PART 3

Themed monologues with multiple matching

An active life

1 Look at the photos and discuss these activities in pairs. Have you done any of them? What's it like to do them?

2 Check that you understand the phrases in the box. Use a dictionary.

be committed be flexible be in good shape
be motivated be very disciplined have a lot of stamina have an aptitude for something

2b All of the phrases in exercise 2a can describe people. Rate yourself 1-5 for each one (e.g. 1 = I am in very good shape, 5=1 am not in good shape at all). Work in small groups to discuss your answers.

3 In small groups, imagine you are thinking of taking up mountain biking. Which of the qualities in exercise 2a would be essential, useful or not very important?
If you want to take up mountain biking, it's useful to be in good shape because cycling on rough tracks is physically demanding.

4 Discuss one or two other activities from the photos in the same way.

5 Here are some reasons why people might choose to take up sports. Which do you think is the most likely reason for taking up mountain biking?

a) to satisfy a need for excitement

b) to set a good example to someone

c) to spend time with friends

d) to stay in good shape

6a Listen to a man talking about mountain biking. Read the transcript as you listen and choose the reason why he first took it up from the list in exercise 5.

Besides being good for my health, I see mountain-biking as a great way to unwind. I got into it through my son Jamie really. In his early teens, he spent far too much time at home watching TV and playing computer games. I tried to get him doing various sports but he wasn't interested. One day I dragged him off to a place where you could try mountain biking. I'd never done it before but I thought that if I had a go, Jamie might follow. He refused at first, but watching me must've changed his mind somehow. Well, he's mad keen on it now. He has loads of mountain-biking friends and even enters competitions.

PHOTOCOPIABLE 227

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