put the words in the correct order to make emphatic sentences.

1. happy   be   to   is   want   I   all

choose the sentence halves.

1. All I want

put the words in the correct order to make emphatic sentences.

2. happened   that    was   late   he   what   was

put the words in the correct order to make emphatic sentences.

3. I   a   what   need   vacation   is

put the words in the correct order to make emphatic sentences.

4. was   I    bored    because    left    is    the    why    I    reason

put the words in the correct order to make emphatic sentences.

5. her   it   saw   was   I   when   month   last

put the words in the correct order to make emphatic sentences.

6. place   we   was   a   the   where    met    café

Choose the correct word.

1. Boris Becker, who / that was a tennis champion in the 1980s, is a Wimbledon commentator now.

Choose the correct word.

2. Oh, you’ve chosen Hawaii? Wow!  That’s just when / where I was going to suggest!

Choose the correct word.

3. That’s the guy I was telling you about – you know, whose / whom sister won the gold medal.

Choose the correct word.

4. Apparently we have a choice of Kitzbühel or Söll in Austria, or Uludağ in Turkey, none of where / which I’ve been to before.

Choose the correct word.

5. In spite of the horrendous weather, the place that / where I enjoyed most was Ireland.

Choose the correct word.

6. Unfortunately my uncles, all of whom / which are on my mother’s side of the family, live in Australia.

Choose the correct word.

7. I can’t make the party tomorrow night after all, what / which is a real shame as I’d been looking forward to it.

Choose the correct word.

8. Do you remember the name of the hotel we stayed in when we visited Paris? You know the one that / where had that amazing view of the Eiffel Tower.

Complete the sentences with the correct word.

Complete the sentences with the correct word.

Complete the sentences with the correct word.

Complete the sentences with the correct word.

Complete the sentences with the correct word.

Complete the sentences with the correct word.

Choose the correct word(s).

1. When I was in Vietnam, I enjoyed meeting other backpackers / backpacks and sharing stories and information.

Choose the correct word(s).

2. I don’t mind working hard, but I deny / refuse to work on Saturdays for religious reasons.

Choose the correct word(s).

3. The recent government legislation will affect / effect the lives of millions of people in the country.

Choose the correct word(s).

4. Clare wanted to tell her parents about her pregnancy before advertising / announcing it to the rest of the family.

Choose the correct word(s).

5. When we visited New York, we stayed in a suit / suite in an expensive hotel in Manhattan.

Choose the correct word(s).

6. Try to lie / lay down and go to sleep. We have a really busy day tomorrow.

Complete the chart.

Complete the chart.

Complete the chart.

Complete the chart.

Complete the chart.

Complete the sentences with a suitable word.

Complete the sentences with a suitable word.

Complete the sentences with a suitable word.

Listen to a radio programme about a book.

Complete the sentences with a suitable word.

Match the words to the same sound.

1. refuse ________

Match the words to the same sound.

2. advertise ________

Match the words to the same sound.

3. wide ________, ________

Match the words to the same sound.

4. polish ________

Choose the stressed syllable.

1. com|pro|mise

Choose the stressed syllable.

2. eco|nom|ic

Choose the stressed syllable.

3. ac|tu|al|ly

Choose the stressed syllable.

4. cur|rent|ly

Choose the stressed syllable.

5. aer|o|bics

Read the article and choose the correct answer.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT SPORTS TEACH CHILDREN

Many parents think that their children can learn a lot about good values and behaviour through sports. And it is certainly true that sports can teach children about such things as teamwork, complying with the rules of how something is done, fair play, and decency towards others. However, they also find that these good values are often contradicted when children watch sports on TV. Professional sports people and coaches sometimes don’t exhibit the standards of behaviour and fair play that parents hope their children will learn and show when they are playing sports, and indeed in all other areas of life. While watching sports on TV, the chances are that children will see professional players cheating, having tantrums, fighting, or abusing officials such as referees. In addition, it is highly likely that children will be aware of well-known cases of sports people being caught using drugs to improve their performance.

The danger of all this is that it could give children the idea that winning is all that counts and that the key point about sports is that you should win at all costs. Good behaviour and fair play aren’t the message that comes across. Instead, it looks as if cheating and bad behaviour are perfectly reasonable ways of getting what you want. This message is reinforced by the fact that some of these sports people acquire enormous fame and wealth, making it seem that they are being handsomely rewarded, either despite or because of their bad behaviour.

