Physical education is an important subject at school. It helps pupils to keep fit and to relax after a hard working day. Each school has sports facilities. A lot of different competitions are usually held at school and a great number of pupils take

instead — вместо

legless — безногий

creature — создание, существо

to keep fit — поддерживать форму

cycling — велосипедный спорт

to argue — утверждать, спорить

broken — сломанный

Injury — травма

to lose — проигрывать

spectator — зритель

competition — соревнование

especially — особенно

agile — ловкий

to win — выигрывать, побеждать disciplined — дисциплинирован­ный

essential — неотъемлемый

for pleasure — для удовольствия

to jog — бегать трусцой

to hike — ходить в походы

crowd — толпа

sports facilities — условия для занятий

спортом

Vocabulary

part in it. That's why I think sport is so popular in our country.

Questions

1. What kinds of sport are popular in Russia? 2. Are you against or for sports? 3. What are the advantages of going in for sports? 4. What are the disadvantages of going in for sports? 5. Is sport important to you? Why? 6. Do you go in for sports? Why? 7. What is your favourite kind of sport? 8. Do you like to watch sports competitions? What competitions do you like to watch? 9. When outstanding sportsmen/women do you know? 10. Which do you prefer, to take part in sports or to watch it on TV? Why? 11. Why do some people prefer to watch sports competition and not to god for sports?

Sports: For and Against

We can say that Russia is a nation of sport-lovers. Many sports are popular in our country such as hockey, skiing, figure skating, swimming, track and field, basketball, volleyball and others. But the most popular sport in our country is, of course, football. Ala of people are interested in this kind of sport and a lot of people play it.

Sports are traditionally divided into amateur and professional. For many people professional sport is a possibility to become famous. It's a chance to see the whole world and to acquire a lot of friends. Besides, it helps sportsmen earn a lot of money. What я more, professional athletes represent their country and provide l role model for a healthy lifestyle.

On the other hand, professional sport is very serious. Sports­men train all day long and they have to follow a diet. Beside they aren't allowed to do other sports because of the possibility о injury. Moreover, professional sport is often unfair. Many sportsmen buy their victory. That's why I don't like profession^ sport and I don't want to go in for sports professionally. For ml sport is a hobby.

But it cannot be denied that sport increases your fitness and helps you to stay healthy. Other benefits include weight control and the increased sense of individuality. It goes without saying that sport gives you real pleasure. It also gives you a chance to acquire self-confidence. Moreover, it helps you to overcome difficulties.