Answer the questions. 1) What traditional Russian games do you know? 2) What sports and games are most popular in Russia now? 3) What sports are new or uncommon in this country?…
Answer the questions. 1) What traditional Russian games do you know? 2) What sports and games are most popular in Russia now? 3) What sports are new or uncommon in this country? 4) What summer and winter sports do you know? 5) What sports do you enjoy most? Why? 6) What famous Russian and foreign athletes do you know? In what sports did they become famous? 7) What sports are the most dangerous and the least dangerous? 8) What water sports do you know? 9) What team games do teenagers' usually play in Russian schools? 10) Why is it necessary for teenagers to go in for sport? 11) Are there enough stadiums, gyms and swimming pools in the place where you live? 12) What can local and national governments do to make sports more popular?
Here is a detailed, grade-8 level set of answers in English:
Traditional Russian games: Lapta (bat-and-ball) and Gorodki (pin-knocking) are classic examples; there are also many folk circle dances (khorovod) and simple tag/hide-and-seek style games kids play in villages and towns.
Sports and games most popular in Russia now: Football (soccer) is the most popular, followed by ice hockey, basketball, volleyball, and athletics; figure skating is also very popular, especially in winter.
Sports new or uncommon in this country: Cricket, American football, rugby union/league, and baseball are still relatively rare; they exist mainly in big cities and among enthusiasts, but are not widely followed.
Summer and winter sports you know:
- Summer: football (soccer), basketball, volleyball, swimming, running/track, tennis, cycling.
- Winter: ice hockey, figure skating, ski racing, snowboarding, bobsleigh/luge (in some places), curling.
Sports you enjoy most and why: I enjoy football and swimming because they are fun, improve fitness, and teach teamwork and discipline.
Famous Russian and foreign athletes (and their sports):
- Russian: Alexander Ovechkin (ice hockey), Evgeni Plushenko (figure skating), Maria Sharapova (tennis), Svetlana Kuznetsova (tennis), Alexander Karelin (Greco-Rreek wrestling).
- Foreign: Michael Jordan (basketball), Usain Bolt (sprinting), Lionel Messi (football), Serena Williams (tennis).
- Most dangerous and least dangerous sports:
- Most dangerous: boxing, ice hockey, alpine skiing, ski jumping, motorcycle/motor racing (high risk in many contexts).
- Least dangerous: running, swimming in safe conditions, badminton, table tennis (with proper rules and supervision).
Water sports you know: swimming, diving, water polo, rowing, canoeing/kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing/jet skiing.
Team games teenagers usually play in Russian schools: Football (soccer) and basketball are the most common team sports; volleyball and handball are also popular in some schools, especially for gym classes and clubs.
Why teenagers should do sport: It improves physical health, mental well-being, concentration, and energy; develops teamwork, discipline, and time-management; can prevent health problems and build confidence.
Are there enough stadiums, gyms, and swimming pools where you live: It varies by place; some towns have decent facilities, but many areas face shortages of sports halls, pools, and affordable access, especially for youth programs.
What local and national governments can do to make sports more popular: Build and maintain accessible facilities (sports centers, pools, courts); fund school and community programs; provide affordable coaching and equipment; run national campaigns promoting fitness; ensure inclusive programs for girls and boys; organize local leagues and school competitions to raise participation.
