Vocabulary

to get fit/shape (got, got) — повернтись у форму/схуднути

to (do) exercise — робити зарядку

aerobics — аеробіка

jogging — джоггінг, пробіжка, біг підтюпцем (як вид спорту)

equipment — обладнання

leotard — трико (костюм акробата або танцюриста)

sneakers — кроссовки

to sign up — записатися (в армію, на курси и т. п.)

to join — приєднатися

advice — порада

Luke = L

Maria = M

L.: What's your favourite sport, Maria?

M.: Honestly speaking Luke, I'm not very sporty but I like swimming a lot.

L.: Can you swim well?

M.: Yes, certainly. I'm quite good at it. I also do some snorkeling and windsurfing. L.: I see. Sounds interesting. I also like swimming but my favourite sport is basketball.

M.: That's obvious. You are rather tall.

L.: Are there any sports that you don't do but like watching?

M.: There are many such sport types. For example, I enjoy watching football, hockey, tennis, alpine skiing, biathlon, figure skating, bobsleigh and many others. How about you? Do you like watching sport events?

L.: I certainly do. My favourite events are connected with soccer and curling.

M.: By the way, I have no idea what the difference between football and soccer is.

L.: I can explain. Basically these games are almost the same just have different names. The players form teams, wear a special uniform and try to score goals. However, there are some minor differences, such as the shape of the ball. A soccer ball is a sphere while a football is an ellipsoid. In soccer the players can't touch the ball but in football they can.

M.: I see. So, the main differences are just in the rules of these games, aren't they?

L.: Exactly.

M.: What about curling? Is it a team game? And how is it played?

L.: Curling is a team game. It is usually played in teams of four. The equipment includes stones and brooms. In this game players should try to slide stones across the ice sheet towards the target area, which is called the house. The point of the game is to slide the stone closer to the centre of the house. Each team has eight stones.

M.: That sounds like an interesting sport. When I get the chance I will definitely watch a curling event.

L.: I'm sure, you'll like it.

M.: Have you ever tried to surf or windsurf?

L.: No, I haven't. But I think it feels great. Can you tell me a little bit about these sport types?

M.: Yes, of course. I'm very much into these water sports. Surfing is quite popular among young people nowadays. Surfing in other words is wave riding. Surfers stand on special boards and try to ride the ocean waves. Windsurfing is the combination of surfing and sailing. Both sports are very spectacular.

L.: Are there any special events or competitions in surfing and windsurfing?

M.: Yes, there are. There are World Surfing Championships. Windsurfing features such disciplines as Slalom, Speedracing, Freestyle and else.

L.: I'd like to see one of those competitions. Let me know if there is a coming up event.

M.: Will do. I'm glad we have similar interests and preferences in sport.

Rob = R

Pete = P

R.: Are you interested in sport, Pete?

P.: Oh, yeah, I love football. I enjoy playing it and I like watching it on TV. I also go to the gym to keep fit.

R.: I'm not so interested in football, but I often watch it on TV. By the way, did you watch the World Cup?

P.: Of course, I did.

R.: And which team did you support?

P.: The Red Fury.

R.: Sorry?

P.: The Red Fury, it's the nickname of the Spanish national team.

R.: Oh, I see.

P.: The Spanish usually wear red uniform, and they are terrific players.

R.: But they didn't do well this time, did they?

P.: Yeah, to tell the truth, I was shocked, I hoped to see them in the final.

R.: You know, I supported England. It was the same story, and I was really upset.

P.: And are you keen on sports?

R.: Well, I don't go in for sports. But I often watch sport on TV.

P.: But you play volleyball very well, and you like volleyball, don't you?

R.: That's right. I used to play volleyball at school, and I was very good at it. I was a member of our school team. I also took up tennis at university, but I haven't played it since I graduated.

P.: But why?

R.: I just don't have time.

P.: And what sports do you watch?

R.: Of course, I often watch volleyball and tennis. I also like watching football, basketball and rugby, and I always watch the Olympic Games.

P.: Oh, me too.

R.: And in winter I enjoy watching biathlon and hockey.

P.: And do you go to the stadium – to watch matches, I mean?

R.: Yes, I do, but not very often, maybe once or twice a year.

P.: Oh, I adore watching football at the stadium – thousands of people are shouting and singing, you can celebrate every goal with thousands of fans around you – I'm just crazy about it!

R.: Yeah, that's true. Listen, do you want to know why I asked you about sport? Well, I'm going to take up running, and I want to know if you would like to join me.

P.: And where and when are you going to run?

R.: In the evening, after work. I don't know where, maybe at the park or at the stadium, I haven't decided yet. To tell the truth, it doesn't matter.

P.: Well, I'm quite busy in the evenings – I play football on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. By the way, why don't you join us?

R.: I'm not good at football, you know

P.: But we really need a goalkeeper. You can jump very well, and you can catch the ball, so you are the one we need!

R.: OK, I'll think about it.

P.: We play at the sports centre three days a week at 7 p.m., and we sometimes go swimming after that. You'll like it!