What can parents do about this? Well, they can regard sports on television as a good opportunity to discuss attitudes and behaviour with their children, both in sports and in life in general. They can sit down and watch the sport with the child. If the child likes a particular team or player, find out what it is about that team or player that appeals to the child. If you see a player swearing at the referee, get the child’s opinion on that behaviour. Discuss whether that player’s skill is more important than their behaviour. Ask what the child thinks the player’s contribution to the team is – how should the player be behaving in that situation, is the player displaying a good attitude towards teamwork? Point out that no player can win a team game on their own, and that it’s important for team members to work well together.

Another thing to focus on is what the commentators say. Do they frown on bad behaviour from players, think it’s very amusing, or even seem to think it’s a good thing? What do the officials do about bad behaviour? If they seem to let players get away with it, parents can discuss with children whether this is right or not and what effect it has on the game. If they punish a player, perhaps by ejecting him, parents can discuss with children the consequences of bad behaviour, both for that player and his teammates. And look, too, at the reactions of coaches and managers. Do they accept losing with good grace or scowl and show a bad attitude to it? Parents can use this to discuss attitudes to winning and losing, and to remind children that both are a part of sports – nobody can win all the time.

However, what children can learn from watching sports is by no means all about the negatives and parents should make sure they accentuate the positives, too. They should emphasize to children the high reputation that well-behaved players have, not just with their teammates, but also with spectators and the media. They can focus on the contribution made by such players during a game, discussing how valuable they are to the team. The message from this is that you can be the best possible player without any kind of bad behaviour. In the interviews after a game, they can point out to a child that the well-behaved players don’t gloat when they win, or sulk when they lose. Parents can draw attention to well-behaved sports people who achieve great fame and wealth, showing that a good attitude can lead to enormous success. And they can draw attention to how well these people conduct themselves in their personal lives and the good work they do for others when they are not playing. In other words, parents should get their children to focus on the positive role models, rather than the antics of the badly behaved but often more publicized players.

1. Queustion:

In the first paragraph, the writer contrasts ________.

Read the article and choose the correct answer.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT SPORTS TEACH CHILDREN

Many parents think that their children can learn a lot about good values and behaviour through sports. And it is certainly true that sports can teach children about such things as teamwork, complying with the rules of how something is done, fair play, and decency towards others. However, they also find that these good values are often contradicted when children watch sports on TV. Professional sports people and coaches sometimes don’t exhibit the standards of behaviour and fair play that parents hope their children will learn and show when they are playing sports, and indeed in all other areas of life. While watching sports on TV, the chances are that children will see professional players cheating, having tantrums, fighting, or abusing officials such as referees. In addition, it is highly likely that children will be aware of well-known cases of sports people being caught using drugs to improve their performance.

The danger of all this is that it could give children the idea that winning is all that counts and that the key point about sports is that you should win at all costs. Good behaviour and fair play aren’t the message that comes across. Instead, it looks as if cheating and bad behaviour are perfectly reasonable ways of getting what you want. This message is reinforced by the fact that some of these sports people acquire enormous fame and wealth, making it seem that they are being handsomely rewarded, either despite or because of their bad behaviour.

What can parents do about this? Well, they can regard sports on television as a good opportunity to discuss attitudes and behaviour with their children, both in sports and in life in general. They can sit down and watch the sport with the child. If the child likes a particular team or player, find out what it is about that team or player that appeals to the child. If you see a player swearing at the referee, get the child’s opinion on that behaviour. Discuss whether that player’s skill is more important than their behaviour. Ask what the child thinks the player’s contribution to the team is – how should the player be behaving in that situation, is the player displaying a good attitude towards teamwork? Point out that no player can win a team game on their own, and that it’s important for team members to work well together.

Another thing to focus on is what the commentators say. Do they frown on bad behaviour from players, think it’s very amusing, or even seem to think it’s a good thing? What do the officials do about bad behaviour? If they seem to let players get away with it, parents can discuss with children whether this is right or not and what effect it has on the game. If they punish a player, perhaps by ejecting him, parents can discuss with children the consequences of bad behaviour, both for that player and his teammates. And look, too, at the reactions of coaches and managers. Do they accept losing with good grace or scowl and show a bad attitude to it? Parents can use this to discuss attitudes to winning and losing, and to remind children that both are a part of sports – nobody can win all the time.

