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READING 2 Read and write.

1 Listen and read. TR: 5.7 1. In what ancient societies were jugglers and acrobats popular?

AMAZING ACROBATS 2. How old are many children when they start to learn acrobatics?

Many acts we see in circuses today have roots
in ancient societies. Jugglers and acrobats were

popular in ancient Egypt and China. Today 3. How long do acrobats have to practice to learn some acts?
Chinese circuses are more popular, more colorful,
and more exciting than ever.

Most Chinese acrobats join the circus when 4. What things do acrobats juggle?
they are six years old, and they can spend ten

years practicing just one of these acts!
a. Juggling: Acrobats use their feet to juggle things. They juggle

tables, chairs, umbrellas, plates, and even people! 3 Read. Label the pictures a–e.

b. Cycling: In this act, acrobats use “monocycles” (bicycles with one
wheel). The most famous act is the “bird.”
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c. Tight-wire: This act is about 2,000 years old. Brave acrobats walk,
cycle, or jump on a wire that is high in the air.

d. Pole-climbing: This act is about 1,000 years old. Athletes climb up bird
poles, jump from one pole to the other, and balance on the poles.

e. Plate-spinning: The acrobat holds a pole with a plate on it. The 4
plates spin fast. The acrobat dances, jumps, or stands on one arm. Talk and write. Compare your opinions in a group. Write your
group’s decision in each box.
Don’t miss Chinese acrobats. They’re the best!

Acrobat Tricks

Most difficult Easiest Coolest Group favorite

Some Chinese acrobats called
“gastriloquists” make the sound of
birds, animals, crying babies, or
machines while they do their acts.
I think juggling is the most difficult.

No way! Tight-wire is much more difficult.
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