For many of us,particularly men,sport is a major part of our lives.We play it as a child,-|||-loving the physicality of it,the competition and the sheer fun.Then when we stop playing-|||-it,we start watching it.Millions of people watching the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games are-|||-fascinated by the sight of men and women operating at the very limits of their potential,-|||-struggling to beat a record or defeat their opponents.Man`s myths are full of superheroes,-|||-and it`s easy to feel that world-class athletes at the peak of their powers have something of-|||-the superhero about them.-|||-It`s no wonder then that the language of sport permeates our everyday conversation.It`s-|||-most often used in the form of sporting metaphors -for example,we might say when-|||-completing an essay,"I m almost at the finishing line",or"It was a marathon".It`s often-|||-been noted that sporting metaphors are particularly popular in political and business circles-|||-because,like sport,these areas involve not only high com petitiveness but also teamwork-|||-and playing by the rules.-|||-An amusing story that illustrates this concerns a Chinese computer company which works-|||-with managers from top American computer companies.At meetings and on telephone-|||-conference calls,Chinese and American managers had many difficulties c mmunicating-|||-with sporting terms causing the most confusion of all.The Americans would start a meeting-|||-by saying,"Let`s kick off," the kick-off being the start of the match.Once the discussion had-|||-started,an American might make a point and then say to the Chinese team,"The ball`s in-|||-your court,"or having made a point,he might turn to a colleague and say,"Can I pass the-|||-baton to you?"The misunderstandings became so bad that eventually managers agreed to-|||-ban sporting metaphors from conference calls.-|||-________-|||-Now choose the best answer to the questions.-|||-1 Why do people enjoy watching the Olympic Games?-|||-(a)Because the athletes often beat a record.-|||-(b)Because it`s fun watching two people being very competitive-|||-(c)Because these are top athletes doing the best they are capable of.-|||-(d)Because the athletes are very unusual.-|||-2 Why is "It was a marathon"a sporting metaphor for completing an essay?-|||-(a)Because a marathon is long and difficult,as an essay can be.-|||-(b)Because in some ways writing an essay is like a sport.-|||-(c)Because you have to complete a marathon.-|||-(d)Because both activities are very physical.-|||-3 Why are sporting metaphors used by politicians and businesspeople?-|||-(a)Because there are similarities between sports,politics and business.-|||-(b)Because politicians and businesspeople like to see themselves as-|||-powerful.-|||-(c) Because sporting metaphors often refer to competitions.-|||-(d)Because businesspeople and politicians often like to play or watch-|||-sport.-|||-4 What did the Chinese company have most problems with?-|||-(a)American managers.-|||-(b)Meetings and conferenc calls.-|||-(c)Expressions used by the Americans.-|||-(d)Conference calls.-|||-5 What is meant by the expression"Can I pass the baton to you?"when used-|||-in a meeting?-|||-(a)"Can you continue with what I was saying?"-|||-(b)"Do you agree?"-|||-(c)"What do you think of what I have said?"-|||-(d)"Have I said enough?