However, what children can learn from watching sports is by no means all about the negatives and parents should make sure they accentuate the positives, too. They should emphasize to children the high reputation that well-behaved players have, not just with their teammates, but also with spectators and the media. They can focus on the contribution made by such players during a game, discussing how valuable they are to the team. The message from this is that you can be the best possible player without any kind of bad behaviour. In the interviews after a game, they can point out to a child that the well-behaved players don’t gloat when they win, or sulk when they lose. Parents can draw attention to well-behaved sports people who achieve great fame and wealth, showing that a good attitude can lead to enormous success. And they can draw attention to how well these people conduct themselves in their personal lives and the good work they do for others when they are not playing. In other words, parents should get their children to focus on the positive role models, rather than the antics of the badly behaved but often more publicized players.

2. Queustion:

What does the writer say about the bad behaviour of professional sports people?

Read the article and choose the correct answer.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT SPORTS TEACH CHILDREN

Many parents think that their children can learn a lot about good values and behaviour through sports. And it is certainly true that sports can teach children about such things as teamwork, complying with the rules of how something is done, fair play, and decency towards others. However, they also find that these good values are often contradicted when children watch sports on TV. Professional sports people and coaches sometimes don’t exhibit the standards of behaviour and fair play that parents hope their children will learn and show when they are playing sports, and indeed in all other areas of life. While watching sports on TV, the chances are that children will see professional players cheating, having tantrums, fighting, or abusing officials such as referees. In addition, it is highly likely that children will be aware of well-known cases of sports people being caught using drugs to improve their performance.

The danger of all this is that it could give children the idea that winning is all that counts and that the key point about sports is that you should win at all costs. Good behaviour and fair play aren’t the message that comes across. Instead, it looks as if cheating and bad behaviour are perfectly reasonable ways of getting what you want. This message is reinforced by the fact that some of these sports people acquire enormous fame and wealth, making it seem that they are being handsomely rewarded, either despite or because of their bad behaviour.

What can parents do about this? Well, they can regard sports on television as a good opportunity to discuss attitudes and behaviour with their children, both in sports and in life in general. They can sit down and watch the sport with the child. If the child likes a particular team or player, find out what it is about that team or player that appeals to the child. If you see a player swearing at the referee, get the child’s opinion on that behaviour. Discuss whether that player’s skill is more important than their behaviour. Ask what the child thinks the player’s contribution to the team is – how should the player be behaving in that situation, is the player displaying a good attitude towards teamwork? Point out that no player can win a team game on their own, and that it’s important for team members to work well together.

Another thing to focus on is what the commentators say. Do they frown on bad behaviour from players, think it’s very amusing, or even seem to think it’s a good thing? What do the officials do about bad behaviour? If they seem to let players get away with it, parents can discuss with children whether this is right or not and what effect it has on the game. If they punish a player, perhaps by ejecting him, parents can discuss with children the consequences of bad behaviour, both for that player and his teammates. And look, too, at the reactions of coaches and managers. Do they accept losing with good grace or scowl and show a bad attitude to it? Parents can use this to discuss attitudes to winning and losing, and to remind children that both are a part of sports – nobody can win all the time.

However, what children can learn from watching sports is by no means all about the negatives and parents should make sure they accentuate the positives, too. They should emphasize to children the high reputation that well-behaved players have, not just with their teammates, but also with spectators and the media. They can focus on the contribution made by such players during a game, discussing how valuable they are to the team. The message from this is that you can be the best possible player without any kind of bad behaviour. In the interviews after a game, they can point out to a child that the well-behaved players don’t gloat when they win, or sulk when they lose. Parents can draw attention to well-behaved sports people who achieve great fame and wealth, showing that a good attitude can lead to enormous success. And they can draw attention to how well these people conduct themselves in their personal lives and the good work they do for others when they are not playing. In other words, parents should get their children to focus on the positive role models, rather than the antics of the badly behaved but often more publicized players.

3. Queustion:

The writer says that children can be given the message that ________.

Read the article and choose the correct answer.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT SPORTS TEACH CHILDREN

Many parents think that their children can learn a lot about good values and behaviour through sports. And it is certainly true that sports can teach children about such things as teamwork, complying with the rules of how something is done, fair play, and decency towards others. However, they also find that these good values are often contradicted when children watch sports on TV. Professional sports people and coaches sometimes don’t exhibit the standards of behaviour and fair play that parents hope their children will learn and show when they are playing sports, and indeed in all other areas of life. While watching sports on TV, the chances are that children will see professional players cheating, having tantrums, fighting, or abusing officials such as referees. In addition, it is highly likely that children will be aware of well-known cases of sports people being caught using drugs to improve their performance.

