Reading Practice Test 22- The HISTORY OF WOMEN'S FOOTBALL (B2)

* This proficiency exam preparation material has been carefully designed by Özgür Mithat Ardane, an experienced English teacher.

Reading Practice Test 22

The History of Women's Football

       The history of women's football is a tale of determination, strength, and not giving up despite challenges. It began quietly and has now become popular all around the world. It has become a global phenomenon that continues to captivate millions. Today it is not only a sport but a symbol of power and unity. 

       Women's football started a long time ago, the late 19th century, a time when the sport was male-dominated. However, a few brave women didn't let that stop them. The origins of organized women's football can be traced back to the British Ladies' Football Club which was founded in 1894. They started to play in big places like Stamford Bridge. However, due to existing gender biases, many people didn't like women playing football. In 1921, the Football Association (FA) banned women from playing on official fields. They considered the sport "quite unsuitable for females." Despite these challenges, the passion of players and enthusiasts continued. Their love for football didn't go away. The outbreak of World War II marked a turning point because during World War II, women's football helped raise money for the war. In the post-war era, international matches attracted significant crowds. 1971 was the turning point in female football when the FA lifted the ban. This was a big step forward for women's football. 

    Two decades later, women's football experienced a significant era. The first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup held in China in 1991 which marked a historic milestone. The tournament allowed female players to display their remarkable skills and determination. People all over the world saw female players showing their amazing skills. It captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Another big moment was the 1999 World Cup in the United States. It is often remembered for the iconic final between the USA and China which played in front of over 90,000 spectators in the Rose Bowl stadium. The USA won, and this made women's football more famous.

     The new millennium brought further advancements for women's football. The establishment of professional leagues in various countries provided opportunities for female players to pursue football as a career. Increased TV broadcasts and corporate sponsorship started supporting the sport more so, people could watch matches easily. Players like Mia Hamm, Marta, and Abby Wambach became very popular. They inspired many girls who wanted to play football.

      Women's football is not just about playing a game. It became a tool for promoting gender equality. It has created a public support for social change to make the world better. Female players are fighting for fairness and equality. They have used their platform to address issues like equal pay, access to sports, and breaking down gender stereotypes. They want the same pay as male players and the same chances to play. The US Women's National Team's fight for equal pay has made people talk about fairness in all parts of life.

     The story of women's football is about not giving up. It started with some brave women who loved the game, even when others said they couldn't play. Now, women's football is strong and powerful. It shows that when people work together and believe in themselves, they can make big changes.

 

QUESTIONS:  

The History of Women's Football

       The history of women's football is a tale of determination, strength, and not giving up despite challenges. It began quietly and has now become popular all around the world. It has become a global phenomenon that continues to captivate millions. Today it is not only a sport but a symbol of power and unity. 

1. The word “captivate” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to …..

  1. attract
  2. confuse
  3. disturb
  4. manipulate

2. Paragraph 1 suggests that

  1. Despite all challenges, the sport has gained a quick popularity worldwide.
  2. Today football is now considered a global phenomenon that holds the attention of millions of women.
  3. Women's football is no longer just a sport for women; it is more than that.
  4. Women's football is potential to become a powerful symbol of energy. 

 

      Women's football started a long time ago, the late 19th century. It was a time when the sport was male-dominated. However, a few brave women didn't let that stop them. The origins of organized women's football can be traced back to the British Ladies' Football Club which was founded in 1894. They started to play in big places like Stamford Bridge. However, due to existing gender biases, many people didn't like women playing football. In 1921, the Football Association (FA) banned women from playing on official fields. They considered the sport "quite unsuitable for females." Despite these challenges, the passion of players and enthusiasts continued. Their love for football didn't go away. The outbreak of World War II marked a turning point because during World War II, women's football helped raise money for the war. In the post-war era, international matches attracted significant crowds. 1971 was the turning point in female football when the FA lifted the ban. This was a big step forward for women's football. 

3. The word “outbreak” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to …..

  1. finish
  2. crash
  3. beginning
  4. harmony

 

4. What is the main idea of this paragraph?

  1. The women forced football clubs to establish clubs for women.
  2. The history of women's football is a long story with the fight of a few women to overcome difficulties.
  3. The turning point of 1971 was an important moment in the development of women's football.
  4. The history of women's football started in the late eighteenth century. 

 

     Two decades later, women's football experienced a significant era. The first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup held in China in 1991 which marked a historic milestone. The tournament allowed female players to display their remarkable skills and determination. People all over the world saw female players showing their amazing skills. It captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Another big moment was the 1999 World Cup in the United States. It is often remembered for the iconic final between the USA and China which played in front of over 90,000 spectators in the Rose Bowl stadium. The USA won, and this made women's football more famous.

 

5. The word “milestone” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to ….

  1. discovery
  2. anniversary
  3. turning point
  4. accident

6. The word “remarkable” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to …..

  1. standard
  2. extraordinary
  3. curious
  4. strange

 

Two decades later, women's football experienced a significant era. The first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup held in China in 1991 which marked a historic milestone. The tournament allowed female players to display their remarkable skills and determination. People all over the world saw female players showing their amazing skills. It captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Another big moment was the 1999 World Cup in the United States. It is often remembered for the iconic final between the USA and China which played in front of over 90,000 spectators in the Rose Bowl stadium. The USA won, and this made women's football more famous.

7. What does "this" refer to in this paragraph:

  1. The 1991 World Cup in China  
  2. The 1999 World Cup in the United States
  3. The final match between the USA and China 
  4. The victory of the USA in the final match

8. What was the importance of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup?

  1. It was the first-ever women's football tournament.
  2. It led to the establishment of professional women's leagues.
  3. It was played in the United States.
  4. It helped to make women's football more popular globally. 

      

   The new millennium brought further advancements for women's football. The establishment of professional leagues in various countries provided opportunities for female players to pursue football as a career. Increased TV broadcasts and corporate sponsorship started supporting the sport more so, people could watch matches easily. Players like Mia Hamm, Marta, and Abby Wambach became very popular which inspired many girls who wanted to play football.

 

9. What does NOT this paragraph suggest?  

  1. 2000s has been a time of progress and growth for women's football.
  2. The new professional leagues in different countries have helped female players to follow their career as a footballer.
  3. The television and the support from corporate sponsorships have increased the money woman footballers make. 
  4. The popularity of some players has positive impact on the next generation of female players.

 

       Women's football is not just about playing a game. It became a tool for promoting gender equality. It has created a public support for social change to make the world better. Female players are fighting for fairness and equality. They have used their platform to address issues like equal pay, access to sports, and breaking down gender stereotypes. They want the same pay as male players and the same chances to play. The US Women's National Team's fight for equal pay has made people talk about fairness in all parts of life.

     The story of women's football is about not giving up. It started with some brave women who loved the game, even when others said they couldn't play. Now, women's football is strong and powerful. It shows that when people work together and believe in themselves, they can make big changes.

10. How did female players use football to create change?

  1. by boycotting matches
  2. by promoting gender inequality
  3. by supporting for equal pay 
  4. by playing in American leagues

 

  

Click here to Show / Hide Answers.

1.a

2.c

3.c

4.b

5.c

6.b

7.d

8.d

9.c

10.c