Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world chess champion, recently withdrew from a significant tournament due to a disagreement over the dress code. The incident took place during the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships held in New York, where Carlsen was defending his titles. Tournament officials informed him that wearing jeans violated the established dress code, and they requested that he change into more appropriate attire. However, the 34-year-old grandmaster chose not to comply with this request.

As a consequence of his refusal to change, Carlsen was fined $200 (£159) by the governing body, FIDE. The situation escalated when officials warned him that he would not be allowed to compete unless he adhered to the dress code. Carlsen explained that he had been in a rush to prepare for the tournament after a lunch meeting, and he had not considered the appropriateness of his jeans. He had changed into a shirt and jacket but overlooked his choice of pants.

Carlsen expressed that he was willing to change his attire the following day, as he had not realized the jeans would be an issue. However, the officials insisted that he change immediately, which led to a matter of principle for him. He stated that he was not inclined to appeal the decision, indicating that he felt too mature to be overly concerned about the situation. Carlsen remarked that if the tournament organizers were adamant about their rules, he was prepared to accept the outcome.

In a lighthearted response to the incident, Carlsen later shared a photo of his outfit on social media, humorously labeling it “OOTD” (outfit of the day). This post showcased his jeans and jacket combination, reflecting his nonchalant attitude towards the controversy. FIDE defended its actions by stating that the dress code was enforced consistently, referencing another instance where a player was fined for not changing his shoes.

This incident is not the first time Carlsen has found himself in a contentious situation within the chess community. He previously accused fellow player Hans Niemann of cheating during a tournament in 2022, leading to a high-profile dispute that culminated in a $100 million (£79 million) lawsuit, which was settled in August of the previous year. As Carlsen moves forward, he seems ready to leave the tournament behind and perhaps seek a more pleasant environment elsewhere.

Original news source: World chess number one Magnus Carlsen quits tournament after refusing to change jeans (Sky News)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: In pairs, students will create catchy headlines for the article that summarize the key points. They should aim for brevity and impact, presenting the essence of Magnus Carlsen’s situation in an engaging way. Afterward, each pair will share their headlines with the class.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Students will walk around the classroom and ask their classmates for their opinions on Carlsen’s decision to withdraw from the tournament. They will collect responses and tally the results. Afterward, they will discuss the varying opinions in small groups and present the findings to the class.

– CHARADES
Instructions: Students will act out key terms and phrases from the article without speaking, while their classmates guess what they are portraying. Terms could include “dress code,” “chess tournament,” and “fine.” This will help reinforce vocabulary in a fun and interactive way.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: In small groups, students will create a mind map on a large sheet of paper. They will write “Magnus Carlsen’s Dress Code Incident” in the center and branch out with related ideas, themes, and consequences from the article. Each group will present their mind map to the class.

– SPEED SUMMARIZING
Instructions: Students will have 2 minutes to summarize the article in their own words to a partner. After the time is up, they will switch partners and summarize again. This activity encourages quick thinking and the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What was the reason for Magnus Carlsen’s withdrawal from the tournament?
2. How did tournament officials respond to Carlsen’s choice of attire?
3. What fine did Carlsen receive for not complying with the dress code, and who imposed it?
4. How did Carlsen justify his choice of jeans for the tournament?
5. What was Carlsen’s attitude towards the dress code enforcement and the officials’ demands?
6. How did Carlsen communicate his feelings about the incident on social media?
7. What previous controversy involving Carlsen is mentioned in the article, and what was its outcome?
8. What implications does this incident have for Carlsen’s future participation in tournaments?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world chess champion, recently withdrew from a significant (1)______ due to a (2)______ over the dress code. The incident took place during the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships held in New York, where Carlsen was defending his titles. Tournament officials informed him that wearing jeans violated the established dress code, and they (3)______ that he (4)______ into more appropriate attire. However, the 34-year-old grandmaster chose not to comply with this request.

As a consequence of his refusal to change, Carlsen was fined $200 (£159) by the governing body, FIDE. The (5)______ escalated when officials (6)______ him that he would not be allowed to compete unless he adhered to the dress code. Carlsen explained that he had been in a rush to prepare for the tournament after a lunch meeting, and he had not considered the appropriateness of his jeans. He had changed into a shirt and jacket but overlooked his choice of pants.

Carlsen expressed that he was willing to change his attire the following day, as he had not (7)______ the jeans would be an issue. However, the officials insisted that he change immediately, which led to a (8)______ of principle for him. He stated that he was not inclined to appeal the decision, (9)______ that he felt too mature to be overly concerned about the situation. (10)______ remarked that if the tournament (11)______ were adamant about their rules, he was prepared to accept the outcome.

In a lighthearted response to the incident, Carlsen later shared a (12)______ of his outfit on social media, humorously labeling it “OOTD” (outfit of the day). This post showcased his jeans and jacket combination, reflecting his nonchalant attitude towards the controversy. FIDE defended its actions by stating that the dress code was enforced consistently, referencing another instance where a player was fined for not changing his shoes.

