Debate: Should Athletes Be Considered Role Models?

A role model is a person who can be imitated by younger people, and have an impact on their behavior, choices, and values. Sports stars have been looked up to as role models, however some such as Charles Barkley, a retired professional basketball player, have declared that he is not a role model. What are the responsibilities of people who are paid to play sports? Listen to this commentator’s opinion, and then debate: Should athletes be considered role models?

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Story Length: 3:39

Listen to the Story:

Listening Comprehension Questions

What was one of Malala Yousafzai’s first experiences with the dangers of religious extremism?
After miraculously surviving her attack, what has Malala focused her work on?
What is the message that Malala is trying to send to those in power?
What does Malala want to do in the future?
What are the goals of Malala’s mission to support girls?

Discussion Themes

What is your opinion on Malala’s message about the power of education?
Why do you think that ISIS might want to silence people like Malala?

Socrative users can import these questions using the following code: SOC-1234

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