Task 1. Insert the phrases.
1. amazing stunts
2. a new trend emerged
3. boast a more youthful demographic
5. had an element of danger
7.
8. physical exertion
9. push the bounds
What is an extreme sport?
In the 1990’s ................................................. in sports. Although there was no name for them at the time, they soon became known collectively as “extreme sports” or “action sports”. While there was a general acceptance that extreme sports were those that ................................................. that didn’t exist in traditional sports, there was never a solid way to classify extreme sports as such. Nevertheless, other ................................................. of extreme sports seems to be age, intensity and individualism.
Typically, extreme sports ................................................. than others. Enthusiasts of extreme sports typically fall within the categories of Gen-X and Generation Y. That includes those in their teens through those into their 30's.
Intensity is another way to identify an extreme sport. While most sports have the capacity for intensity, extreme sports ................................................. with regards to speed, danger, .................................................and .................................................. Extreme sports athletes have mastered the physical and mental skills needed to travel within the most inhospitable environments and even to ..................................................
And finally, extreme sports are typically ................................................. than traditional sports.
Exercise created by Kisdobos. Source text:
http://extremesports.suite101.com/article.cfm/extreme_sport_vs_recreation
Task 2. Insert the phrases.
1. adrenaline junkies
2. an umbrella term
3. attracts a following
4. become a way of life
5. causing concern amongst
6. in the pursuit of thrills
7. lives have been lost
8. obsession with
9. spectacular stunts
10. to push the limits
11. to showcase new tricks
Going to Extremes
Intro
Speed, height, ..................................................., or a combination of all three – extreme sports, ............................................ that includes skateboarding, BMX freestyle, surfing and snowboarding, .......................................................... – mainly of young adults – keen ............................................. of their own courage and physical ability. The wide variety of activities in this category makes it difficult to define, but it is certainly one of sport’s biggest growth areas.
history
Extreme sports received a huge popularity boost in the mid-nineties, when American sports channel ESPN launched the ‘X Games’. Broken into two seasons – the Winter X Games and Summer X Games – these huge annual events bring together the best of the world’s extreme athletes to compete for gold, silver and bronze medals. The games are high profile, and the superstars of extreme sports often use the contests .................................................. and attempt records.
drive
Some enthusiasts describe themselves as ............................................., and for them the ............................................ reaching new extremes has ....................................., complete with clothing fashions and music. In fact, the X Games tournament has developed a festival-like atmosphere with bands performing live at the venues.
Controversy
Rebellious culture and controversy continue to surround extreme sports, ............................................ some local authorities and parent groups. Many people argue that taking such risks .......................................... is foolhardy. While it is true that ............................................., serious participants use their skills and experience to control the risks they take – and it is that control which makes their activities sports and not just dangerous behaviour.
Exercise created by Kisdobos. Source text:
http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-central-magazine-extreme-sports.htm
