1) Answer these questions.
1. What role does sport play in your life? Are you good at any sports or games? Have you ever taken part in sports competitions? Did you win?
2. Why do many people go in for sport?
3. In what way does sport help you to keep fit?
4. What are the most popular sports in Great Britain and in Russia? And what games are popular in these countries?
5. What sports and games do you prefer? Why? Do you practise them or watch them on TV?
6. Many people call themselves football fans, basketball fans or hockey fans. Can you call yourself a fan?
7. Have you ever watched competitions at the stadium? What were your impressions?
8. Do you know any big national or international competitions? What are they?
9. How many summer and winter sports and games can you name? And how many indoor and outdoor sports and games?
10. What sports or games can you call: a) the most beautiful, b) the most dangerous, c) the most useful for health, d) the most interesting to watch, e) the least interesting to watch?

1. Sport plays an important role in my life because it helps me stay healthy, energetic, and cheerful. I am quite good at swimming, badminton, and table tennis. I have taken part in several school sports competitions, especially running and volleyball competitions. My team did not always win, but once we came second in a volleyball tournament. I think participation is also valuable because competitions teach people to work hard, cooperate with others, and accept both victory and defeat.

2. Many people go in for sport because they want to keep fit, improve their health, and become stronger. Sport is also a good way to relax after studying or working. It helps people reduce stress, meet new friends, and develop useful qualities such as discipline, patience, confidence, and determination. Some people do sport professionally, while others simply enjoy physical activity in their free time.

3. Sport helps me keep fit in several ways. Regular exercise strengthens my muscles, heart, and lungs. It improves my coordination, flexibility, and stamina. Physical activity also helps me maintain a healthy weight and sleep better. In addition, sport gives me more energy and improves my mood. However, it is important to exercise regularly, eat healthy food, drink enough water, and avoid overtraining.

4. The most popular sports in Great Britain are football, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, and golf. Football is especially popular, and many British people support professional clubs. Cricket is a traditional British sport, while the Wimbledon tennis tournament is famous all over the world. Popular games include darts, snooker, and different board games.

In Russia, the most popular sports include football, ice hockey, figure skating, skiing, biathlon, gymnastics, and volleyball. Ice hockey is particularly popular because Russian teams and players have achieved great international success. Chess is also very popular in Russia, and the country has produced many famous chess players.

5. I prefer swimming, badminton, volleyball, and cycling. I like swimming because it trains almost all the muscles and is good for the back. Badminton is fast and exciting, while volleyball teaches teamwork. Cycling allows me to exercise outdoors and explore new places. I practise these sports when I have enough free time. I also watch football, figure skating, gymnastics, and major international competitions on television.

6. I would not call myself an extreme sports fan, but I enjoy watching important matches and competitions. I sometimes support my favourite football or hockey team, especially during international tournaments. A real fan usually knows a lot about players, clubs, results, and statistics and watches almost every match. I am more of an interested spectator than a devoted fan.

7. I have watched a sports competition at a stadium. The atmosphere was very exciting because the spectators were cheering, singing, and supporting the athletes. A live competition is very different from watching sport on television. At the stadium, you can feel the energy of the crowd and see the athletes’ speed and strength more clearly. The only disadvantages were the noise, the large number of people, and the long queues, but my general impression was very positive.

8. There are many important national and international competitions. The Olympic Games are probably the most famous. The Summer and Winter Olympic Games are held every four years and bring together athletes from many countries. Other major competitions include the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Football Championship, the Ice Hockey World Championship, the Wimbledon tennis tournament, the Tour de France, the Formula One World Championship, and the World Athletics Championships. There are also national championships and cup competitions in almost every sport.

9. Summer sports and games include football, tennis, volleyball, basketball, swimming, athletics, cycling, rowing, sailing, surfing, golf, baseball, rugby, badminton, and beach volleyball.

Winter sports include ice hockey, figure skating, skiing, biathlon, snowboarding, speed skating, curling, bobsleigh, skeleton, luge, and ski jumping.

Indoor sports and games include basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, table tennis, badminton, boxing, wrestling, fencing, chess, darts, snooker, and indoor swimming.

Outdoor sports and games include football, cricket, rugby, golf, cycling, athletics, skiing, snowboarding, sailing, rowing, surfing, baseball, and tennis. Some sports, such as tennis, swimming, volleyball, and athletics, can be practised both indoors and outdoors.

a) I think figure skating and rhythmic gymnastics are the most beautiful sports. They combine strength, flexibility, music, elegance, and artistic expression.

b) In my opinion, mountaineering, motor racing, boxing, skydiving, and extreme skiing are among the most dangerous sports. Athletes can suffer serious injuries, especially if they make a mistake or if the weather conditions are bad.

c) Swimming, walking, running, cycling, and gymnastics are very useful for health. Swimming is particularly beneficial because it strengthens the whole body without putting too much pressure on the joints.

d) I find football, ice hockey, basketball, gymnastics, and figure skating the most interesting sports to watch. They are dynamic, competitive, and often unpredictable.

e) I find golf and some very long-distance races less interesting to watch because they can continue for a long time and may seem slow. However, people who understand their rules and strategies may find them fascinating.