Sport plays a very important part in people's lives in Britain. About 29 million people over the age of 16 regularly take part in sport. For many people sport is the main form of entertainment.
The British are one of the best in the world in different sports. Such sports events as the Final Cup, the Derby, the Boat Race, Wimbledon tennis champion ship are watched on television by millions of people.
The game associated with England is cricket. It is much more than just a sport; it is symbolized a way of life. It is the national English game.
Rugby football has come in Britain since the beginning of the 19th century, when a teacher at Rugby school, while playing football, decided it would be better to pick up the ball and run with it.
Traditionally, the favourite sports of the upper class are hunting, shooting and fishing. The most widespread form of hunting is fox-hunting.
Horse racing is a very popular sport in Britain. This sport became known as "the sport of kings" in the 17th century.
Almost every sport is played in Britain. Hockey and basketball are becoming very popular.
Answer the questions.
- Is sport important for the British?
- What kinds of sports are mentioned in the text?
- Which game can we call the national one?
- What is the difference between football and rugby football?
- How do you think why horse racing was called "the sport of kings"?
T. - What sports are you fond of?- What do you like more, to go in for sports or to watch sport events on TV?
Listen to the stories, and write, what letter do you agree with and why?
—I am Peter. I love all kind of sports — football, hockey, volleyball and basketball. I also play chess and I love to play football. I go to our football club and I want to become a football player. I also watch football on TV a lot.
—I am Ann. I am not crazy about sports, but I think it is very important to keep in good form and stay healthy. When I have the time, I also go to classes of aerobics.
—My name is Alex. I don't like sport. In the modern world people do not need muscles, difficult things can be done by machines. I'm happy sitting on my sofa with a book or in front of the computer.