The History of Soccer

Listen and choose the correct answer to each of the following questions or statements.

• Where was soccer first played?

• In England, soccer used to be a _____ sport.

Where was soccer first played?

In England, soccer used to be a _____ sport.

Complete the text you are listening to by dragging the correct word to each blank.

The History of Soccer

Written by Kellie Franklin 

Soccer began many years ago. Chinese 3.1 played it. The sport was seen as a fun way of keeping fit. 

Players used a leather ball. It was filled with feathers and hair. Years later, soccer came to England. It was a dangerous game.

Players would kick the ball and then 3.2 it down the street. They called this game football. 

People were getting hurt playing soccer. The English 3.3 were not happy about this.

The rulers 3.4 the game. However, people still played in secret!

Later on, England made a set of rules for soccer. The rules made soccer safer. 

It 3.5 to other countries. Now, almost the whole world plays it. Have you ever played soccer? 

The History of Soccer

Written by Kellie Franklin 

Soccer began many years ago. Chinese warriors played it. The sport was seen as a fun way of keeping fit. 

Players used a leather ball. It was filled with feathers and hair. Years later, soccer came to England. It was a dangerous game.

Players would kick the ball and then chase it down the street. They called this game football. 

People were getting hurt playing soccer. The English rulers were not happy about this.

The rulers banned the game. However, people still played in secret!

Later on, England made a set of rules for soccer. The rules made soccer safer. 

It spread to other countries. Now, almost the whole world plays it. Have you ever played soccer?

Chinese people played soccer as a way of _____.

Why was playing soccer in England unsafe?

What did the English rulers react to soccer?

Put the right word in each blank. The sentences are from the text.

1. Soccer began many years ago. Chinese 7.1 played it.
2. Players would kick the ball and then 7.2 it down the street.
3. People were getting hurt playing soccer. The English 7.3 were not happy about this.
4. The rulers 7.4 the game. However, people still played in secret!
5. It 7.5 to other countries. Now, almost the whole world plays it.

Put the right word in each blank. These are new sentences for words in the text. 

1. He was a brave 8.1 who had spent most of his life fighting his enemies. 
2. The country was without a 8.2 after the queen died.
3. The police car was going so fast, it must have been 8.3 someone.
4. She was 8.4 from driving for two years.
5. The fire 8.5 very rapidly because of the strong wind.