Some people argue that pressures on international sportsmen and sportswomen kill the essence of sport－the pursuit of

Some people argue that pressures on international sportsmen and sportswomen kill the essence of sport-the pursuit of personal excellence. Children kick a football around for fun. When they get older and play for local school teams, they become competitive but they still enjoy playing. The individual representing his country can not afford to think about enjoying himself or herself; he or she has to think only about winning; he or she is responsible for an entire nation' s hopes, dreams and reputation.

A good example is the football World Cup. Football is the world' s most important sport. lt is even more important now that the United States is seriously taking it up. Winning the World Cup is perhaps the summit of international sporting success. Mention "Argentina" to someone and the chances are that he'll think of football. ln a sense, winning the World Cup "put Argentina on the map. "

Sports fans and supporters get quite irrational about the World Cup. People in England felt that their country was somehow important after they won in 1966. Last year thousands of Scots sold their cars, and even their houses, and spent all their money traveling to Argentina, where the finals were played. So, am I arguing that international competition kills the idea of sport？ Certainly not! Do the Argentinians really believe that because eleven of their men proved the most skillful at football , their nation is better in every thing else than all other nations？ Not really？ But it's nice to know that you won ,and that in one way at least your country it best.

26. What is the author's main purpose in the passage？ ___________.

A. To prove that football is better than all others.

B. To show that Argentina is better than all others.

C. To compare Scotland with Argentina.

D. To explain the role of sport.

27. In the second paragraph, the world's summit means ___________.

A. highest point

B. mountain top

C. award

D. summary

28. According to the passage, Argentina is world-famous because of its ___________.

A.large number of sports fans and supporters