Unit 5 Athletes

Part 1 Listening, Understanding and Speaking

Listening I

I'm Ted. Well, I've been playing it since I was quite young. My father was very keen on it and he used to give me lessons. We didn't have to go far to play, so we used to play together quite a lot. Unless you have to join a club, it's not an expensive sport. You just need a racket and some balls. When I was in university, I played for an hour or so every morning. Sometimes it was not easy for us to book a court because it was so popular. For most people, it’s great exercise and requires a lot of energy. Of course, you have to be fit, as it demands a lot of running and speed around the court. Usually, there’s not a lot of standing around; one is constantly moving. But that’s why it’s a sport I like to play and watch so much.

I'm Mike. I think I've been playing it for nearly 40 years now, ever since I was a little kid. It has always been a great interest of mine. When I watch a game, I appreciate the athletic skills of the players: the strategies of the manager or coach; and the excitement of the uncertainty. I enjoy not knowing how the game is going to end, even when a very strong team is playing against a very weak team. There's always that possibility of surprise, and of the unexpected changing the game. I'm Lisa. Well, I've been doing it every winter holiday for as long as I can remember. I love doing it because you can get better every time. It's fast and exciting and although it's really cold, you can still get a tan. Of course, the scenery is beautiful and it's really nice when you're tired to go and have a hot drink afterwards. The problem is that it's very expensive and really dangerous. But apart from getting hurt occasionally, I still thoroughly enjoy it.

1. 1) tennis 2 ) quite young 3)soccer 4) a little kid 5) nearly 40 years

6)skiing 7) remember 2. tennis 1, 5, 7 football/soccer 2, 9, 10 skiing 3, 4, 6, 8 Listening II

During the 1930s and 1940s, when someone asked a kid whom his role models were, he would often respond with the names of baseball players. Advertisers trying to sell a product would often turn to baseball stars because the public knew them and loved them. Now looking at today's baseball players, the only time we seem to hear about them is when they are complaining about their salaries. Baseball is no longer the great national pastime, and kids are looking elsewhere for their role models.

Back in the 1930s and 1940s, money wasn't such an important issue. Players played baseball because they loved the game. They rarely complained about money. And they earned very little in comparison with players today.

Most players back then were also positive role models both on and off the field. They did a lot of things for the neighborhood, from visiting sick children in hospitals to signing autographs—not for the publicity, but just one of the kindness of their hearts. Parents then could be proud when their children said that they wanted to grow up and play major league baseball. Today, however, most baseball players visit hospitals only when they need care, and some of them even charge 20 dollars for their autograph.

In the past, players always tried to be positive role models for America's youth. Today, it is a totally different story. It seems that we can't get through a week without some baseball player doing something stupid or illegal.

If today’s players would just grow up and stop worrying about who's making the most money, they would start feeling better about themselves; the public would start respecting the game again; and kids could start finding some role models on the baseball field again. 1. B D A C

2. T T F F F F F T T T

Listening III

Building team spirit is always the focal point of what I try to do as a manager. When I first went to Crystal Palace, players would finish training and then go straight home. There was no atmosphere. So we brought in a pool table and fruit machines. When players choose to spend time together, it generates a better atmosphere.

The team spirit is very important, but I don't believe in motivating the team as a team. I don’t give team talks. I try to motivate the team as individuals. I speak to the players individually and try not to put too much pressure on anyone. I believe players perform best when they are relaxed. If they're too tense, I can guarantee they won't play well.

I also believe in giving people autonomy. I like all the people who work for me to be autonomous. I very rarely interfere. I feel people should be judged on their results. If they prove incompetent, then I'm incompetent if I continue employing them.

It's like that with the team. I get criticized for not interfering during a game and for not making more substitutions. But I feel if I've chosen those 11 players to get a result, then I should leave them alone to get on with it.

If I'm dropping a player from the team, I don't feel I have to explain it to them. If they want to discuss it, I'll say, \back and talk about it in a couple of days' time.\But I don't try to remotivate them. It's up to them to have the character to fight their way back to the team. I'm a great believer that almost everything you achieve in life is due to your attitude. If I have a player who is magnificently gifted but has a stinking attitude, I won't waste my time on them. 1. 1) team spirit 2) A. spend time together B. individuals pressure C. autonomy interfered drop a player

2. 1.2.4.6.8.10（√ ）

Listening IV

Ever since the modern Olympic Games began in 1896, they've had their critics. Every form of competitive activity attracts trouble. But part of the aim of the Games, when they were first held in ancient Greece, was to discourage war between states by engaging them in a friendlier kind of combat.

The spirit of competition in the Games uses up a lot of energy which might otherwise be harmfully deployed. It does a lot of good getting people to forget their differences in a communal activity. Any competitor or spectator at the event will tell you that the atmosphere of friendship there is unforgettable, as if the world really is one big family. And the hostilities that the press always likes to exaggerate, exist only in a few places. Indeed, it is safe to say, we often suffer more from bad publicity than bad sportsmanship.

These Games are the biggest international gathering of any kind in the world. Not only do they bring sports people together, but they unite the world’s public. Isn't this a sufficient reason for continuing them? Of course, a few people are going to use them as an occasion for propaganda. But why should the feelings of a few spoil it for all those who continue to be inspired by the Games?

No! As long as the majority wants it, these Games will continue. This is sport, not politics, and it should remain so.

1. 1.What is said about the purpose of the Olympic Games? C 2.What is said about the spirit of the Olympic Games ? B 3.What is said about the influence of the Games ? B 2. 1. Criticism.

2. It could be harmfully deployed, as in war. 3. The world is like a big family. 4. Hostilities.

5. The majority of people.

6. To explain why the Olympic Games should be continued.