Đề luyện Reading Unit 9 (Fit and healthy) - COMPLETE PET

Reading passage 1 (1-10): My First Sporting Injury

Last year, I decided to take up a new sport because I wanted to keep fit. My friend, who is a very active person, suggested squash. He was someone whose fitness I really admired, and he assured me it was a great cardio workout. He told me it was a fast and exciting game that would surely improve my fitness. I bought a new racket and some trainers and booked a court at the local sports centre. The first time I played, I felt exhausted after just twenty minutes. I remember feeling a bit clumsy, trying to hit the small, fast ball. It was much harder than I had expected, but I really enjoyed the challenge. I started playing twice a week and soon saw improvements in my stamina and coordination.

Everything was going well until one Saturday afternoon. I had just finished a long match with my friend, which had been incredibly competitive. The score was tied, and we were playing the final point of the game. We had been playing for over an hour, and I was feeling quite tired. As I ran for a difficult shot, my foot landed awkwardly, and I felt a sharp pain in my ankle. I immediately knew that something was wrong. My friend helped me off the court, and my ankle started to swell up, becoming visibly larger within minutes. The pain was quite intense, so we decided to go to the hospital to get it checked.

At the hospital, a doctor examined my leg. After I had had an X-ray, the doctor confirmed that I had sprained my ankle badly, but thankfully there was no fracture. She put a supportive bandage on it and gave me some medicine for the pain. She told me I needed to rest it for at least two weeks, which meant no squash for a while. The following weeks felt incredibly long and boring as I was unable to do much. It was a frustrating experience, but it was also a valuable lesson. It taught me the importance of warming up properly before exercise and not pushing myself too hard, especially when my body had already told me it was tired. I learned that being fit and healthy also means listening to your body.

Reading passage 2 (11-20): Choosing the Right Kind of Exercise

Being active is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, but finding an activity that you genuinely enjoy is the key to sticking with it. The world of sports and exercise can be divided into two main categories: team sports and individual activities. The choice between them often depends on a person's character, which can greatly influence their motivation and long-term commitment. It's about finding a good match between your personality and the physical demands of the activity. Some people thrive on social interaction while others prefer quiet reflection during their workouts.

Team sports, such as football, basketball, and volleyball, are perfect for people who are social and competitive. These activities provide a great opportunity to work with others towards a common goal. Players learn valuable skills like cooperation, communication, and sportsmanship. The shared experience of winning a match or even losing one can create strong bonds between teammates. For many, the social gathering after a game is just as important as the sport itself. This sense of belonging to a group, which is a fundamental human need, can significantly boost one's mental health. Moreover, the fixed schedule of practices and games, where a team depends on you, can be a powerful motivator for people who find it difficult to exercise on their own.

On the other hand, individual sports like swimming, running, or cycling are ideal for those who prefer working out alone. These sports offer a great deal of flexibility. You can decide when and where you want to exercise without having to coordinate with others. This is particularly beneficial for individuals whose schedules are very busy. People who enjoy setting personal goals and tracking their own progress often find individual sports very rewarding. The focus is entirely on self-improvement, which can be a very powerful driving force. This solitude allows for deep concentration and a chance to clear one's head from daily stresses. The only competition is the person you were yesterday. There’s a sense of freedom that comes from these activities, which many find relaxing and meditative.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer. Some people might even enjoy a mix of both. Someone who plays for a hockey team on weekends might also enjoy a quiet jog alone during the week. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find what truly clicks for you. The most important thing is to find an activity, or a combination of activities, that makes you feel good and keeps you moving. Health is a personal journey, and the path you choose should be one that you are happy to walk on every day. Consistency, which is easier to achieve when you enjoy something, is the real secret to long-term fitness.

Reading passage 3 (21-30): A Lifestyle Transformation

Two years ago, I was someone who you would describe as unfit and unhealthy. I rarely did any exercise, and my diet consisted mainly of fast food and sugary drinks. I often felt tired during the day and had very little energy. I would often avoid social events because I felt insecure about my appearance. My favourite way to spend an afternoon was watching TV on the sofa. I knew I needed to make a change, but I didn't know where to start. The turning point came when I tried to run for a bus and was completely out of breath after only a few seconds. That was the moment I decided things had to be different.

My journey to a healthier lifestyle began with small steps. I started by changing my diet. Instead of burgers and pizzas, I began eating more salads, fruits, and vegetables. I learned to cook simple, healthy meals at home, which was a skill I had never tried to develop before. I also cut out sugary drinks and started drinking a lot more water. The first few weeks were difficult, and I had to fight the temptation to go back to my old habits. My friends, who didn't understand my new goals at first, would still invite me out for fast food. It took a lot of willpower to politely decline. But soon, I started to notice a difference. I had more energy, and I wasn't feeling so slow and tired all the time.

