1. What types of sports are popular in your country? Why?
“Well, Football is the number one sport here, no doubt. It’s been around for ages, and you know, we’ve got these famous clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, … basically names everyone knows. People here are really passionate about it, and since it’s always on TV and in the news, it continues to be extremely popular. Apart from that, I guess cricket and tennis are also quite popular, especially when Wimbledon is on.”
- passionate about = having strong feelings or enthusiasm for something
- been around for ages = existed for a very long time
- Apart from = except for / in addition to
2. What are the benefits of playing a sport?
“Oh, there are plenty. First of all, it’s good for your heart, improves blood circulation, and actually lowers the risk of health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, or heart disease.. But for me, the biggest thing is it helps clear your head. Like if I’m stressed out from school or work, playing football or even just going for a run really helps me recharge. And of course, when you play with friends, it’s not just exercise, it’s also a chance to socialize and have fun.”
- blood circulation = the movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels
- obesity = the condition of being very overweight
- high blood pressure = a medical condition where blood flows with too much force
- socialize = spend time with others in a friendly way
3. Do you think the types of sports that are popular will change in the future?
I don’t think football is going anywhere — it’ll always be the number one sport here. However, I can imagine other activities gaining popularity, especially e-sports, since many people are into gaming these days and it’s increasingly recognized as a genuine sport. Also, as people become more health-conscious, activities such as yoga or running might become even more popular in the future.
- gaining popularity = becoming more liked or accepted by many people
- e-sports = competitive video gaming as a sport
- health-conscious = aware of and concerned about being healthy
4. How can sports bring people from different countries closer together?
“I think sports are amazing for that. Like, when you watch the World Cup or the Olympics, you see people from all over the world just coming together for the same thing. Fans meet, they share the excitement, and you kinda forget about politics or differences for a while. Also, when people travel for international matches, they have the chance to experience different cultures, which helps promote mutual understanding.
- politics = the activities of governments or political issues
- promote mutual understanding = encourage people to understand each other better
5. Why are some international sports more popular than others?
“Well, I think some sports just have a long tradition behind them. Like football, it’s been around for ages and is deeply rooted in so many cultures, so it already has a huge following. Another big reason is the media — football and basketball, for example, get enormous coverage and sponsorship, which makes them visible everywhere, from TV to social media. And then of course, you’ve got the star players. People like Messi or Ronaldo aren’t just athletes; they’re global icons who inspire millions of kids to start playing. So I’d say it’s really a mix of history, exposure, and star power that makes certain sports dominate worldwide.”
- deeply rooted = strongly established and difficult to change
- get enormous coverage = receive a lot of attention from media
- sponsorship = financial support from companies/organizations for events or athletes
- athletes = people trained in sports
- dominate = to control or be the most important in something
