Unit 7 Born to win Reading pages 145 146 ex. 5, 6.

Ex.5

a.If a sportsman has a run of losing then this can affect his selfconfidence and ultimately his game. Also,
when he faces personal problems, he will find it difficult to concentrate on his game or give it his full
attention. As an athlete gets older he becomes physically weaker and may lose some of the
determination to win he experienced when younger, both of which would affect his form.

b.‘to keep one’s eye on the ball’ means that the tennis player must always give his full attention to the
game if he is to win. The writer has used it in the title of the article as Agassi is shown to be highly
professional and determined in his approach to the sport.

c. ‘on the verge of quitting’ – on the point of retiring from tennis

‘a succession of injuries’ – a series of physical problems affecting his game

‘questioning his purpose’ – sense of self-doubt as to why he is playing tennis

‘intent on squandering his talents’ – determined to waste and misuse his natural abilities

Ex.6

1-A- He has no intention of retiring anytime soon.

2-D- make a player doubt himself.

3-D- implies that Agassi stretches himself to the limit.

4-B- pensive self-exploration.
5-A- often behaved irresponsibly.
6-D- is something he hasn’t really thought about.

7-B-thoughtful.