Sport (extreme sport)
1) In my opinion, people can’t do without sport. They go in for sports for different reasons. First, sport helps us to stay in a good shape, to keep fit and to be healthy. It makes people strong, fast and agile. ['ædʒaɪl] (проворный) What is more, sport builds our character; it teaches us to win and to lose as well as to overcome difficulties (преодолеть). It goes without saying (безусловно) sport makes us more organized and better disciplined in our daily activities. Besides, it’s a good way to spend your free time and to make new friends.
Why do people go in for extreme sport?
2) Some people argue that sport is not very useful. It takes a lot of energy and time. As a result of going in for sports, people have broken legs and arms and other injuries. I agree with them that some sports can be rather dangerous.
3) Nevertheless a lot of people look for thrilling adventures, drive and go in for extreme sports such as rock climbing (скалолазание), white-water rafting [ra:ftiY], scuba diving, surfing (стоя на доске), body surfing (лёжа на доске), wind surfing or snowboard drifting (передвижение по ветру), skydiving (затяжные прыжки с парашютом), paragliding (парапланеризм), hang-gliding, (дельта-планеризм) parachute jumping. In parasailing, you are pulled behind a fast boat and rise into the air.
4) They do it because
5) 1) they are bored with daily routine and want to do something that will help them forget about the monotonous [mə'nɒtnəs] work they have to do every day.
6) 2) They want to try some extreme experiences 3) and to raise their adrenaline [əˈdrɛn(ə)lɪn] level.
7) Extreme sport enthusiasts claim (заявляют) that their hobby 4) gives them a feeling of excitement and 5) the joy of overcoming their fear. 6) It also helps them to boost their self-reliance.
8) To be frank, not everyone can go in for extreme sports. I am sure the choice of the extreme sport depends of the personal qualities. On me, only those, who are courageous, adventurous, risky, fearless (бесстрашный), decisive (решительный) restless (неугомонный), dashing (лихой, удалой), skillful (опытный), rigid (несгибаемый, твёрдый), p u shy [ᴧ] (настырный) strong-willed, self-possessed (имеющий самообладание), purposeful целеустремлённый can go in for such kinds of sport.
9) In the short run, it doesn’t matter what sports you do to have vital energy and to keep fit. You just keep in your mind the movement is life.
Task 5. You are going to take part in a telephone survey. Start all answer with introductory words.
Electronic assistant: Why do you think people are fond of extreme sports?
Student: _____________________
Electronic assistant: What extreme sport do you find the most dangerous one? Why?
Student: ____________________
Electronic assistant: Would you like to try parachute gliding?’ Why or why not?
Student: ____________________________
Electronic assistant:What traits of character are important for a person who goes in for extreme sports?
Electronic assistant:What safety rules would you recommend to your friend who rides a mountain bike?
Student: ___________________________
Electronic assistant: Have you ever watched extreme sports competitions?
Student: _____________________________
Task 6. Remember to say:
• why friendship is one of the important things in our life;
• what qualities are important for a true friend;
• what your best friend is like.
Why do people go in different kinds of sport?
1. Actually, if you go in for sports just for pleasure, to keep fit and to stay healthy, then sport is definitely (определённо) useful. Some people jog every morning, some follow fitness classes shown on TV. Young people usually put on roller-blades and skate in the streets and parks. Such sports are really good for our health. You needn’t be a professional sportsman to be healthy.
2. As for me, I enjoy different sports such as tennis, volleyball I or skating, but best of all I love swimming because it is a very good exercise for the whole body. Swimming helps me to stay in good shape, to keep fit and to be healthy. Besides, it helps me to work off my extra energy. I would recommend it because it is so convenient to do: you can do it when you like and for as long as you like. Besides, this sport doesn’t require any complicated equipment: you just need a swimming costume or trunks and perhaps a cap. You can swim in the sea or a river, or you can go to a special swimming pool.
3. When I go in for sports, I not only increase my fitness but also get real pleasure. Playing different sports gives me the increased sense of individuality and helps to acquire self-confidence (уверенность в себе). That’s why I prefer going in for sports.
4. On the other hand, it’s impossible to try all existing kinds of sports. That’s why I also like to watch sports programmes on TV. When I follow sports events, I expand my outlook and get acquainted with new kinds of sports because commentators usually provide us with additional information about sports and new sportsmen. Besides, I enjoy watching sports championships because I am proud of Russian sportsmen and I always support our teams. But of course watching sports events and doing sports are two different things.
Questions
1. Why do people go in for sports?
2. Are all sports good for us? Why
3. Which sports do you enjoy and why?
4. What do you prefer doing: watching sports or playing sports?
6. Should professional sport be prohibited? Why?
7. What attracts people to extreme sports?
8. Is sport important to you? Why?
9. Do you go in for non-competitive kind of sports like fishing? Why?
10. Which do you prefer: team sports or Individual sports? Why?