Conversation Practice and Communicative Activities

1. Complete the following dialogues.

 

1.    A.: I guess, Frank is out of shape. Even Brian can beat him.

   B:

   A: That's true. He says he is going to exercise as much as possible.

   B:

 

2.   A: Did the Cowboys win their baseball match last Sunday?

       B:

       A: Let's face it. The team is not in great shape now.

 

3.    A: So, Shirley, what sport do you play?

       B:

       A:Is it quite an exciting game?

       B:

       A: What sort of equipment do you need?

       B:

 

4. A: Do you play volleyball?

    B:

    A: Our University has good basketball courts. I can recommend you for the team. We must keep ourselves in shape.

    B:

A: On Saturday afternoon, I think. Say at 3 p.m.

 

2. Role-play the following situations.

1. Two friends are discussing the football/basketball/volleyball game. One has taken part in it. His team has lost the game. He is upset. His friend tries to reassure and encourage him.

2. Two friends cannot come to an agreement about what to watch on TV. One insists on watching a boxing competition while there is a world figure-skating championship on another channel. His/her friend wouldn't like to miss it.

3. The father and mother of a seven-year-old boy are discussing what sport their son should take up. Each gives arguments for his/her fa­vorite sport. The father wants their son to take up skiing or running, as there are a lot of sports facilities and coaches in the city. But the mother would like their son to do tennis or basketball.

4. The mother/father of a seven-year-old girl tries to persuade a tennis coach that his/her daughter is keen on tennis and is determined to be a tennis star. The coach warns the parent against the pressures of professional sport. Two students on teaching practice at school are discussing how to have the fifth-graders interested in sport. One of the friends suggests making a presentation about the Olympic Games. They discuss the details. A Russian exchange student asks his/her American friend to give him/ her some tips about recreation and sport at his/her host university. The Russian student used to do sport in his home country and would like to know if there are any sports facilities at the host university, what the registration procedures and fees are. One of the roommates is an ardent athlete; another is a true "couch potato". The athlete tries to persuade his roommate to take up sport. But the latter doesn't like the idea of getting up at dawn, going to the swimming-pool or spending the weekend in the gym. His opponent tries to make him do at least his morning exercises.

 

3. You are fond of sports and you want to organize a sports festival in your city. A sports tournament, championship or competition. In order to attract attention to your project you want to start an advertising campaign to gain benevolent atti­tude and rich sponsors. You invite your friends and people who are interested in sports to discuss the problem and solve it, to start organizing activities. You do not forget that people are patriots of their city and their country and you know how to stir and surprise them. That's why you begin with global problems:

1. How important is it to you that your country succeeds in the Olym­pics? How do you feel when your country wins a gold medal?

2. Would your city support a bid to bring the Olympics to your city? Why or why not?

3. What other international events draw attention as the Olympic Games and may be held in your city?

4. You ask what else they think must be discussed at the meeting and taken into consideration to be used in the future.

5.According to the ideas, proposals and initiatives you elect the orga­nizing committee and make a plan of your future activities.

 

4. Read the Student Program. Decide what class or workshop you would like to participate in. Why?  Discuss your choice with your classmates.

CLASSES, WORKSHOPS AND CLINICS

* Aerobic Conditioning

* Golf

* Personal Empowerment

* Aquaerobics

* Swimming

* Muscle Conditioning

* Martial Arts

* Nutrition

* Squash

* Stress Management

* Tennis

* Weight Training

* Yoga

Increase your physical or wellness — related knowledge in a variety of fitness, sport skill, strength conditioning or wellness classes.

From a one time class to eight weeks of multiple sessions, offered on varied fitness and skill levels, you can personalize and define your own wellness program during the year.

Each semester a course schedule including registration information is available in Gregory Gym 30.

For more information call...

 

5. Create a one-page advertisement for a recreational sport class (think of sports and games popular in Russia or some unusual sports) you want to organize at an American university. Use colorful words to describe the rules of the game and the benefits it can have for a person's health. You can also include a drawing.

 

6. Study a lazy man's motto and say what life you prefer.

"If you run several times a day you may live long — but you will always be in pain. I'll take the painless life and... walk."

7. A new Sports Center. Your University has won the grant of $1,000,000 from the National Sports Foundation to build sports facilities. Decide what sports (for winter or summer sports) should be built within the allotted sum. Work in small groups of four. After a S-minute discussion you must decide what facilities you wish to in­clude in the center. Try and come with a decision that every one approves of. The following information about how much various facilities cost will help you.

Gymnasium and equipment                 $1,000,000

25-meter swimming-pool                     $500,000

Skating rink (indoor)                           $500,000

Hockey rink (indoor)                           $500,000

Cafeteria                                              $100,000                               

Weightlifting room and equipment     $100,000                                   

Changing room (20 people)                   $80,000                                  

Tennis court (indoor)                           $80,000                                    

Badminton court (indoor)                   $60,000

Climbing wall                                      $60,000

Sauna                                                   $40,000

Table-tennis room                                $40,000

Showers                                               $30,000

 

8. Should boxing be banned? Many sports, such as boxing, are violent and danger­ous. Some people propose that such sports be banned and made illegal. Others argue that violent sports should be allowed to continue.

a) In small groups of 3—4 make two lists of reasons, one for and the other against a ban on boxing.

e.g.       Arguments for

1. Sometimes boxers are killed in boxing matches. If boxing is banned, many serious inju­ries and deaths will be avoided.

2. ________________________

3._________________________

Arguments against

 1. Violence is a part of human nature.

2.__________

 

b) Share your lists of reasons with the other groups. Summarize your arguments for and against a ban on boxing. Draw a conclusion whether boxing should or shouldn't be banned.