The danger of all this is that it could give children the idea that winning is all that counts and that the key point about sports is that you should win at all costs. Good behaviour and fair play aren’t the message that comes across. Instead, it looks as if cheating and bad behaviour are perfectly reasonable ways of getting what you want. This message is reinforced by the fact that some of these sports people acquire enormous fame and wealth, making it seem that they are being handsomely rewarded, either despite or because of their bad behaviour.

What can parents do about this? Well, they can regard sports on television as a good opportunity to discuss attitudes and behaviour with their children, both in sports and in life in general. They can sit down and watch the sport with the child. If the child likes a particular team or player, find out what it is about that team or player that appeals to the child. If you see a player swearing at the referee, get the child’s opinion on that behaviour. Discuss whether that player’s skill is more important than their behaviour. Ask what the child thinks the player’s contribution to the team is – how should the player be behaving in that situation, is the player displaying a good attitude towards teamwork? Point out that no player can win a team game on their own, and that it’s important for team members to work well together.

Another thing to focus on is what the commentators say. Do they frown on bad behaviour from players, think it’s very amusing, or even seem to think it’s a good thing? What do the officials do about bad behaviour? If they seem to let players get away with it, parents can discuss with children whether this is right or not and what effect it has on the game. If they punish a player, perhaps by ejecting him, parents can discuss with children the consequences of bad behaviour, both for that player and his teammates. And look, too, at the reactions of coaches and managers. Do they accept losing with good grace or scowl and show a bad attitude to it? Parents can use this to discuss attitudes to winning and losing, and to remind children that both are a part of sports – nobody can win all the time.

However, what children can learn from watching sports is by no means all about the negatives and parents should make sure they accentuate the positives, too. They should emphasize to children the high reputation that well-behaved players have, not just with their teammates, but also with spectators and the media. They can focus on the contribution made by such players during a game, discussing how valuable they are to the team. The message from this is that you can be the best possible player without any kind of bad behaviour. In the interviews after a game, they can point out to a child that the well-behaved players don’t gloat when they win, or sulk when they lose. Parents can draw attention to well-behaved sports people who achieve great fame and wealth, showing that a good attitude can lead to enormous success. And they can draw attention to how well these people conduct themselves in their personal lives and the good work they do for others when they are not playing. In other words, parents should get their children to focus on the positive role models, rather than the antics of the badly behaved but often more publicized players.

4. Queustion:

The writer says that parents watching sports on TV with their children should ________.

Read the article and choose the correct answer.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT SPORTS TEACH CHILDREN

Many parents think that their children can learn a lot about good values and behaviour through sports. And it is certainly true that sports can teach children about such things as teamwork, complying with the rules of how something is done, fair play, and decency towards others. However, they also find that these good values are often contradicted when children watch sports on TV. Professional sports people and coaches sometimes don’t exhibit the standards of behaviour and fair play that parents hope their children will learn and show when they are playing sports, and indeed in all other areas of life. While watching sports on TV, the chances are that children will see professional players cheating, having tantrums, fighting, or abusing officials such as referees. In addition, it is highly likely that children will be aware of well-known cases of sports people being caught using drugs to improve their performance.

The danger of all this is that it could give children the idea that winning is all that counts and that the key point about sports is that you should win at all costs. Good behaviour and fair play aren’t the message that comes across. Instead, it looks as if cheating and bad behaviour are perfectly reasonable ways of getting what you want. This message is reinforced by the fact that some of these sports people acquire enormous fame and wealth, making it seem that they are being handsomely rewarded, either despite or because of their bad behaviour.

What can parents do about this? Well, they can regard sports on television as a good opportunity to discuss attitudes and behaviour with their children, both in sports and in life in general. They can sit down and watch the sport with the child. If the child likes a particular team or player, find out what it is about that team or player that appeals to the child. If you see a player swearing at the referee, get the child’s opinion on that behaviour. Discuss whether that player’s skill is more important than their behaviour. Ask what the child thinks the player’s contribution to the team is – how should the player be behaving in that situation, is the player displaying a good attitude towards teamwork? Point out that no player can win a team game on their own, and that it’s important for team members to work well together.

