Understanding – Answers
- What, according to the author, is the motive behind playing games nowadays? (para 1)
- The main motive is competition and the desire to win. People play to win, and the game loses its meaning unless you do your best to win.
- What is the other reason for which people may play games? (para 1)
- People may play games just for fun and exercise, especially when there is no pressure of prestige or competition involved.
- Pick out the phrase which sums up the author’s view of the international sport. (para 1)
- The phrase is: “it is war minus the looting.”
- Which examples does the author cite of ill-will between nations in the game of cricket? (para 2)
- The controversy over body-line bowling and the rough play of the Australian team in England in 1921 are given as examples.
- What makes boxing a disgusting game to watch? (para 2)
- Boxing is seen as disgusting, especially when white and coloured boxers fight before a mixed audience. The crowd’s behaviour, particularly the women’s, is described as horrible.
- Why are police needed in a sports match? (para 3)
- Police are needed to stop the crowd from invading the field and interfering, as strong feelings of rivalry can lead to disorder and even violence.
- Mention some of the ways in which the spectators try to influence the outcome of a match. (para 3)
- Spectators cheer for their team, boo or insult the opposing team, and sometimes physically invade the field to help their side.
- List some of the negative feelings aroused in sports competitions among countries. (para 3)
- Hatred, jealousy, boasting, disregard for rules, and enjoyment in violence are mentioned as negative emotions.
- In which countries did the modern cult of sports arise? (para 4)
- The modern cult of sports arose mainly in England and the United States.
- Which according to the author is the most competitive sport? (para 4)
- Football and boxing are mentioned as the most violently competitive sports.
- Why are sports competitions more popular among people living in cities? Why are they less popular in villages?
- In cities, people need group activities for physical exercise, as their lives are more sedentary. Villagers can spend energy on daily activities and traditional games, so organized sports are less important.
- What, according to the author, will happen if a series of football matches were held between Jews and Arabs, and Indians and Pakistanis? Why?
- The author suggests it would only increase hatred and ill-will, as it would fuel rivalry and group hatred.
- In what sense has the writer used the title ‘The Sporting Spirit’?
- The writer uses “The Sporting Spirit” ironically. Instead of highlighting friendship and sportsmanship, he argues that competitive sports often encourage hatred, rivalry, and bad behaviour
Grammar – Joining Words (Linkers)
Fill in the blanks in the passage with the given linkers:
The Olympic Games are one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. They bring together athletes from all nations, competing for glory. On the one side, they promote unity and sportsmanship, because the focus is not only on winning but also on participation. The Olympics are held every four years, with the result athletes spend years preparing for this moment. This the event is seen as a global celebration of human potential. On the other side, there are challenges, such as the financial burden it places on host cities and controversies surrounding doping. Nevertheless, the Olympic spirit continues to inspire people around the world.
A Survey Report on the Attitude of School Children Towards Cricket Matches between India and Pakistan
Objective:
The objective of the survey was to find out the attitude of Indian school children towards sports competitions between India and Pakistan.
The Survey:
A total of 20 students were orally interviewed on August 23, 2025.
All of them were asked to answer the following question by choosing only one of the three alternatives provided:
Which country would you like to see win in a Cricket Test match between India and Pakistan?
- Pakistan
- India
- The better team
Survey Results (Sample Data)
- No. of children interviewed: 20
- No. of children in favour of Pakistan: 2 (10% of the total)
- No. of children in favour of India: 14 (70% of the total)
- No. of children in favour of the better team: 4 (20% of the total)
Discussion and Conclusion
Most students preferred India to win, showing signs of patriotism. A few supported Pakistan, while a notable number wanted the better team to win, displaying a spirit of fairness and true sportsmanship.
When these results are compared to George Orwell’s views in “The Sporting Spirit,” it is clear that national pride and rivalry are still powerful influences, which Orwell believed often lead to negative emotions. However, the presence of students who chose the better team suggests that fairness and sportsmanship are also valued by young people today.