This incident is not the first time Carlsen has found himself in a contentious situation within the chess community. He previously accused (13)______ player Hans Niemann of cheating during a tournament in 2022, (14)______ to a high-profile dispute that culminated in a $100 million (£79 million) lawsuit, which was settled in August of the previous year. As Carlsen moves forward, he seems ready to (15)______ the tournament behind and perhaps seek a more pleasant (16)______ elsewhere.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on dress codes in professional settings? Do you think they are necessary? Why or why not?

2. How would you feel if you were fined for not adhering to a dress code at work or an event?

3. Do you think that personal expression through clothing should be prioritized over formal dress codes? Why?

4. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you disagreed with a rule or policy? How did you handle it?

5. What is a situation where you felt strongly about a principle, similar to Magnus Carlsen’s stance on the dress code?

6. Do you like the idea of using humor to diffuse tense situations, as Carlsen did with his social media post? Why or why not?

7. How would you react if you were in a rush and forgot to follow a dress code? Would you comply immediately or stand your ground?

8. Do you think that chess tournaments should have strict dress codes? Why or why not?

9. What is your perspective on the balance between professionalism and comfort in competitive environments?

10. How would you feel if you were in Carlsen’s position, having to choose between changing your clothes and competing in a tournament?

11. Do you think that Magnus Carlsen’s previous controversies affect how people view him now? Why or why not?

12. What is a time when you felt misunderstood in a professional or social setting? How did you address the misunderstanding?

13. How do you think Magnus Carlsen’s decision to withdraw from the tournament will impact his reputation in the chess community?

14. Do you think that tournament organizers should be more flexible with dress codes, especially for high-profile players? Why?

15. How would you feel if you were a fellow competitor witnessing the incident between Carlsen and the tournament officials? What would your reaction be?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. reigning
2. withdrew
3. significant
4. attire
5. consequence
6. escalated
7. inclined
8. appeal
9. adamant
10. nonchalant
11. controversy
12. contentious
13. accused
14. dispute
15. culminated

Meanings:
(A) Increased in intensity or seriousness
(B) Likely to cause disagreement or argument
(C) A disagreement or argument
(D) Currently holding a particular title or position
(E) To charge someone with a wrongdoing
(F) Clothing or garments
(G) Reached a climax or conclusion
(H) Important or noteworthy
(I) A result or effect of an action or condition
(J) A request for a decision to be reviewed or reconsidered
(K) Calm and unconcerned
(L) Having a tendency or preference
(M) To remove oneself from participation
(N) Unyielding or insistent
(O) A disagreement or argument between parties
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Who is Magnus Carlsen?
(a) A famous football player
(b) A renowned author
(c) A popular musician
(d) The reigning world chess champion

2. Why did Magnus Carlsen withdraw from the tournament?
(a) Because he was ill
(b) He had a scheduling conflict
(c) Due to a disagreement over the dress code
(d) He lost interest in chess

3. What was the consequence of Carlsen’s refusal to change his attire?
(a) He was disqualified from the tournament
(b) He was fined $200 by FIDE
(c) He was banned from future tournaments
(d) He received a warning only

4. What did Carlsen claim about his choice of pants?
(a) He thought jeans were acceptable attire
(b) He had forgotten to pack other pants
(c) He was advised by his coach to wear jeans
(d) He had not considered the appropriateness of his jeans

5. How did Carlsen respond to the officials’ insistence on changing his attire?
(a) He immediately complied with the request
(b) He left the tournament in anger
(c) He felt it was a matter of principle
(d) He appealed the decision

6. What humorous action did Carlsen take after the incident?
(a) He shared a photo of his outfit on social media
(b) He wrote a blog post about the experience
(c) He made a video explaining his side of the story
(d) He created a meme about the dress code

7. What did FIDE state regarding the enforcement of the dress code?
(a) It was enforced consistently
(b) It was only enforced for certain players
(c) It would be reviewed in the future
(d) It was not a priority for the tournament

8. What previous controversy was mentioned involving Magnus Carlsen?
(a) He was involved in a dispute over tournament prizes
(b) He accused Hans Niemann of cheating during a tournament
(c) He criticized the chess community’s rules
(d) He refused to play against certain opponents

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. FIDE defended its actions by stating that the dress code was enforced consistently.
2. Carlsen was fined $200 by FIDE for wearing jeans, which violated the dress code.
3. Tournament officials insisted that Carlsen keep his attire as it was.
4. Carlsen withdrew from a tournament due to a disagreement over the time control.
5. The incident occurred during the FIDE World Classical Chess Championship in New York.
6. Carlsen previously accused fellow player Hans Niemann of disrupting during a tournament in 2022.
7. Magnus Carlsen is the reigning world chess champion.
8. Carlsen later shared a photo of his outfit on social media, labeling it “OOTD.”
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What were the reasons behind Magnus Carlsen’s withdrawal from the tournament?
2. How did Carlsen respond to the officials’ insistence on adhering to the dress code?
3. What was the financial consequence Carlsen faced due to his refusal to comply with the dress code?
4. How did Carlsen’s previous controversies in the chess community relate to his recent incident at the tournament?
5. What was Carlsen’s attitude towards the dress code controversy as expressed in his social media post?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What was the reason for Magnus Carlsen’s withdrawal from the tournament?
Magnus Carlsen withdrew from the tournament due to a disagreement over the dress code, specifically for wearing jeans which violated the established rules.

