Some people argue that the pressures on international sportsmen and sportswomen kill the essence of sport—the pursuit of personal excellence. Children kick a football around for fun. When they get older and play for local school teams, they become competitive but they still enjoy playing. However, the individual representing his/her country cannot afford to think about enjoying him/herself; he has to think only about winning. He/She is responsible for an entire nation’s hope, dreams and reputation.
A good example is the football World Cup. Football is the world’s most important sport. It is even more important now that the United States is seriously taking it up. Winning the World Cup is perhaps the summit of international sporting success. Mention “Argentina” to someone and chances are that he/she’ll think of football. In a sense, winning the World Cup “puts Argentina on the map.”
Sports fans and supporters get quite irrational about the World Cup. People in England felt that their country was somehow important after they won in 1966. Years ago thousands of Scots sold their cars, and even their houses, and spent all their money travelling to Argentina, where the finals were played.
So, am I arguing that international competition kills the idea of sport? Certainly not! Do the Argentineans really believe that because eleven of their men proved the most skillful at football, their nation is in every way better than all others? Not really. But it’s nice to know that you won, and that in one way at least your country is best.
53. According to the passage, the United States .
(A) has begun to give much attention to football
(B) is fond of playing football
(C) has won the football World Cup
(D) is getting sick of football
54. In the second paragraph, the word “summit” means the
(A) highest point
(B) mountain top
(C) award
(D) summary
55. According to the passage, if a sportsman only thinks about winning, he will .
(A) fail to succeed
(B) be successful
(C) lose enjoyment
(D) be irrational
56. What is the author’s attitude towards international games?
(A) Nations that meet on a football field are unlikely to meet on a battlefield.
(B) Nations that win the football World Cup are regarded as best in all aspects.
(C) Nations that win in international games prove best on the sports field at least.
(D) Nations that give much attention to international competitions are world-famous in many ways.
Some people argue that the pressures on international sportsmen and sportswomen kill the essence of sport—the pursuit of personal excellence. Children kick a football around for fun. When they get older and play for local school teams, they become competitive but they still enjoy playing. However, the individual representing his/her country cannot afford to think about enjoying him/herself; he has to think only about winning. He/She is responsible for an entire nation’s hope, dreams and reputation.
A good example is the football World Cup. Football is the world’s most important sport. It is even more important now that the United States is seriously taking it up. Winning the World Cup is perhaps the summit of international sporting success. Mention “Argentina” to someone and chances are that he/she’ll think of football. In a sense, winning the World Cup “puts Argentina on the map.”
Sports fans and supporters get quite irrational about the World Cup. People in England felt that their country was somehow important after they won in 1966. Years ago thousands of Scots sold their cars, and even their houses, and spent all their money travelling to Argentina, where the finals were played.
So, am I arguing that international competition kills the idea of sport? Certainly not! Do the Argentineans really believe that because eleven of their men proved the most skillful at football, their nation is in every way better than all others? Not really. But it’s nice to know that you won, and that in one way at least your country is best.
53. According to the passage, the United States .
(A) has begun to give much attention to football
(B) is fond of playing football
(C) has won the football World Cup
(D) is getting sick of football
54. In the second paragraph, the word “summit” means the
(A) highest point
(B) mountain top
(C) award
(D) summary
55. According to the passage, if a sportsman only thinks about winning, he will .
(A) fail to succeed
(B) be successful
(C) lose enjoyment
(D) be irrational
56. What is the author’s attitude towards international games?
(A) Nations that meet on a football field are unlikely to meet on a battlefield.
(B) Nations that win the football World Cup are regarded as best in all aspects.
(C) Nations that win in international games prove best on the sports field at least.
(D) Nations that give much attention to international competitions are world-famous in many ways.