Another thing to focus on is what the commentators say. Do they frown on bad behaviour from players, think it’s very amusing, or even seem to think it’s a good thing? What do the officials do about bad behaviour? If they seem to let players get away with it, parents can discuss with children whether this is right or not and what effect it has on the game. If they punish a player, perhaps by ejecting him, parents can discuss with children the consequences of bad behaviour, both for that player and his teammates. And look, too, at the reactions of coaches and managers. Do they accept losing with good grace or scowl and show a bad attitude to it? Parents can use this to discuss attitudes to winning and losing, and to remind children that both are a part of sports – nobody can win all the time.

However, what children can learn from watching sports is by no means all about the negatives and parents should make sure they accentuate the positives, too. They should emphasize to children the high reputation that well-behaved players have, not just with their teammates, but also with spectators and the media. They can focus on the contribution made by such players during a game, discussing how valuable they are to the team. The message from this is that you can be the best possible player without any kind of bad behaviour. In the interviews after a game, they can point out to a child that the well-behaved players don’t gloat when they win, or sulk when they lose. Parents can draw attention to well-behaved sports people who achieve great fame and wealth, showing that a good attitude can lead to enormous success. And they can draw attention to how well these people conduct themselves in their personal lives and the good work they do for others when they are not playing. In other words, parents should get their children to focus on the positive role models, rather than the antics of the badly behaved but often more publicized players.

5. Queustion:

Which of the following should parents discuss with children?

Read the article and choose the correct answer.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT SPORTS TEACH CHILDREN

Many parents think that their children can learn a lot about good values and behaviour through sports. And it is certainly true that sports can teach children about such things as teamwork, complying with the rules of how something is done, fair play, and decency towards others. However, they also find that these good values are often contradicted when children watch sports on TV. Professional sports people and coaches sometimes don’t exhibit the standards of behaviour and fair play that parents hope their children will learn and show when they are playing sports, and indeed in all other areas of life. While watching sports on TV, the chances are that children will see professional players cheating, having tantrums, fighting, or abusing officials such as referees. In addition, it is highly likely that children will be aware of well-known cases of sports people being caught using drugs to improve their performance.

The danger of all this is that it could give children the idea that winning is all that counts and that the key point about sports is that you should win at all costs. Good behaviour and fair play aren’t the message that comes across. Instead, it looks as if cheating and bad behaviour are perfectly reasonable ways of getting what you want. This message is reinforced by the fact that some of these sports people acquire enormous fame and wealth, making it seem that they are being handsomely rewarded, either despite or because of their bad behaviour.

What can parents do about this? Well, they can regard sports on television as a good opportunity to discuss attitudes and behaviour with their children, both in sports and in life in general. They can sit down and watch the sport with the child. If the child likes a particular team or player, find out what it is about that team or player that appeals to the child. If you see a player swearing at the referee, get the child’s opinion on that behaviour. Discuss whether that player’s skill is more important than their behaviour. Ask what the child thinks the player’s contribution to the team is – how should the player be behaving in that situation, is the player displaying a good attitude towards teamwork? Point out that no player can win a team game on their own, and that it’s important for team members to work well together.

Another thing to focus on is what the commentators say. Do they frown on bad behaviour from players, think it’s very amusing, or even seem to think it’s a good thing? What do the officials do about bad behaviour? If they seem to let players get away with it, parents can discuss with children whether this is right or not and what effect it has on the game. If they punish a player, perhaps by ejecting him, parents can discuss with children the consequences of bad behaviour, both for that player and his teammates. And look, too, at the reactions of coaches and managers. Do they accept losing with good grace or scowl and show a bad attitude to it? Parents can use this to discuss attitudes to winning and losing, and to remind children that both are a part of sports – nobody can win all the time.

However, what children can learn from watching sports is by no means all about the negatives and parents should make sure they accentuate the positives, too. They should emphasize to children the high reputation that well-behaved players have, not just with their teammates, but also with spectators and the media. They can focus on the contribution made by such players during a game, discussing how valuable they are to the team. The message from this is that you can be the best possible player without any kind of bad behaviour. In the interviews after a game, they can point out to a child that the well-behaved players don’t gloat when they win, or sulk when they lose. Parents can draw attention to well-behaved sports people who achieve great fame and wealth, showing that a good attitude can lead to enormous success. And they can draw attention to how well these people conduct themselves in their personal lives and the good work they do for others when they are not playing. In other words, parents should get their children to focus on the positive role models, rather than the antics of the badly behaved but often more publicized players.

