The ‘Triple Jump’, also known as the ‘hop, step, and jump’, is a fascinating track and field event that requires both athleticism and technical precision. For IELTS candidates, understanding this term and its related vocabulary can be beneficial, especially in the Reading and Speaking sections. Let’s explore this concept in detail to enhance your IELTS preparation.
Definition and Pronunciation
Triple jump (noun)
/ˈtrɪpl dʒʌmp/
Definition: An athletic event in which competitors attempt to jump as far as possible by performing a hop, a step, and a jump from a running start.
Triple jump athlete in action
Context and Usage
Examples in Context
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The athlete’s triple jump technique was flawless, earning her a gold medal at the Olympics.
Analysis: This sentence emphasizes the perfection of the athlete’s performance in the triple jump event, highlighting its importance in competitive athletics. -
Coaches often use video analysis to break down each phase of the triple jump for their athletes.
Analysis: This example illustrates the technical nature of the triple jump, requiring detailed analysis for improvement. -
The world record for the triple jump has stood for over 25 years, demonstrating the challenge of the event.
Analysis: This sentence underscores the difficulty of the triple jump by mentioning the longevity of the world record. -
Students practiced the triple jump during their track and field unit in physical education class.
Analysis: This example shows that the triple jump is not just for professional athletes but is also taught in schools. -
The sand pit for the triple jump needs to be longer than that used for the long jump due to the greater distances achieved.
Analysis: This sentence highlights a technical aspect of the triple jump event setup, comparing it to another jumping event.
Common Contexts
The term ‘triple jump’ is most frequently encountered in:
- Sports journalism and commentary
- Olympic and athletic event discussions
- Physical education curricula
- Biomechanics and sports science research
Vocabulary Analysis
Word Structure
The term ‘triple jump’ is a compound noun consisting of:
- ‘Triple’: indicating three parts or aspects
- ‘Jump’: the act of propelling oneself into the air
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Hop, step, and jump (the original name of the event)
- Horizontal jumping event
- Runway jump
Antonyms and Contrasts
- Single jump (like the long jump)
- Vertical jump (like the high jump)
Memorization Techniques
Mind Mapping
Create a mind map with ‘triple jump’ at the center, branching out to:
- Phases: Hop → Step → Jump
- Equipment: Runway, Takeoff board, Sand pit
- Skills: Speed, Balance, Coordination
- Famous athletes: Jonathan Edwards, Christian Taylor
Imagery Technique
Visualize an athlete performing the three distinct phases:
- Hopping on one foot
- Taking a long step onto the other foot
- Jumping into the sand pit
This mental image can help you remember the sequence and nature of the event.
Practice Exercises
Application in IELTS
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IELTS Speaking Part 2 Task Card:
Describe a sport you find interesting to watch. You should say:- What the sport is
- Where you usually watch it
- Why you find it interesting
- And explain how popular this sport is in your country
In this task, you could discuss the triple jump as an interesting athletic event, describing its unique three-phase nature and why it captivates you as a spectator.
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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Question:
Some people believe that competitive sports, while fun, have no real value for society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?In your response, you could use the triple jump as an example of how competitive sports teach valuable skills such as discipline, perseverance, and technical mastery, which are transferable to other areas of life and society.
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IELTS Reading Practice:
Read an article about the history of Olympic track and field events, paying special attention to mentions of the triple jump. Practice identifying key information and answering questions about the event’s development over time.
Repetition and Review
To effectively memorize ‘triple jump’ and its related vocabulary:
- Use the term in conversation or writing at least once a day for a week.
- Review your mind map or imagery every few days.
- Watch videos of triple jump competitions and describe what you see using the vocabulary you’ve learned.
Conclusion
Mastering the vocabulary associated with the triple jump can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam, particularly in sports-related topics. This unique athletic event provides a rich context for demonstrating your English language skills, from describing complex movements to discussing the historical and cultural significance of sports.
Remember, the key to retaining new vocabulary is consistent practice and application. Try incorporating ‘triple jump’ and its related terms into your English usage regularly. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or ask questions about this vocabulary in the comments section below.
For more practice with sports-related vocabulary, you might find it helpful to explore how to describe different types of jumps in track and field. This will broaden your vocabulary range and prepare you for a wider variety of topics in your IELTS exam.