2. How did tournament officials respond to Carlsen’s choice of attire?
Tournament officials informed Carlsen that wearing jeans violated the dress code and requested that he change into more appropriate attire.

3. What fine did Carlsen receive for not complying with the dress code, and who imposed it?
Carlsen received a fine of $200 (£159) imposed by the governing body, FIDE.

4. How did Carlsen justify his choice of jeans for the tournament?
Carlsen explained that he had been in a rush to prepare for the tournament after a lunch meeting and had not considered the appropriateness of his jeans. He had changed into a shirt and jacket but overlooked his choice of pants.

5. What was Carlsen’s attitude towards the dress code enforcement and the officials’ demands?
Carlsen expressed that he was willing to change his attire the following day, but when officials insisted he change immediately, it became a matter of principle for him. He indicated that he felt too mature to be overly concerned about the situation and was prepared to accept the outcome.

6. How did Carlsen communicate his feelings about the incident on social media?
Carlsen shared a photo of his outfit on social media, humorously labeling it “OOTD” (outfit of the day), which showcased his jeans and jacket combination, reflecting his nonchalant attitude towards the controversy.

7. What previous controversy involving Carlsen is mentioned in the article, and what was its outcome?
The article mentions Carlsen’s previous accusation against fellow player Hans Niemann of cheating during a tournament in 2022, which led to a high-profile dispute culminating in a $100 million (£79 million) lawsuit that was settled in August of the previous year.

8. What implications does this incident have for Carlsen’s future participation in tournaments?
The incident suggests that Carlsen may be ready to leave the tournament behind and seek a more pleasant environment elsewhere, indicating potential challenges for his future participation in tournaments if strict dress codes are enforced.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) tournament
(2) disagreement
(3) requested
(4) change
(5) situation
(6) warned
(7) realized
(8) matter
(9) indicating
(10) Carlsen
(11) organizers
(12) photo
(13) fellow
(14) leading
(15) leave
(16) environment
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. reigning
Answer: (D) Currently holding a particular title or position

2. withdrew
Answer: (M) To remove oneself from participation

3. significant
Answer: (H) Important or noteworthy

4. attire
Answer: (F) Clothing or garments

5. consequence
Answer: (I) A result or effect of an action or condition

6. escalated
Answer: (A) Increased in intensity or seriousness

7. inclined
Answer: (L) Having a tendency or preference

8. appeal
Answer: (J) A request for a decision to be reviewed or reconsidered

9. adamant
Answer: (N) Unyielding or insistent

10. nonchalant
Answer: (K) Calm and unconcerned

11. controversy
Answer: (C) A disagreement or argument

12. contentious
Answer: (B) Likely to cause disagreement or argument

13. accused
Answer: (E) To charge someone with a wrongdoing

14. dispute
Answer: (O) A disagreement or argument between parties

15. culminated
Answer: (G) Reached a climax or conclusion
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Who is Magnus Carlsen?
Answer: (d) The reigning world chess champion

2. Why did Magnus Carlsen withdraw from the tournament?
Answer: (c) Due to a disagreement over the dress code

3. What was the consequence of Carlsen’s refusal to change his attire?
Answer: (b) He was fined $200 by FIDE

4. What did Carlsen claim about his choice of pants?
Answer: (d) He had not considered the appropriateness of his jeans

5. How did Carlsen respond to the officials’ insistence on changing his attire?
Answer: (c) He felt it was a matter of principle

6. What humorous action did Carlsen take after the incident?
Answer: (a) He shared a photo of his outfit on social media

7. What did FIDE state regarding the enforcement of the dress code?
Answer: (a) It was enforced consistently

8. What previous controversy was mentioned involving Magnus Carlsen?
Answer: (b) He accused Hans Niemann of cheating during a tournament
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. FIDE defended its actions by stating that the dress code was enforced consistently. (Answer: True)
2. Carlsen was fined $200 by FIDE for wearing jeans, which violated the dress code. (Answer: True)
3. Tournament officials insisted that Carlsen keep his attire as it was. (Answer: False)
4. Carlsen withdrew from a tournament due to a disagreement over the time control. (Answer: False)
5. The incident occurred during the FIDE World Classical Chess Championship in New York. (Answer: False)
6. Carlsen previously accused fellow player Hans Niemann of disrupting during a tournament in 2022. (Answer: False)
7. Magnus Carlsen is the reigning world chess champion. (Answer: True)
8. Carlsen later shared a photo of his outfit on social media, labeling it “OOTD.” (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