1. Read the article again and decide if the following statements are true (t) or false (f):

1. ‘Free running’ was invented in France.

2. It was originally a way of fighting boredom.

3. A group of friends created ‘Yamakasi’ and it still exists.

4. Foucan knew it would become this popular.

5. People who do free running aren’t competitive.

6. Ez says one of the most important things is to be fit.

7. He has never hurt himself while free running.

8. Fear has a bad effect on your co-ordination.

9. Ez never feels and fear.

2. Find words in the text which mean:

1. To jump over something in one move;

2. To choose one thing over another;

3. A problem that happens that stops you from making progress;

4. The force or energy that makes a moving object continue to move;

5. An expression that is used too often and no longer has any real meaning;

6. Stiff and not moving or bending.

3. Discuss in pairs:

1. Is ‘free running’ a good thing for young people to be involved in? Why/Why not?

2. Who do you think might be opposed to ‘free running’? Why might that be?

Listening

1. You will listen to a radio interview in which two people discuss the sport of heliskiing. Before you listen, discuss in pairs:

1. What do you think heliskiing is?

2. What other extreme sports do you know?

3. Would you like to try extreme sports? Why/why not?

2. Now listen to the recording. For questions 1-6, choose the right answer, A, B, C or D. Reproduce the context of the answers.

1. Keith feels heliskiing should not be permitted in the UK because:

1. many people have been killed;

2. heliskiers are to far from help;

3. it is banned elsewhere;

4. weather conditions are unsuitable.

2. Keith says that the most important choice to make to ensure safety when skiing is that of:

1. the slope;

2. your companions;

3. your equipment;

4. the helicopter.

2. Helena argues that the locations heliskiers use are:

1. prone to avalanches;

2. very close to resorts;

3. not as steep as stairs;

4. generally fairly safe.

2. Keith agrees with Helena that:

1. heliskiing represents an environmental threat;

2. the dangers at home are just as great;

3. other extreme sports are not as risky;

4. the risk of avalanche is fairly minimal.

2. What does Keith describe as difficult to foresee?

1. snow quality;

2. weather conditions;

3. wildlife activity;

4. danger levels.

2. Helena is worried that:

1. people take unnecessary risks;

2. danger is subjectively assessed;

3. other sports may be banned;

4. skiing might get a bad name.

Discussion

1. Render the interview keeping the main details and facts from it.

2. Do you think dangerous sports should be banned? Divide into 2 groups: the first one must provide the pros of the extreme sports and the second one – the cons.

Writing

1. You and ten other students went on a school trip to a summer sports camp which promised a wide variety of sporting activities and instruction in each sport. It was the first time your school had been to this particular camp, and on your return your teacher asked you to compare notes on the trip. Read the original advertisement and the comments you have collected and write a MEMO to the other student who went on the trip with you asking them to read over your report and suggest any changes that should be made (about 75 words).

Rockridge Summer Sports Camp Rockridge is definitely for the adventurous. As well as all the popular indoor and outdoor team sports, we offer instruction and close supervision in: Rock-climbing & abseiling White-water rafting Hang-gliding & paragliding Orienteering Moto-cross (18yrs & above) Situated in rugged countryside, Rockridge is all you could want of the ‘great outdoors’. Accommodation consists of ranch-like bungalows (sleeping 6) and our refectory provides three full meals a day (and we have frequent barbecues and camp fire nights). For those who want to cater for themselves there is fully-stocked mini-market. At Rockridge we firmly believe in sports as promoting cooperation and team work and self-discovery – not to mention meeting like-minded new friends. If you want fun, excitement and adventure, Rockridge is the place for you.

Your comments: Sport (outdoor) Ok for football, rugby and hockey (no cricket) & athletics, (indoor) gym an old hall with poor amenities – could just about play a game of basketball. No instructors for hang- or paragliding & orienteering instructor got lost – otherwise very good.

Accommodation Not bad. Comfy beds, log fire, one bungalow leaky roof, a bit cold at night.

Food Simple but good & lots of it – only two barbecue nights. Limited choice at market but adequate for roughing it. General Middle nowhere – little to do evenings/ weekends for a change. One communal TV (so long arguments about what to watch) – have to take own entertainment. Agree had a good time but disappointed by above problems.

See the corresponding example in Appendix 3 “Writing samples”.

Revision