Sports & Character- Practice English
Details
- 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. |