Reading "Sports and training at the Kyiv Military Lyceum.”

“Sports and training at the Kyiv Military Lyceum.”

At the Kyiv Military Lyceum, cadets train hard every day to stay physically fit and mentally strong. Physical fitness is a crucial part of life for all cadets because it prepares them for the challenges they face during military service. Cadets follow a strict routine that includes running, strength training, and team sports. The goal is to build endurance, discipline, and teamwork, which are essential qualities for any future officer.

Every morning, cadets wake up at 6:00 a.m. and immediately start their physical training. They usually begin with a warm-up, which includes stretching and light jogging. After the warm-up, they often run long distances. Many cadets run five kilometers every day to improve their stamina and endurance. Running is important because it helps them build strong legs and lungs, which they need for long marches and combat situations.

In addition to running, cadets lift weights to build strength. Weight training focuses on different muscle groups, such as the arms, chest, and legs. Cadets also do exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups to improve their core strength. Strong muscles are necessary for carrying heavy equipment during missions.

Team sports are a regular part of life at the Lyceum. Football, basketball, and volleyball are popular choices. Cadets play these sports to improve their coordination, communication, and team spirit. Sports competitions happen frequently, and every cadet competes with pride to represent their platoon. Winning these competitions is not just about trophies; it shows the strength of teamwork and discipline.

Cadets train every day, no matter the weather. Rain or snow does not stop them from exercising outdoors. The motto at the Kyiv Military Lyceum is "strength through discipline." This means that cadets stay committed to their training because they know it prepares them for future military operations. Whether they are running, lifting weights, or playing football, they always push themselves to become stronger and more resilient soldiers.

Exercise 1: Answer the following questions based on the text.

1. Why is physical fitness important for cadets at the Kyiv Military Lyceum?

2. What time do cadets start their physical training every morning?

3. What type of exercises do cadets do to build core strength?

4. Why do cadets participate in team sports like football and volleyball?

5. How does bad weather affect cadets' training routine?

Exercise 2: Read the following statements and write True or False. Correct the false statements.

1. Cadets at the Kyiv Military Lyceum wake up at 7:00 a.m. every morning.

2. Running helps cadets build stamina and endurance for combat situations.

3. Team sports are not part of the physical training at the Lyceum.

4. Cadets train every day, even in the rain or snow.

5. Cadets play sports just to win trophies.

Exercise 3: Complete the sentences with the correct words from the text.

1. Cadets follow a strict _________ that includes running, strength training, and team sports.

2. Running helps build strong _________ and lungs, which are important for long _________ and combat situations.

3. Push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups are exercises that improve _________ strength.

4. Cadets play team sports to improve coordination, communication, and _________ spirit.

5. The motto at the Kyiv Military Lyceum is "_________ through discipline."

Exercise 4: Find synonyms in the text for the following words:

1. Tough

2. Routine

3. Focuses

4. Strength

5. Necessary

Exercise 5: Put the following activities in the correct order, according to the text.

a) Cadets participate in team sports. 

b) Cadets warm up with stretching and jogging. 

c) They run five kilometers to build endurance. 

d) Cadets lift weights to build muscle strength. 

e) Cadets wake up at 6:00 a.m.

Exercise 6: Match the words on the left with their definitions on the right.

1. Endurance 

2. Core strength 

3. Coordination 

4. Stamina 

5. Resilient

a) The ability to keep going despite fatigue or difficulty. 

b) Physical toughness and the ability to recover quickly from stress. 

c) The ability to move different parts of your body smoothly and efficiently. 

d) Strength in the muscles of the abdomen and lower back. 

e) The power to withstand physical challenges for a long time.

Exercise 7: In pairs or small groups, discuss the following questions:

1. Why do you think teamwork is important for military cadets?

2. How do sports help improve both physical and mental strength?

3. Why do you think cadets train even in bad weather? How does this help them prepare for real-life military situations?

Exercise 8: Write a sentence in the Present Simple tense for each of the following prompts, based on the information from the text:

1. What time cadets wake up every day.

2. The kinds of exercises cadets do to build strength.

3. The sports cadets play at the Lyceum.

4. Why cadets train, even in bad weather.

5. What the motto at the Kyiv Military Lyceum is.

Exercise 9: Write a short summary (3-4 sentences) of the text in your own words. Be sure to include the key points about the training routine and why it is important for cadets.

Exercise 10: Word Search Puzzle (Optional).Create a word search puzzle using vocabulary from the text such as: cadet, endurance, football, strength, running, competition, discipline, training, resilient, weather. You can distribute it to the cadets as a fun vocabulary revision activity.