Boxing became an Olympic sport in 688 BC and is still popular today. The boxer uses his or her fists to punch the opponent's head and body with the aim to knock the opponent out. Boxing is popular worldwide as a spectator sport and generates millions of US dollars through ticket revenue, merchandise, TV rights and pay-per-view packages of important boxing matches. Some people view boxing as archaic and an unnecessary display of violence while its supporters emphasize its self-expression and health benefits. Boxing is a good way to keep fit, but there is much speculation about the possible injuries, particularly to the brain, that can be incurred during boxing matches. Such speculation has resulted in tighter regulations over the safety of the boxers. Wrestling is an ancient sport and often appeared as the main event in the earliest Olympic Games. Wrestling exists in many different styles but only two styles feature in the Olympics, namely freestyle and Greco-Roman. Greco-Roman wrestling allows the use of only the participants' upper bodies; however, freestyle allows the use of legs. In your opinion, do you think these sports are too violent and fierce?

　Yes, sometimes they are. Competitors have to be aware of the safety precautions and wear protective gloves or padded helmets. Would you like to become a professional boxer or wrestler?

Picture of kung fu

　Kung fu is a traditional sport in China. Are you interested in this sport?

　Do you think doing kung fu could make you fitter?

　Do you enjoy watching kung fu films like those with Jackie Chan in them?

　Do you think he is a good kung fu actor?

Pictures of gymnastics and diving

It is said that gymnastics and diving are two of the most beautiful sports in the world, because they both display elements of strength and beauty. Do you agree?

　Can you name some famous Chinese gymnasts or divers?

To become a professional gymnast or a diver, you have to sacrifice a lot. What do you think these sacrifices would include?

2. Three or four of you form a group and discuss the questions below please.

No matter what kind of sport you take part in, what are the basic qualities you need to possess in order to be successful in that sport?

If you are part of a sports team, what kinds of things should you pay special attention to?

3. Form your own groups to discuss the three questions below the pictures, and then I will ask some groups to report your answers to the class.

Sample answers

　1. As we can see, throughout the World sports enjoy such popularity nowadays. There are many reasons for it. First of all, physical exercise can refresh people if they are exhausted after a day's work. An increasing number of people, especially those who are mainly involved in office work, are complaining about sore muscles, stiff necks and blurred vision. There's no better way to reinvigorate yourself than working out in a gym or participating in outdoor sports. Secondly, it seems that many people want to lose weight. For women, staying slim is very important. Men like keeping fit and being muscular. Thirdly, people's quality of life. Exercising regularly tops the list of advice that health experts offer us to improve our quality of life.

　2. As a member of a health club, I play sports every week. I have access to all the gym facilities for free. On weekends, I meet my friends in the club and we have a lot of fun together. Normally, we start at 10 in the morning. We usually play squash for a few hours. In the afternoon, we go swimming

　3. Jogging is my favorite sport. The reason for my loving it is that I think it has many benefits. To begin with, it enhances blood circulation and strengthens my lungs. Every evening, I jog for half an hour. Secondly, I feel totally refreshed. If I have a bad day at school and am really stressed, jogging helps me relax and pulls me out of my bad mood. Lastly, after jogging, I can concentrate better on my school work the next day.