Shaquille O’Neal Gets a New Degree from LSU

May 16, 2026, 22:29
USSports

Introduction

Shaquille O’Neal was a famous basketball player. Now he has a Master's degree from Louisiana State University (LSU).

Main Body

Shaq started school at LSU in 1989. He stopped in 1992 to play professional basketball. He went back to school later. He finished his first degree in 2000. LSU loves Shaq. They have a statue of him. They also retired his jersey number 33. He scored many points for the school team. Shaq spoke at the graduation party. He made a joke about his friend Charles Barkley. They fought in 1999, but now they work together on a TV show.

Conclusion

Shaq finished his university studies. He still works in sports media.

Learning

🕰️ The 'Back Then' Pattern

To reach A2, you need to talk about the past. Look at how the story changes words to show things happened a long time ago:

  • Start →\rightarrow Started
  • Stop →\rightarrow Stopped
  • Finish →\rightarrow *Finished

The Rule: Just add -ed to the end of the action word.

⚡ The Exception

Not every word follows the -ed rule. Some change completely:

  • Is/Has →\rightarrow Was/Had
  • Speak →\rightarrow Spoke
  • Make →\rightarrow Made
  • Fight →\rightarrow Fought

Quick Tip: If you see a date (like 1989 or 2000), use these 'past' words!

Vocabulary Learning

famous (adj.)
well-known, widely recognized
Example:Shaquille O’Neal is a famous basketball player.
basketball (n.)
a game played with a ball and hoops
Example:He played basketball for LSU.
player (n.)
a person who plays a sport
Example:He was a player on the LSU team.
university (n.)
an institution of higher learning
Example:He studied at Louisiana State University.
professional (adj.)
working as a paid expert
Example:He played professional basketball.
finished (verb)
completed
Example:He finished his degree in 2000.
statue (n.)
a sculpture of a person
Example:LSU has a statue of Shaq.
jersey (n.)
a shirt worn by athletes
Example:The university retired his jersey number 33.
graduation (n.)
the ceremony when degrees are given
Example:He spoke at the graduation party.
media (n.)
the means of communication
Example:He works in sports media.