Oh no! No running races or horse riding are included（包括）. There are events like skiing and ice skating which need snow and ice. That is why they are called the Winter Olympic Games.
P: Athletes competing from all over the world? Do you mean the Greek world? Our Greek cities used to compete against other for the honor of winning. Other countries couldn’t join in, nor could slaves（奴隶） or women.
L: All countries can take part in if their athletes reach the standard to be admitted（让……进入） to the games. There are over 250 sports and each one has its own standard. Women are not only allowed to join in but also play a very important role, especially in…
P: Please stop! All the events, all those countries and women can take part in? Where will all the competitors be staying?
L: A special village is built for the competitors to live in, a stadium for competitions(露天大型体育场), a very large swimming pool, a gymnasium as well as seats for those who watch the games.
P: It must be expensive. Does anyone want to host（举办） the Olympic Games?
L: As a matter of fact（事实上）, everyone wants to. It’s a great honor. It’s just as much a competition（竞争） among countries to host the Olympics as to win an Olympic medal. The 2008 Olympics will be held in China. Did you know that?
P: Oh yes! You must be very proud. 
L: Yes, of course.
P: Thank you for your time. Goodbye.
L: Bye-bye.