Competitive Sports at School

two teams playing football
Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on October 24, 2020 and last updated on July 19, 2023

The topic of Competitive Sports at School offers English learners an engaging platform to enhance their language skills while delving into a subject that promotes physical activity, teamwork and personal growth. Discussing this topic allows learners to expand their vocabulary related to sports, develop their speaking and listening skills through conversations about team dynamics and strategies, and improve their comprehension of sports-related texts.

Additionally, exploring the benefits and challenges of competitive sports cultivates critical thinking, empathy and a deeper understanding of the role of sports in education and personal development.

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

About Competitive Sports at School

Competitive sports have traditionally been played in schools including sports such as football, cricket, netball and many more. It is not uncommon for children to compete regularly against their fellow students and even against students from other schools.

Some people are in favour of children playing competitive sports and think it is good for them, but others disagree, stating that the competitive nature of sport can be very discouraging to a lot of children and have a negative effect on their lives.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • benefit (noun)
  • traditionally (adverb)
  • compete (verb)
  • competitive (adjective)
  • uncommon (adjective)
  • potential (adjective)
  • development (noun)
  • teamwork (noun)
  • discipline (noun)

Conversation Questions

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  • What are some popular competitive sports played at schools in your country?
  • Did you play any competitive sports when you were at school?
  • What are the benefits of children playing competitive sports at school?
  • How do competitive sports promote teamwork and collaboration among students?
  • What are the potential negative effects of children playing competitive sports at school?
  • What challenges do students face when balancing academics and participation in competitive sports?
  • Do you believe competitive sports should be mandatory or optional in schools?
  • How can schools ensure a fair and inclusive environment for all students in competitive sports?
  • Should participation in competitive sports at school be based solely on talent or open to all students?
  • Is the emphasis on winning in competitive sports at school beneficial or detrimental to students' overall development?
  • Should schools offer alternative options for students who are not interested in or excel in competitive sports?
  • Overall, do you think competitive sports should be played at school?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.