6. Queustion:

What does the writer say about commentators and officials?

Read the article and choose the correct answer.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT SPORTS TEACH CHILDREN

Many parents think that their children can learn a lot about good values and behaviour through sports. And it is certainly true that sports can teach children about such things as teamwork, complying with the rules of how something is done, fair play, and decency towards others. However, they also find that these good values are often contradicted when children watch sports on TV. Professional sports people and coaches sometimes don’t exhibit the standards of behaviour and fair play that parents hope their children will learn and show when they are playing sports, and indeed in all other areas of life. While watching sports on TV, the chances are that children will see professional players cheating, having tantrums, fighting, or abusing officials such as referees. In addition, it is highly likely that children will be aware of well-known cases of sports people being caught using drugs to improve their performance.

The danger of all this is that it could give children the idea that winning is all that counts and that the key point about sports is that you should win at all costs. Good behaviour and fair play aren’t the message that comes across. Instead, it looks as if cheating and bad behaviour are perfectly reasonable ways of getting what you want. This message is reinforced by the fact that some of these sports people acquire enormous fame and wealth, making it seem that they are being handsomely rewarded, either despite or because of their bad behaviour.

What can parents do about this? Well, they can regard sports on television as a good opportunity to discuss attitudes and behaviour with their children, both in sports and in life in general. They can sit down and watch the sport with the child. If the child likes a particular team or player, find out what it is about that team or player that appeals to the child. If you see a player swearing at the referee, get the child’s opinion on that behaviour. Discuss whether that player’s skill is more important than their behaviour. Ask what the child thinks the player’s contribution to the team is – how should the player be behaving in that situation, is the player displaying a good attitude towards teamwork? Point out that no player can win a team game on their own, and that it’s important for team members to work well together.

Another thing to focus on is what the commentators say. Do they frown on bad behaviour from players, think it’s very amusing, or even seem to think it’s a good thing? What do the officials do about bad behaviour? If they seem to let players get away with it, parents can discuss with children whether this is right or not and what effect it has on the game. If they punish a player, perhaps by ejecting him, parents can discuss with children the consequences of bad behaviour, both for that player and his teammates. And look, too, at the reactions of coaches and managers. Do they accept losing with good grace or scowl and show a bad attitude to it? Parents can use this to discuss attitudes to winning and losing, and to remind children that both are a part of sports – nobody can win all the time.

However, what children can learn from watching sports is by no means all about the negatives and parents should make sure they accentuate the positives, too. They should emphasize to children the high reputation that well-behaved players have, not just with their teammates, but also with spectators and the media. They can focus on the contribution made by such players during a game, discussing how valuable they are to the team. The message from this is that you can be the best possible player without any kind of bad behaviour. In the interviews after a game, they can point out to a child that the well-behaved players don’t gloat when they win, or sulk when they lose. Parents can draw attention to well-behaved sports people who achieve great fame and wealth, showing that a good attitude can lead to enormous success. And they can draw attention to how well these people conduct themselves in their personal lives and the good work they do for others when they are not playing. In other words, parents should get their children to focus on the positive role models, rather than the antics of the badly behaved but often more publicized players.

7. Queustion:

After watching the reactions of managers and coaches, parents should point out that ________.

Read the article and choose the correct answer.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT SPORTS TEACH CHILDREN

Many parents think that their children can learn a lot about good values and behaviour through sports. And it is certainly true that sports can teach children about such things as teamwork, complying with the rules of how something is done, fair play, and decency towards others. However, they also find that these good values are often contradicted when children watch sports on TV. Professional sports people and coaches sometimes don’t exhibit the standards of behaviour and fair play that parents hope their children will learn and show when they are playing sports, and indeed in all other areas of life. While watching sports on TV, the chances are that children will see professional players cheating, having tantrums, fighting, or abusing officials such as referees. In addition, it is highly likely that children will be aware of well-known cases of sports people being caught using drugs to improve their performance.

The danger of all this is that it could give children the idea that winning is all that counts and that the key point about sports is that you should win at all costs. Good behaviour and fair play aren’t the message that comes across. Instead, it looks as if cheating and bad behaviour are perfectly reasonable ways of getting what you want. This message is reinforced by the fact that some of these sports people acquire enormous fame and wealth, making it seem that they are being handsomely rewarded, either despite or because of their bad behaviour.

