《英语流行话题阅读:语境识词3500》Unit65:体育精神

　　Unit 65
Sportsmanship
First or second graders may be more eager to talk about the fun they have in sports. As they move into more competitive¹ games, kids become more focused on winning. They often forget to have fun. Without constant reminders² and good examples, they may also forget what behavior is appropriate before, during, and after a sporting event.
If a child has a coach who cares only about being in first place, the child picks up the message that it's OK to be ruthless³ on the field. If parents are constantly pressing them to play better, children get the message that they're only as good as their last good play -- and they'll try any method of achieving one.
Adults who emphasize good sportsmanship, however, see winning as just one of the several goals they'd like their kids to achieve. The help young athletes take pride in their accomplishments⁴, so that the kids see themselves as winners, even if the scoreboard doesn't show the numbers going in their favor.
The best coaches -- and parents -- encourage their kids to play fair, to have fun, and to concentrate on helping⁵ the team. Remember the saying, "Actions speak louder than words"? That's especially true when it comes to teaching your kids the basics of good sportsmanship. Your behavior during practices and games will influence them more than any pep talk or lecture you give them.
Here are some suggestions on how to build sportsmanship in your child:
Unless you're coaching your child's team, you need to remember that not to dwell⁶ on who won or who lost. Instead, you might ask you child, "How did you feel you did during the game?" If your child mentions that he or she didn't do well at a particular skill, like throwing or catching⁷, offer to work on these skills with your child before the next game.
Applaud⁸ good plays no matter who makes them.
Don't push your child into a sport because it's what you enjoyed. let your child choose the sport he or she wants to play.
Look for examples of good sportsmanship in professional athletes and point them out to your kid. Talk about the bad examples, too, and why they upset you.
Finally, don't forget to have fun. Even if your child isn't the star, enjoy the game while you're thinking of all the benefits your child is gaining -- new skills, new friends, and attitudes that can help him or her all through life.

1 competitive   

adj.竞争的，比赛的，好竞争的，有竞争力的

参考例句：

• Some kinds of business are competitive.有些商业是要竞争的。
• These businessmen are both competitive and honourable.这些商人既有竞争性又很诚实。

2 reminders   

n.令人回忆起…的东西( reminder的名词复数 )；提醒…的东西；（告知该做某事的）通知单；提示信

参考例句：

• The film evokes chilling reminders of the war. 这部电影使人们回忆起战争的可怕场景。
• The strike has delayed the mailing of tax reminders. 罢工耽搁了催税单的投寄。

3 ruthless   

adj.无情的，冷酷的，残忍的，坚决彻底的

参考例句：

• Fascists is the most ruthless enemy of the people.法西斯是人民最残酷无情的敌人。
• The ruthless enemy killed the old lady.残忍的敌人杀害了那位老太太。

4 accomplishments   

n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就

参考例句：

• It was one of the President's greatest accomplishments. 那是总统最伟大的成就之一。
• Among her accomplishments were sewing,cooking,playing the piano and dancing. 她的才能包括缝纫、烹调、弹钢琴和跳舞。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》

5 helping   

n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的

参考例句：

• The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
• By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。

6 dwell   

vi.老是想着，详细讲述

参考例句：

• Sometimes his mind would dwell on the horrors he had been through.有时他会老是想着他所经历过的种种恐怖。
• A great number of water fowls dwell on the island.许多水鸟在岛上栖息。

7 catching   

adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住

参考例句：

• There are those who think eczema is catching.有人就是认为湿疹会传染。
• Enthusiasm is very catching.热情非常富有感染力。

8 applaud   

vt.鼓掌欢迎，赞同；vi.鼓掌欢迎，欢呼

参考例句：

• The pupils that had been watching started to applaud.一直在一旁观看的小学生们开始鼓起掌来。
• Please don't applaud until everyone has performed.请在每个人表演完毕后再鼓掌。