Free-time activities & Personality

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

Look at the activities.

What other hobbies can you name?

reading

playing football

listening to music

drawing

fishing

playing board games

Questions:

• Which hobbies do you enjoy?

• How often do you do them?

ARE ALL HOBBIES THE SAME?

rock climbing

skiing

bungee jumping

cycling

Which activities are more dangerous?

Which are more exciting?

Which require special training?

What do we call these sports?

EXTREME SPORTS

CAN YOU NAME THESE EXTREME SPORTS?

skydiving / bungee

white-water rafting

rock climbing

surfing

snowboarding / skiing

paddleboarding

lake jumping

mountain biking

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE ENJOY EXTREME SPORTS?

fit

adventurous

strong

brave

determined

cautious

active

ambitious

Choose three qualities that you think are important.

Model:

I think extreme athletes need to be brave, fit and determined.

WHY WE LOVE EXTREME SPORTS

Before reading: make a prediction

Why do people choose dangerous sports?

Is it only about adrenaline?

What makes people leave their comfort zone?

READING: WHY WE LOVE EXTREME SPORTS

Skydiving, rock climbing and white-water rafting may look terrifying, but millions of people choose these activities every day. So, what makes extreme sports so attractive?

One reason is simple: people sometimes become bored with ordinary activities and feel like trying something new. Someone who is interested in adventure or good at physical challenges may want something more exciting than a traditional sport.

There is also a scientific explanation. Extreme activities cause the body to release adrenaline. This can make people feel more focused, energetic and fully involved in the moment.

However, extreme athletes do not simply ignore danger. Most of them care about safety, train carefully and check their equipment before they take part in risky activities. People often argue about whether extreme sports are brave or irresponsible, but experienced athletes usually see preparation as the key to staying safe.

Many people first become a fan of extreme sports after they read a book about an athlete, listen to an interview or watch an exciting documentary. In some cases, these activities can even change a person’s relationship with fear.

For many athletes, extreme sports are not really about danger. They are about challenge, concentration and stepping outside the comfort zone.

DID YOU UNDERSTAND THE ARTICLE?

1. Why do some people become interested in extreme sports?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

2. What does adrenaline do to the body?

3. Do extreme athletes simply ignore danger?

4. What do experienced athletes do to stay safe?

5. What can extreme sports change a person’s relationship with?

Are extreme athletes brave or irresponsible?

Would you like to try an extreme sport?

Is preparation more important than courage?

Useful phrases:

I think... because...

In my opinion...

I agree / disagree because...

Discuss your answers with a partner

LOOK AT THE PHRASES IN BOLD

bored with

feel like

interested in

good at

care about

take part in

a fan of

argue about

listen to

a book about

a relationship with

What do you notice?

Can we freely change the prepositions?

These are fixed word + preposition combinations.

DEPENDENT PREPOSITIONS

Nouns

Adjectives & verbs

• a book about

• bored with

• a fan of

• crazy about

• a game against

• good at

• an argument about

• interested in

• keen on

• a relationship with

• popular with

• fond of

• jealous of

• feel like

• listen to

• apologise for

• argue about

• care about

• chat about

Read the phrases aloud. Pay attention to the prepositions.

Answers: 1 with; 2 about; 3 at; 4 in; 5 on; 6 like; 7 to; 8 in; 9 about; 10 of.

COMPLETE THE SENTENCES

about • at • in • like • of • on • to • with

1. Some teenagers get bored ___ traditional sports.

2. My brother is crazy ___ snowboarding.

3. You need to be good ___ climbing before you try a difficult route.

4. Many young people are interested ___ extreme sports.

5. Emma is really keen ___ surfing.

6. Would you feel ___ trying bungee jumping?

7. Some athletes listen ___ music before competitions.

8. Would you like to take part ___ a rafting competition?

9. Professional climbers care ___ safety.

10. I’m a fan ___ snowboarding.

WOULD YOU TRY AN EXTREME SPORT?

Choose one extreme sport and discuss:

• Would you like to try it?

• Why / why not?

• What skills do you need?

• What kind of person would enjoy it?

• What should athletes care about?

Use at least TWO phrases

I’m interested in...

I’m keen on...

I’m a fan of...

I’m good at...

I feel like...

I care about...

Before you go:

One extreme sport I remember...

One useful phrase I remember...

One sport I would / wouldn’t try...

Extreme sports

*It is not just a hobby, it is a lifestyle.

How do you feel about extreme sports?

• It’s a great way to test your limits, build self-discipline and overcome your fears.
• They give me an incredible adrenaline rush and make me feel truly alive.
• It’s not just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle that connects you with like-minded people.

• I am really into extreme sports.
• I can't live without an adrenaline rush.
• I have a very positive attitude towards them.
• I love the feeling of freedom it gives.
• Yes, I love the thrill.

It's too dangerous for me.

I prefer safe and relaxing activities.

I value my health and safety too much.

I don't see the point in risking your life.

• They are far too dangerous.
• The risk of serious injury or death is just not worth the thrill.
• It’s just an unnecessary and reckless risk to your health and life.
• I don’t understand the hype

• I don’t have a strong opinion either way. It’s just not my cup of tea.
• I’m indifferent to them.

Which sports are extreme? Choose from the list.

gardening

fencing

martial arts

ice hockey

bungee jumping

skydiving

aerobics

cross-country skiing

scuba diving

white-water rafting

archery

paragliding

*zorbing

football

baseball

boxing

tennis

fishing

board games

snowboarding climbing

I would definitely pick ….

If I had to choose, it would choose…

* zorbing - an  activity  in which someone  rolls  down a  hill  or along the  surface  of  water  in a  large   transparent   plastic   ball

zorbing

Dialogue p.30 Ex. 4a

* bruise - an  injury  or  mark  where the  skin  has not been  broken  but is  darker  in  colour , often as a  result  of being  hit  by something.

* come along - appear , arrive.

* action shot – a picture in moving