What can parents do about this? Well, they can regard sports on television as a good opportunity to discuss attitudes and behaviour with their children, both in sports and in life in general. They can sit down and watch the sport with the child. If the child likes a particular team or player, find out what it is about that team or player that appeals to the child. If you see a player swearing at the referee, get the child’s opinion on that behaviour. Discuss whether that player’s skill is more important than their behaviour. Ask what the child thinks the player’s contribution to the team is – how should the player be behaving in that situation, is the player displaying a good attitude towards teamwork? Point out that no player can win a team game on their own, and that it’s important for team members to work well together.

Another thing to focus on is what the commentators say. Do they frown on bad behaviour from players, think it’s very amusing, or even seem to think it’s a good thing? What do the officials do about bad behaviour? If they seem to let players get away with it, parents can discuss with children whether this is right or not and what effect it has on the game. If they punish a player, perhaps by ejecting him, parents can discuss with children the consequences of bad behaviour, both for that player and his teammates. And look, too, at the reactions of coaches and managers. Do they accept losing with good grace or scowl and show a bad attitude to it? Parents can use this to discuss attitudes to winning and losing, and to remind children that both are a part of sports – nobody can win all the time.

However, what children can learn from watching sports is by no means all about the negatives and parents should make sure they accentuate the positives, too. They should emphasize to children the high reputation that well-behaved players have, not just with their teammates, but also with spectators and the media. They can focus on the contribution made by such players during a game, discussing how valuable they are to the team. The message from this is that you can be the best possible player without any kind of bad behaviour. In the interviews after a game, they can point out to a child that the well-behaved players don’t gloat when they win, or sulk when they lose. Parents can draw attention to well-behaved sports people who achieve great fame and wealth, showing that a good attitude can lead to enormous success. And they can draw attention to how well these people conduct themselves in their personal lives and the good work they do for others when they are not playing. In other words, parents should get their children to focus on the positive role models, rather than the antics of the badly behaved but often more publicized players.

8. Queustion:

What does the writer mean by ‘accentuate the positives?’

Read the article and choose the correct answer.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT SPORTS TEACH CHILDREN

Many parents think that their children can learn a lot about good values and behaviour through sports. And it is certainly true that sports can teach children about such things as teamwork, complying with the rules of how something is done, fair play, and decency towards others. However, they also find that these good values are often contradicted when children watch sports on TV. Professional sports people and coaches sometimes don’t exhibit the standards of behaviour and fair play that parents hope their children will learn and show when they are playing sports, and indeed in all other areas of life. While watching sports on TV, the chances are that children will see professional players cheating, having tantrums, fighting, or abusing officials such as referees. In addition, it is highly likely that children will be aware of well-known cases of sports people being caught using drugs to improve their performance.

The danger of all this is that it could give children the idea that winning is all that counts and that the key point about sports is that you should win at all costs. Good behaviour and fair play aren’t the message that comes across. Instead, it looks as if cheating and bad behaviour are perfectly reasonable ways of getting what you want. This message is reinforced by the fact that some of these sports people acquire enormous fame and wealth, making it seem that they are being handsomely rewarded, either despite or because of their bad behaviour.

What can parents do about this? Well, they can regard sports on television as a good opportunity to discuss attitudes and behaviour with their children, both in sports and in life in general. They can sit down and watch the sport with the child. If the child likes a particular team or player, find out what it is about that team or player that appeals to the child. If you see a player swearing at the referee, get the child’s opinion on that behaviour. Discuss whether that player’s skill is more important than their behaviour. Ask what the child thinks the player’s contribution to the team is – how should the player be behaving in that situation, is the player displaying a good attitude towards teamwork? Point out that no player can win a team game on their own, and that it’s important for team members to work well together.

Another thing to focus on is what the commentators say. Do they frown on bad behaviour from players, think it’s very amusing, or even seem to think it’s a good thing? What do the officials do about bad behaviour? If they seem to let players get away with it, parents can discuss with children whether this is right or not and what effect it has on the game. If they punish a player, perhaps by ejecting him, parents can discuss with children the consequences of bad behaviour, both for that player and his teammates. And look, too, at the reactions of coaches and managers. Do they accept losing with good grace or scowl and show a bad attitude to it? Parents can use this to discuss attitudes to winning and losing, and to remind children that both are a part of sports – nobody can win all the time.

