(1/12/05)
Match each paragraph of the text with one of the headings below.
a) Fear of a genius b) A timely reminder
c) George's other clubs d) Another star scorned
e) Signs of a nation's respect f) The atmosphere of the game
g) Respect for a legend h) Personal recollections
i) Australian cricket j) Injury problems
TRUE, FALSE OR NOT GIVEN?
Read the following statements, and decide whether they are true or false, or whether it is impossible to say.
1) George Best's death came as a surprise to most people.
2) Amateur and professional players paid their respects.
3) Like Princess Diana, Best has been given a state funeral.
4) Best was a big influence on the writer's life.
5) The writer was excited to see David Beckham play.
6) Cricket fans respect opposing players more than football fans do.
7) Television viewers desperately wanted Brian Lara to break the test-match run-scoring record.
8) Best enjoyed playing in Scotland.
BEHIND THE TEXT
Answer the following questions, the answers to which may not be directly stated in the text.
1) Why was "a minute's silence held at all football matches"?
2) Why did Nick Hornby wish that Best "had been injured"?
3) Can you think of any reasons why cricket fans are less biased than football supporters?
4) What does the writer mean when he says that Best's "heart was never really in it"? Why do you think this was the case?
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1) The writer:
a) wanted to write something different from other people.
b) is a big fan of Nick Hornby.
c) was reminded by Best's death of a quote from a book.
d) bought some DVDs and books to remember Best.
2) Nijininsky and Maria Callas:
a) probably also died recently.
b) are probably stars in other fields.
c) are probably friends of Hornby.
d) are probably British.
3) Brian Lara's century:
a) broke the record.
b) had everyone at the stadium on their feet.
c) was for television viewers.
d) wasn't celebrated by the Australian team.
Now, sum up the main idea of the text in one sentence.