A A ENGLISH IN VIDEO

Benefits of Sports
Lesson code: 126F-53GB-KFMU Upper-intermediate (B2-C1)
American English

1 Warm up
Work in teams to complete the table with as many words as you can. You have three minutes to
complete the challenge.

Team sports Individual sports Places to do sports

football running a court (tennis)

Answer the questions.

• Which of these sports do you do yourself?

• Which sports do you like to watch?

• Why are sports important to people?

2 Tune in
You are going to watch a TED talk called, "How playing sports benefits your body and your brain." It's
helpful if you first watch the beginning of a presentation, to get used to the speaker's accent and speed
of delivery. Watch the introduction to the talk (0:00- 0:35) and choose the words the speaker uses to
complete the questions that the presentation will answer.

1. Should we be so obsessed with / keen on sports?

2. Is playing sports actually as healthy / good for us as we make it out to be, or just a fun and
entertaining / enjoyable pastime?
3. What does an expert / science have to say?
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 Benefits of Sports
A A A A ENGLISH IN VIDEO

3 Watch for main idea

Video You are going to watch the full talk, which has three main points and a conclusion. First watch the talk
and put the items in each section in the order that you hear them mentioned (1-3).

Point 1:
positive effect on mood and memory
smaller risk of serious health problems
stronger bones
Point 2:
decreased rates of depression
giving and receiving help
working with other people to reach a shared goal
Point 3:
the importance of practice
working with a coach
what you learn about yourself when you fail
Then identify the main point each section is making.

4 Vocabulary
Read these phrases from the TED talk. Match and record each word in bold next to its meaning, 1-8.

• Increased endorphins and consistent physical activity in general can sharpen your focus...

• Some ... benefits come from the communal experience of being on a team, ...
• In addition, commitment to a team and doing something fun can also make it easier to establish a
regular habit of exercise.
• Meanwhile, your self-esteem and confidence can get a big boost.
• Just by working and working at skills ... you reinforce a growth mindset within yourself.
• The experience of coming to terms with defeat can build the resilience and self-awareness necessary
to manage academic, social, and physical hurdles.
• Be a part of a supportive community, ... and you'll be nurturing your mind, not to mention having fun.

1. always happening in a similar way (positive) =

2. the belief that basic abilities can be developed through hard work =
3. confidence and belief in your own value =
4. make something stronger =
5. a promise to do something regularly =
6. regaining positive feelings after a difficult experience =
7. relating to something that is shared by a group of people =
8. taking care of something and helping it develop =
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You can review this worksheet online at www.linguahouse.com/ex

Review your flashcards at least 3-5 times a week for 20 minutes to keep the material fresh in your memory.
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 Benefits of Sports
A A A A ENGLISH IN VIDEO

5 Comprehension
Watch again and decide if these statements are true, false, or not given.

1. All types of exercise offer both physical and mental benefits.

2. Team sports offer exactly the same benefits as individual exercise.
3. When team players trust and help each other, their team wins more often.
4. Growth mindset is not just important for sports.
5. It's easy to find a sport that suits you.

6 Discuss
Talk about any or all of these questions in pairs or small groups.

1. Have you ever experienced the "runner's high" or euphoria (extreme happiness) that results from
exercise?
2. In your experience, is Physical Education taught well at school? Why/not?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being competitive?
4. Have you ever had to apply the idea of "growth mindset" in your life?
5. Do you think that everyone can find a sport that will suit them as individuals? Why/not?

7 Optional extension/homework
Visit this website to try a quiz to find the best sport for your personality. Then follow the links to read
more about this sport.

Link https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/take-the-test-which-sport-suits-your-personality/z6dwbdm
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You can review this worksheet online at www.linguahouse.com/ex

Review your flashcards at least 3-5 times a week for 20 minutes to keep the material fresh in your memory.
PI

O
c
Linguahouse.com OC
P H OT