However, what children can learn from watching sports is by no means all about the negatives and parents should make sure they accentuate the positives, too. They should emphasize to children the high reputation that well-behaved players have, not just with their teammates, but also with spectators and the media. They can focus on the contribution made by such players during a game, discussing how valuable they are to the team. The message from this is that you can be the best possible player without any kind of bad behaviour. In the interviews after a game, they can point out to a child that the well-behaved players don’t gloat when they win, or sulk when they lose. Parents can draw attention to well-behaved sports people who achieve great fame and wealth, showing that a good attitude can lead to enormous success. And they can draw attention to how well these people conduct themselves in their personal lives and the good work they do for others when they are not playing. In other words, parents should get their children to focus on the positive role models, rather than the antics of the badly behaved but often more publicized players.

9. Queustion:

The writer says that parents should draw attention to the connection between ________.

Read the article and choose the correct answer.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT SPORTS TEACH CHILDREN

Many parents think that their children can learn a lot about good values and behaviour through sports. And it is certainly true that sports can teach children about such things as teamwork, complying with the rules of how something is done, fair play, and decency towards others. However, they also find that these good values are often contradicted when children watch sports on TV. Professional sports people and coaches sometimes don’t exhibit the standards of behaviour and fair play that parents hope their children will learn and show when they are playing sports, and indeed in all other areas of life. While watching sports on TV, the chances are that children will see professional players cheating, having tantrums, fighting, or abusing officials such as referees. In addition, it is highly likely that children will be aware of well-known cases of sports people being caught using drugs to improve their performance.

The danger of all this is that it could give children the idea that winning is all that counts and that the key point about sports is that you should win at all costs. Good behaviour and fair play aren’t the message that comes across. Instead, it looks as if cheating and bad behaviour are perfectly reasonable ways of getting what you want. This message is reinforced by the fact that some of these sports people acquire enormous fame and wealth, making it seem that they are being handsomely rewarded, either despite or because of their bad behaviour.

What can parents do about this? Well, they can regard sports on television as a good opportunity to discuss attitudes and behaviour with their children, both in sports and in life in general. They can sit down and watch the sport with the child. If the child likes a particular team or player, find out what it is about that team or player that appeals to the child. If you see a player swearing at the referee, get the child’s opinion on that behaviour. Discuss whether that player’s skill is more important than their behaviour. Ask what the child thinks the player’s contribution to the team is – how should the player be behaving in that situation, is the player displaying a good attitude towards teamwork? Point out that no player can win a team game on their own, and that it’s important for team members to work well together.

Another thing to focus on is what the commentators say. Do they frown on bad behaviour from players, think it’s very amusing, or even seem to think it’s a good thing? What do the officials do about bad behaviour? If they seem to let players get away with it, parents can discuss with children whether this is right or not and what effect it has on the game. If they punish a player, perhaps by ejecting him, parents can discuss with children the consequences of bad behaviour, both for that player and his teammates. And look, too, at the reactions of coaches and managers. Do they accept losing with good grace or scowl and show a bad attitude to it? Parents can use this to discuss attitudes to winning and losing, and to remind children that both are a part of sports – nobody can win all the time.

However, what children can learn from watching sports is by no means all about the negatives and parents should make sure they accentuate the positives, too. They should emphasize to children the high reputation that well-behaved players have, not just with their teammates, but also with spectators and the media. They can focus on the contribution made by such players during a game, discussing how valuable they are to the team. The message from this is that you can be the best possible player without any kind of bad behaviour. In the interviews after a game, they can point out to a child that the well-behaved players don’t gloat when they win, or sulk when they lose. Parents can draw attention to well-behaved sports people who achieve great fame and wealth, showing that a good attitude can lead to enormous success. And they can draw attention to how well these people conduct themselves in their personal lives and the good work they do for others when they are not playing. In other words, parents should get their children to focus on the positive role models, rather than the antics of the badly behaved but often more publicized players.

10. Queustion:

Which of the following best summarizes the writer’s view in the article as a whole?

Listen to a talk about Ellis Island near New York, a place where many immigrants went when they arrived in the USA. Complete the sentences using no more than three words.

Listen to five people talking about sports. Match the speakers (1–5) to the opinions (A–H).