Sports and Games

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.

Sports and games have been around us since centuries. They are no less important than
food and fresh water. Sports are usually physical activities while games involve mental
exertion. Both play an important role in the development of human personality. They
provide physical fitness, mental health and entertainment. They teach us the lesson of
discipline, teamwork, patience, punctuality and obedience.
“Sports do not build character. They reveal it”.
The history of sports and games may extend as far back as the beginnings of military
training. Artifacts and structures suggest sports in China as early as 2000 BC. Monuments of
Pharaohs indicate the presence of sports in ancient Egypt. However, these were the Greeks
who introduced Olympic Games officially, which were held every four year in a small village
called Olympia.
There are two major types of sports and games; outdoor and indoor. Outdoor sports
such as football, cricket, hockey, tennis, baseball, basketball and volleyball are famous and
popular all over the world. Indoor games such as chess, wrestling, badminton, table tennis,
boxing, squash and snooker are also renowned and have significant participant and fan
base.
Sports and games keep our bodies healthy, fit and robust. Sports require the participant
to undertake quick movement of limbs. This stimulates the participant's blood circulation;
hence it makes the body to become stronger, sturdier and healthier. Immunity against
diseases, better sleep, retention and prevention of memory loss are the other health
benefits of sports and games.
“Sport is a preserver of health”.
Sports and games also have a sense of psychological and emotional bearing on
participants. Following of the laid down rules of sports or games fosters discipline and
obedience. When one wins, it emboldens the participant and creates a sense of pride to the
winner. The loser, however, learns to accept defeat, and is encouraged to train harder and
aim for a victory next time.
“Winner never quit and quitters never win”.
 My House
Home is place where we stay with our families and live safely. The saying “East or West,
home is the best” is true in many ways. The home or house gives us affection and security.
We all live in a three-room flat on the ground floor. It is in a big and colony of the city. There
is a large drawing-cum-dining hall, two bed rooms, kitchen and toilets. There is also a big
veranda. My father took this home 30 years ago. It is large enough for all of us.
“Love is like a brick. You can build a house, or you can sink a dead body.”
My house is built of bricks, iron, tiles and marbles. It has all the modern amenities of life.
The bath room is also very large, airy and tiled. It has a shower. The floor of my house is
fully marbled. The kitchen of my house is large and comfortable. It is near the living room. A
path leads from the gate to the porch. A corner of the porch is evergreen with a lovely
creeper that remains remain in brilliant bloom all-around the year.
The drawing and dining rooms are tastefully decorated. The floor is covered with a thick
woolen carpet. We own a color TV set and a D.V.D. the dining table is circular in shape with
thick glass covering it. The dining chairs are high and very comfortable. We also have a sofa
set, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a computer.
“Your body is your temple, it's your home, and you must decorate it”.
In balcony there are a number of flower plants grown in big earthen pots. They include
Roses, Jasmine, Pagoda tree, Chambeli, Jamun, Money plant, etc. they add to the beauty
and grace of our house. We have 5 fans, air pressure fan and an air cooler. All these things
make my house a beautiful and very nice place to live in.
My father and I love to work in the garden. We prune the brushes once a year and, in the
summer, we get our fruit trees sprayed every month. My mother loves roses and spring
flowers and looks after the flower beds from time to time. I take care to keep the lawn tidy
enough by using a lawnmower.
My home is the most important place in my life. I feel fully safe and secure in my home.
When I return from school, I feel great comfort at my house. One’s house is a blessing
indeed.
“A house is made of walls and beams;
a home is built with love and dreams”.
 My last Day at school
“Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things”.
Memories are more indelible than ink. Days pass however the memories and associations
they leave refuse to die. My last day at school is one of those bygone days whose memory is
still fresh and clear in my mind. It was one of the golden days of my life. It was a day of sadness
as well as preparedness.
I had spent twelve years in my school. I had learnt many lessons. I had made many friends. I
had developed great respect for my teachers. I had participated in many co-curricular activities.
I had won many prizes. I had evolved great intimacy with the school building. In fact, I had
enjoyed my stay at school.
A sunny day of March was my last day at school. The holidays preparatory to the final
examination were going to commence from the next day. All the students were in their best
clothes. Our juniors of ninth class had hosted a farewell party for us in the school hall. We were
entertained with speeches, songs, jokes, burgers and cold drinks.
However, the best part of the farewell party was our headmaster's speech. He gave us many
pieces of advice. He advised us to be honest, truthful and upright in our dealings. I will never
forget his words, "Hard work and perseverance is a key to success." In the end, he wished us all
a successful life and a bright future.
“Leaving school is like leaving the nest and soaring into the sky
Its time to leave the past behind, Spread your wings and fly”
All the students stood up from their seats. They shook hands with their worthy teachers.
Some of the students obtained the teachers' autographs in their diaries. The teachers handed
us our character certificates. All the students embraced each other for the last time. It was a
very sentimental, emotional and pathetic scene.
“If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello”.
Finally, we came out of the hall and gathered in the garden. We took some group
photographs. I looked at the school thoughtfully. The school building, the playground, the trees
in the school courtyard, the class rooms and even the school library seemed to whisper to me
how they would miss me. Even the last day at school had ended.
“Farewell, my friends! farewell, my foes!
My peace with these, my love with those:”
 Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4

Name