The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to comprehend complex texts and answer questions accurately. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has been gaining prominence in recent years: “The role of sports in national identity.” This theme has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and continues to be relevant due to its cultural and social significance. Given its importance in global discussions, there’s a high probability of encountering similar topics in future IELTS Reading tests.
Let’s dive into a practice passage that explores this fascinating subject, followed by a series of questions to hone your reading skills.
Sports and National Identity
Practice Passage: Sports as a Catalyst for National Unity
The Unifying Power of Sports
Sports have long been recognized as a powerful force in shaping and expressing national identity. From the ancient Olympic Games to modern-day international competitions, athletic events have served as a platform for nations to showcase their talents, values, and cultural pride. The impact of sports on national identity goes beyond mere entertainment; it often becomes a symbol of a country’s spirit and a source of collective joy or sorrow.
In many countries, certain sports are deeply intertwined with the national psyche. For instance, cricket in India is not just a game but a national obsession that unites people across diverse regions and languages. Similarly, football in Brazil is often described as a religion, reflecting its profound impact on the country’s culture and identity. These sports become more than just pastimes; they evolve into cultural institutions that reflect and shape national character.
International sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup or the Olympic Games, provide a global stage for nations to assert their presence and compete for prestige. Success in these arenas often translates to a surge of national pride and unity. The image of a country’s flag being raised during a medal ceremony or the sound of the national anthem playing in a packed stadium can evoke powerful emotions and a sense of belonging among citizens.
However, the relationship between sports and national identity is not always straightforward. In some cases, sports can highlight existing social tensions or political divides within a country. The composition of national teams, for example, can spark debates about representation and inclusion, particularly in diverse societies. Despite these challenges, sports often serve as a unifying force, bringing people together across social, economic, and cultural boundaries.
The role of athletes as national icons further underscores the connection between sports and national identity. Successful athletes often become ambassadors for their countries, embodying national values and aspirations. Their achievements are celebrated as national triumphs, and their personal stories often become intertwined with the narrative of national progress and success.
In recent years, the globalization of sports has added new dimensions to this relationship. With athletes competing in international leagues and representing clubs far from their home countries, the concept of national identity in sports has become more complex. Yet, during major international tournaments, the pull of national allegiance remains strong, demonstrating the enduring power of sports in fostering a sense of national unity and pride.
As we look to the future, the role of sports in shaping national identity is likely to evolve further. With the rise of e-sports and the increasing focus on inclusivity in traditional sports, new avenues for national representation and pride are emerging. Regardless of these changes, the fundamental ability of sports to bring people together and create a shared sense of identity remains a powerful and enduring phenomenon.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
- Cricket in India is popular across different regions and language groups.
- The FIFA World Cup is more significant for national identity than the Olympic Games.
- Sports always serve to unite people within a country without any controversy.
- Athletes who compete in international leagues may experience conflicted national loyalties.
- E-sports are expected to replace traditional sports in fostering national identity.
Multiple Choice
According to the passage, which of the following best describes the relationship between football and Brazilian culture?
A) It is a minor part of Brazilian life
B) It is considered a religion
C) It is only popular among young people
D) It is declining in importanceThe passage suggests that international sporting events:
A) Are losing their appeal
B) Only benefit wealthy nations
C) Can boost national pride and unity
D) Have no effect on national identity
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the appropriate paragraphs in the passage:
- The Global Stage of Sports
- Athletes as National Symbols
- The Future of Sports and National Identity
Short Answer Questions
Name two examples of sports that are deeply connected to national identity in specific countries.
What aspect of international sporting events can evoke powerful emotions and a sense of belonging among citizens?
According to the passage, what new form of sports is emerging that could impact national identity in the future?
Answer Key and Explanations
True – The passage states: “cricket in India is not just a game but a national obsession that unites people across diverse regions and languages.”
Not Given – The passage mentions both events as examples of international sporting events but does not compare their significance.
False – The passage mentions that sports can “highlight existing social tensions or political divides within a country.”
True – The passage states: “With athletes competing in international leagues and representing clubs far from their home countries, the concept of national identity in sports has become more complex.”
Not Given – The passage mentions e-sports as a new avenue for national representation but does not suggest they will replace traditional sports.
B – The passage directly states: “football in Brazil is often described as a religion.”
C – The passage mentions that success in international sporting events “often translates to a surge of national pride and unity.”
Paragraph 3 – This paragraph discusses how international sporting events provide a global stage for nations to compete and assert their presence.
Paragraph 5 – This paragraph talks about how successful athletes become national icons and ambassadors for their countries.
Last paragraph – This paragraph discusses how the role of sports in shaping national identity is likely to evolve in the future.
Cricket in India and football in Brazil.
The image of a country’s flag being raised or the sound of the national anthem playing during ceremonies.
E-sports.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking subtle language: Pay attention to qualifiers like “often,” “can,” or “may” which indicate that a statement is not absolute.
- Making assumptions: Stick to the information provided in the passage and avoid drawing conclusions based on personal knowledge.
- Misinterpreting ‘Not Given’: Remember, ‘Not Given’ means the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted by the passage.
- Rushing through the text: Take time to understand the context and main ideas of each paragraph.
Key Vocabulary
- Catalyst (noun) – /ˈkætəlɪst/ – something that causes an important change or event to happen
- Intertwined (adjective) – /ˌɪntəˈtwaɪnd/ – closely connected or linked
- Psyche (noun) – /ˈsaɪki/ – the mind, or the deepest thoughts, feelings, or beliefs of a person or group
- Prestige (noun) – /preˈstiːʒ/ – respect and admiration given to someone or something, usually because of a reputation for high quality, success or social influence
- Evoke (verb) – /ɪˈvəʊk/ – to bring a feeling, memory or image into the mind
- Ambassador (noun) – /æmˈbæsədər/ – a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense in the passage, for example:
“Sports have long been recognized as a powerful force in shaping and expressing national identity.”
This tense is used to describe actions or states that started in the past and continue to be relevant in the present. It’s formed with “have/has” + past participle.
Tips for High Scores in IELTS Reading
- Practice active reading: Engage with the text by highlighting key points and making mental summaries as you read.
- Improve your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and their usage in context.
- Time management: Allocate your time wisely across all sections of the reading test.
- Skim and scan effectively: Use these techniques to quickly locate specific information in the text.
- Read the questions carefully: Ensure you understand exactly what each question is asking before searching for the answer.
- Don’t leave any questions unanswered: Even if you’re unsure, make an educated guess.
- Be aware of distractors: In multiple choice questions, some options may be partially correct but not the best answer.
Remember, consistent practice with a variety of texts and question types is key to improving your IELTS Reading score. Good luck with your preparation!
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