After improving my diet, I decided it was time to introduce some exercise into my routine. I didn't join a gym immediately because I felt too self-conscious about my lack of fitness. Instead, I began with a 20-minute walk every evening. As I became fitter, I turned those walks into jogs. After a couple of months, I felt confident enough to join a local running club. The people there, whose passion for running was infectious, were incredibly supportive. Being part of a community where everyone supported each other's goals was a game-changer for me. Now, I run three times a week and have even completed a 10-kilometre race, something which I would have thought was impossible two years ago.

Looking back, I am amazed at the transformation. It was a long process that required a lot of patience. Being fit and healthy isn't just about looking better; it's about feeling better, both physically and mentally. I feel more confident, more optimistic, and more in control of my life. This journey, which has taught me so much about discipline and determination, has completely changed my life for the better. I hope my story can inspire others who feel stuck in a similar situation.

Reading passage 4 (31-40): Safety in Extreme Sports

Extreme sports, such as snowboarding, paragliding, and rock climbing, have become incredibly popular in recent years. These activities offer a huge thrill and a sense of accomplishment that is hard to find elsewhere. The adrenaline rush they provide is what draws people in, offering an escape from the routine of everyday life. However, the excitement comes with significant risks. People who participate in these sports must prioritize safety above all else. This disciplined approach is not just advisable, but absolutely essential. Failing to do so can lead to serious accidents, including injuries like fractures or even worse.

The first and most crucial element of safety is using the correct equipment. Every extreme sport has specific gear that is designed to protect the participant. For example, a snowboarder needs a helmet, gloves, and proper boots. A rock climber relies on a harness, ropes, and a helmet. This equipment, which can be expensive, is a non-negotiable investment in your own well-being. Before every outing, you should perform a thorough check, looking for any signs of wear and tear. It is essential to ensure that all gear is in good condition and fits correctly. An old rope or a loose helmet can be the difference between a fun day and a trip to the hospital.

Another key aspect is proper training and knowledge. You should never attempt an extreme sport without first receiving instruction from a qualified professional. A good instructor will teach you the necessary techniques and, just as importantly, the safety procedures. They provide feedback that you cannot get from watching videos online. This includes knowing what to do when something goes wrong, understanding the weather conditions, and learning how to assess risks. The time when you feel most confident is often when you are most at risk of making a mistake, so continuous learning is vital. This respect for the sport and its dangers is a core part of the mindset of any experienced athlete.

Finally, knowing your own limits is fundamental. Many accidents happen when people push themselves too far, perhaps trying a trick that is beyond their skill level or continuing when they are already exhausted. This also means paying close attention to the environment, as weather can change very quickly. It's important to be honest with yourself about your abilities and your physical condition on any given day. The mountain or the cliff will still be there tomorrow. There is no shame in turning back or saying 'not today'. The goal of any extreme sport is not just to perform the activity, but to be able to do it again another day. The real victory is finishing the day safe and sound, ready for the next adventure.

Reading passage 5 (41-50): The Unforgettable Match

I have always been a huge fan of football, but one match that I will never forget was the local derby last November. Our team, the Rovers, were playing against their biggest rivals, the Giants. The rivalry was a famous one in our region, dividing families and friendships. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric even before the game had started. Fans were singing, flags were waving, and everyone felt that this was going to be a special day. The noise was deafening, a mix of chants from both sets of supporters. The Rovers hadn't beaten the Giants in over five years, so we were all hoping this would be the day the bad streak would end.

The first half of the game was tense. Both teams played cautiously, neither wanting to make the first mistake. The play was very physical, with several hard tackles. Our best striker, whose speed was usually our biggest weapon, was being marked very closely by two defenders. The Giants' defence, which was known for being very organized, gave our attackers no space to work in. It was a tactical battle where every pass was carefully considered. By the time the referee blew the whistle for half-time, the score was still 0-0. We were all feeling nervous. The Giants had created a few good chances, and our goalkeeper had had to make two brilliant saves to keep us in the game.

The second half began, and the Giants immediately went on the attack. In the 55th minute, their best midfielder, who had been causing problems all game, scored a goal. A feeling of disappointment spread through our side of the stadium. It felt like history was repeating itself. For a while, our team seemed to lose its confidence. But our team didn't give up. The captain encouraged everyone, and they started to play with more passion. They pushed forward, creating chance after chance. The rival goalkeeper, who had seemed unbeatable, was forced to make several difficult saves.

Then, in the 88th minute, it happened. Our midfielder sent a perfect pass to our striker. He controlled the ball beautifully, turned, and shot. The ball flew into the top corner of the net. The stadium erupted! We had scored the equalizing goal. But the excitement wasn't over. In the final minute of injury time, we won a corner kick. The ball was crossed into the box, and our captain, a tall defender, jumped highest and scored with a powerful header. We had won 2-1. I have never experienced a moment of collective joy like that. People were hugging strangers and shouting with delight. As we left the stadium, the streets were filled with celebrating fans, singing late into the night. It was a victory that our town had waited a long time for.