Sat, Sep 19 · 7:00 AM PDT
Do you think playing sports builds character, or reveals a person’s existing character? Why? What character traits can people develop through participating in sports? Which teaches us more about character: winning or losing? Why? How should a good athlete respond to failure, mistakes, or disappointment? What can sports teach us about teamwork and working with people who are different from us? Can someone be extremely competitive and still demonstrate good sportsmanship? What does that look like? Think about an athlete you admire. What character qualities do you respect about that person beyond their athletic ability? How can lessons learned through sports be applied to careers, relationships, or everyday life? Should athletes be considered role models because of their public visibility, or is that an unfair expectation? Which is more important in the long run: talent, discipline, resilience, or teamwork? Explain your choice.
### Vocabulary for Advanced ESL Learners
| Word | Definition |Character | The qualities and values that influence how a person behaves and makes decisions. |Integrity | Being honest and doing what you believe is right, even when no one is watching. |Resilience | The ability to recover and continue after difficulties, failures, or disappointments. |Perseverance | Continuing to work toward something despite difficulties or setbacks. |Discipline | The ability to control your behavior and consistently do what is necessary to reach a goal. |Sportsmanship | Fair, respectful, and appropriate behavior when participating in sports or competition. |Accountability | Accepting responsibility for your actions, decisions, and results. |Humility | Being confident without believing you are more important or better than others. |Composure | The ability to remain calm and in control, especially under pressure. |Competitive | Having a strong desire to succeed or perform better than others. |Teamwork | Cooperating with other people to accomplish a shared goal. |Leadership | The ability to guide, influence, motivate, or support other people. |Determination | A strong commitment to accomplishing something despite challenges. |Setback | A problem or difficulty that temporarily delays progress. |Adversity | A difficult or challenging situation that tests a person's abilities or character. |Sacrifice | Giving up something valuable in order to achieve another goal. |Self-control | The ability to manage your emotions, impulses, and behavior. |Respect | Showing consideration and appreciation for other people, including opponents. |Camaraderie | Friendship, trust, and connection among people who spend time working toward something together. |Grit | The combination of passion, persistence, and determination needed to pursue a long-term goal. |
