1 . The Most Popular Sports In The World

Sports are popular for a number of reasons, varying from keeping healthy to recreational purposes. Sports are even more popular with people who do not necessarily participate in them, but love being spectators. Here is a brief discussion of the most popular sports in the world.

Football (Soccer)—4 Billion Fans

Football, better known as soccer in the US and Canada, is the most popular sport in the world. The origins of modern football are in England in the 19th century, though history points to people playing similar games as far back as 2,000 years ago in China. It is played all over the world, but is particularly popular in Europe, Central and South America, and Africa.

Cricket—2.5 Billion Fans

The game is most popular in the UK and some former British colonies, especially India, Pakistan and Australia. Like baseball, it involves two teams, a bat, a large field, and scoring runs. There are obvious differences, however, including a long rectangular pitch at the center of a cricket field.

Hockey—2 Billion Fans

Hockey takes place both on ice and in a field. Field hockey is mainly played in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, while ice hockey is particularly popular in Canada, the US, and Northern Europe. The game involves two teams trying to put a ball into the opposing team's net with a hockey stick. Unlike ice hockey, field hockey usually does not involve body contact in the form of checking.

Tennis —1 Billion Fans

In tennis, players on both sides of a lengthened net try to hit a ball with a racket so that it either goes past their opponents or bounces on their opponents' side twice to score points. Pro tennis players, like Roger Federer and Serena Williams, are now household names around the world.

1. Of the following sports, which has the least followers?

A．Soccer.

B．Cricket.

C．Hockey.

D．Tennis.

2. Where did modern soccer appear for the first time?

A．In China.	B．In Africa.
C．In England.	D．In North America.

3. What do cricket and hockey have in common?

A．They involve a field and a stick.	B．They involve two teams.
C．They are most popular in the UK.	D．They are played on ice and in a field.