COMPETITION – can you lose the game?

Competition is an inevitable part of sport. I bet that almost all of our readers (and bloggers too) are keen on winning! But who doesn’t like that? J

However, when there is a winner, there also has to be a loser, which is especially painful when you play for a high stake. 

And how about you? How do you cope with losing?

Look at the words below – which of them collocate with play (P) and which with go (G)?

SURFING      BASKETBALL         RUNNING    BADMINTON          HORSE RACING JOGGING            RUGBY         CRICKET      CYCLING     VOLLEYBALL       SWIMMING SQUASH            ROLLERBADING   FOOTBALL  SKIING      WINDSURFING  TENNIS

Read the information about the video:

"TWO RONNIES - SQUASH GAME" presents the story of two friends Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker. In this episode both Ronnies have just had a game of squash. Barker has never played before but Corbett is the local squash champion. After the game Ronnie Corbett is a little bit nervous.

Why do you think he is finding it difficult to keep calm?

Watch the video titled "Two Ronnies - Squash Game"

1. After watching the video, answer the following questions:

1. Who won the match?

1. The man in the suit.
2. A man in sports clothes.

2. What does the man in the sports clothes do during the conversation?

1. He gets angry and hits the other man.
2. He gets angry and breaks his racket.

3. Are the men going to play again?

a.      Yes, they are going to play another match the next day.

b.      No, they can’t play again the next day.

Source: SpeakOut Pre-Intermediate Unit 5

2. Answer the questions, write (T) if the sentence is true and (F) if it is false.

Ronnie Barker was satisfied with the game.                                                                 T/F

Ronnie Corbett is the coach of the squash team.                                                          T/F

Ronnie Barker understood the rules of the game perfectly.                                          T/F

Ronnie Corbett doesn’t want to play squash anymore.                                                 T/F

Both players seem to be nervous after the game.                                                          T/F

Ronnie Barker, who is an amateur, was very tired after the match.                              T/F

Answer the following questions concerning the competition:

How do you feel when you lose?

How do you cope with losing?

Is it easier to lose in an unimportant situation?

Do you think that people who often lose can get used to it?

Do you think that it is good to let small children win in every game?

Or should parent teach them how to lose?

How can the art of losing (the ability to lose) be helpful in everyday situations?

Do you feel comfortable with winning?

Do people like players that always win?

Write an essay (about 250 words) about the positive and negative role of being a loser and its possible influence on life. Mentioned all concepts below.

• Stressful situations
• Lack of confidence
• Negative attitude towards sport
• Greater resistance to failures

I am looking forward to your comments,
Have a wonderful long weekend :)
Angelika