English reading practice - Record Breakers - Unraveling the Cube (C1/C2 Advanced)

In the world of Rubik's Cube solving, where every twist and turn is a step closer to solving the colourful enigma, one name stands out among the rest: Yusheng Du. This Chinese speedcuber has etched his name into the annals of history with his lightning-fast fingers and remarkable agility, clinching the Guinness World Record for the Fastest Time to Solve a Rubik's Cube in an astonishing 3.47 seconds.

The stage was set at an event brimming with anticipation and excitement as speedcubers from around the globe gathered to showcase their skills. Yusheng Du stood poised and focused among them, ready to tackle the Rubik's Cube with unrivalled precision.

As the timer beeped, his hands moved with a blur of speed, manipulating the vibrant colours of the cube with unparalleled dexterity. With each twist and flick, the puzzle seemed to yield to his mastery, falling into place with mesmerising efficiency. Spectators held their breath, their eyes glued to the unfolding spectacle, as his fingers danced across the cube with breathtaking speed.

In a matter of mere seconds, the impossible became possible as he triumphantly completed the Rubik's Cube, stopping the timer at a mind-boggling 3.47 seconds. Cheers erupted from the crowd, applause ringing in his ears as he basked in the glory of his record-breaking achievement.

But behind the glitz and glamour of the world record lies years of dedication, practice, and unwavering determination. Yusheng's journey to Rubik's Cube mastery began like many others, with a simple fascination for the iconic puzzle. What started as a hobby soon evolved into a passion, driving him to push the boundaries of speedcubing and set his sights on the ultimate prize: the world record.

Countless hours were spent honing his skills, perfecting algorithms, and refining his technique, each solution bringing him one step closer to his goal. From the classic Rubik's Cube to the more complex variations, he tackled them all with unwavering resolve, determined to conquer every twist and turn with unmatched speed and precision.

But beyond the physical demands of speedcubing, his success also hinges on his mental fortitude and ability to stay calm under pressure. Maintaining focus and composure is paramount in the high-stakes environment of competitive speedcubing, where milliseconds can make all the difference. Through rigorous training and competition experience, Yusheng has honed his mental acuity, allowing him to perform at the highest level when it matters most.

Yusheng Du's record-breaking achievement serves as a testament to the boundless potential of human skill and determination. In a world where challenges abound and obstacles loom large, his story reminds us that with perseverance and passion, anything is possible. So the next time you pick up a Rubik's Cube, remember the remarkable journey of Yusheng Du and let his record-breaking feat inspire you to reach new heights of excellence. After all, in the colourful world of Rubik's Cube solving, the only limit is your imagination.

Check your understanding

1. What was the specific Guinness World Record that Yusheng Du set at the Wuhu Open 2018?

2. Describe the atmosphere at the event when Yusheng Du attempted to break the record. What was the reaction of the spectators when he achieved the record?

3. What factors contributed to Yusheng Du's success in solving the Rubik's Cube in record time?

4. How did Yusheng Du's journey in speedcubing evolve from a hobby to a passion, ultimately leading him to pursue the world record?

5. Reflecting on Yusheng Du's achievement, what lessons can be learned about perseverance, dedication, and mental fortitude in the pursuit of excellence?

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Vocabulary

1. Dexterity: Skill or adroitness in using the hands or body.

2. Unrivalled: Having no equal or parallel.

3. Mastery: Comprehensive knowledge or skill in a particular subject or activity; it denotes Yusheng Du's expertise and proficiency in solving Rubik's Cubes.

4. Mesmerising: Capturing one's complete attention as if by magic.

5. Fortitude: Courage in facing difficulties or adversity.

6. Paramount: More important than anything else.

7. Acuity: Sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing.

8. Perseverance: Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

9. Boundless: Unlimited or infinite.