Written by Steve Jackson
and first published in The Daily Telegraph, this article
is about young magician Dominic Woods. You will have to do
two activities after reading it. Start reading
carefully the whole article and then try to do the activities at the
bottom.
1
'A lot of magicians my age say: "I'd like to be a magician on the telly." I'm
going to be a magician on the telly.' A bold statement indeed from 17-year-old
Dominic Wood, a confident and determined young man who last Sunday won the
coveted title of Young Magician of the Year at Wimbledon's Polka Children's
Theatre. The Young Magician of the Year competition is organised biannually by
the Magic Circle and is sponsored by the trick-making firm Marvin's Magic. Apart
from the trophy and the kudos associated with the event, the winner is also
invited to join the Magic Circle. The 1,400 membership of the Magic Circle
includes many of the world's top magicians, such as Paul Daniels and David
Copperfield.
2
Members meet regularly to discuss new tricks and techniques and they are sworn
to absolute secrecy (magician John Lenahan was recently expelled for breaking
this rule). Progress can be made through the ranks by passing special
examinations but only a handful of individuals are ever invited to become full
members of the Inner Circle. Since membership of the Circle can open many
professional doors, it is a valuable prize for youngsters embarking on a career
in wizardry.
3
For the seven young magicians contesting last Sunday's event it was the most
nerve-racking performance of their lives. Having won through the preliminary
rounds and made it to the final, they now faced the ultimate test as they
performed their routines before the critical eyes of the Magic Circle's own
panel of judges.
4
When Dominic Wood began his act, there were gasps of wonder from the audience as
his silk gloves were suddenly transformed into a dove. But when the frightened
bird fluttered into the crowd instead of returning to his finger, the act had to
be restarted.
5
Second time around, the performance was faultless and ended neatly with the dove
returning into his gloves. The restart – the first in the
competition's 34-year history – might have shattered the nerves of a less
confident youngster. But Dominic seemed unruffled. 'It wasn't the competition
that bothered me,' he said afterwards. 'It was the fact that the dove might have
been hurt.'
6
Dominic is studying drama and media studies at Exeter College. His interest in
magic began three years ago, prompted by a teacher at school who livened up
lessons with stunts and tricks for the class. Dominic was particularly
enthralled when he made a pencil vanish and he persuaded his teacher to teach
him more. He now develops his own tricks.
7
During his act, an oversized playing card hovered about in space. A metal hoop,
at first passed over the card to demonstrate the absence of supports, became
itself suspended in mid-air with the card. Dominic devised this routine himself.
8
David Berglas, president of the Magic Circle, was impressed by what he saw. 'I
thought he did an exceptionally good act today. His manipulation was outstanding
and his showmanship is very good. He has a lot of potential and I'm sure he'll
go far.'
ACTIVITY 295:
Now, choose from the list A-to-I the sentence
which best summarises each paragraph (1-to-8). Then
check your answers.
A
Not everything went right with Dominic's act.
B
Dominic's first lessons
in magic were at school.
C
Membership of the Magic Circle is useful for
magicians, especially for those starting their
professional lives.
D
One of the Magic Circle members praised
Dominic's skills highly.
E
One of his tricks was created by Dominic
himself.
F
Dominic calmly repeated his act and performed
it brilliantly.
G
Seven young people reached the difficult final
stages of the Young Magician competition.
H
Dominic Wood became Young
Magician of the
Year and a member of the Magic Circle.
ACTIVITY 296:
Finally, read again the article carefully and find the
words which express the explanations below. Then
check your answers.
1.
twice a year (PARAGRAPH 1):
2.
made to promise (PARAGRAPH 2):
3.
starting (PARAGRAPH
2):
4.
worrying (PARAGRAPH 3):
5.
destroyed (PARAGRAPH 5):
6.
unaffected
(PARAGRAPH 5):
7.
fascinated (PARAGRAPH 6):
8.
stayed in the same place in the air (PARAGRAPH
7):
9.
large ring (PARAGRAPH 7):
10.
control of his hands
(PARAGRAPH 8):
Descubrir los trucos de estos
grandes magos, no es nada fácil, verdad? En la página siguiente practicarás
dos estructuras verbales que suelen confundir a los
hispano-parlantes.
