Question

A. Answer the questions orally:

(1) Who was Jesse Owens?
(2) Why did he have to work in the cotton fields?
(3) (a) Name two points that show he was poor?
(b) Name one point that shows he was sickly?
(4) Who was Charles Riley?
(5)
He was the first white man who was kind to Jesse "What does this
tell us about American society in those days?
(6) Which was Jesse's first success in the field of athletics?
(7) Why was his long jump record of 1935 outstanding?
(8) Which was Jesse Owens greatest victory?
(9)
How do you think he felt when the whole stadium shouted 'Jes-se,
Jes-se'?
(10) What do you think (tick one answer) Jesse Owen's dream was:
(a) to become a great athlete.
(b) to do anything to lift the low status that the blacks suffered.
(11) How was Jesse Owens honoured at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles?
(12) Can you suggest another title for the story?

Answer 1

Jesse Owens was an American track and field athlete who overcame poverty and sickness to achieve great success in the sport. He faced inequality and racism in American society, but his triumphs in the 1936 Olympics made him a symbol of strength and resilience. Jesse Owens' story is one of inspiration and breaking barriers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jesse Owens, American Track and Field Athlete

Jesse Owens was an American track and field athlete who gained fame for his incredible achievements in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He overcame many obstacles in his life, including poverty and sickness, to become one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Working in Cotton Fields and Poverty

Jesse Owens had to work in the cotton fields due to his family's financial situation. This is one of the points that show he was poor. Another point is that he couldn't afford a proper pair of shoes, so he had to run barefoot or in worn-out shoes.

Sickness and Charles Riley

Jesse Owens suffered from chronic bronchial congestion, which affected his health. This is one point that shows he was sickly. Charles Riley, the high school track coach, recognized Jesse's talent and provided him with guidance and mentorship. He played an important role in shaping Jesse's future.

Kindness and American Society

Charles Riley, the first white man who was kind to Jesse, shows that American society in those days was divided along racial lines. Kindness from a white person towards a black person was uncommon, indicating the prevalent racism and inequality in society.

Successes in Athletics

Jesse Owens' first success in the field of athletics was winning the Ohio State High School Championship in the long jump. His outstanding long jump record in 1935 was remarkable because he broke three world records and tied another in a span of 45 minutes. His greatest victory was winning four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics, defying Adolf Hitler's belief in Aryan superiority.

Emotional Triumph and Dream

Jesse Owens must have felt incredible pride and joy when the whole stadium shouted his name. This moment marked his recognition, triumph over adversity, and validation of his hard work and dedication. As for his dream, it can be said that Jesse Owens aimed to become a great athlete and also wanted to challenge and change the low status that black people were subjected to in society.

Honors and Alternative Title

Jesse Owens was honored at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles as the Olympic Order Laureate. An alternative title for his story could be 'From Poverty to Olympic Glory: The Inspiring Journey of Jesse Owens'.

Learn more about Jesse Owens' life, achievements, and impact