BBC随身英语:Singing the national anthem 唱国歌

However, not all competitors feel quite so patriotic. The Team GB football squad came under fire when Welsh footballers Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy stood in silence as their team mates sang "God Save the Queen".

Although it is not clear whether the players were actively boycotting the anthem or simply felt awkward singing in front of the cameras, they were criticised by many in the media for not showing respect for their nation. Those with republican views argue that they can still represent their country without having to sing the pro-monarchy song.

But any British gold-medal athletes who sit on the fence over the issue now have an added incentive to project their voices loudly: British newspaper columnist Piers Morgan feels so passionate about the UK anthem that he has pledged to donate ￡1000 to a children”s hospital for every British athlete who sings during their gold medal ceremony.

Winning a gold medal can transform an athlete from a relative unknown to national hero, but it seems that failing to sing the national anthem - however bad their singing ability - could cause more embarrassment than staying silent.

Quiz 测验 1. According to the article, what are 'plastic Brits'?

Athletes with dual nationality who choose to represent Great Britain.

2. What adjective means to be a supporter of your country?

Patriotic

3. What word describes someone who is anti-monarchist?

Republican

4. What expression is used to describe people who don't have a fixed opinion on something?

Sitting on the fence

5. What noun means 'awkwardness' or 'shame'?

Embarrassment

Glossary 词汇表 pride 自豪 national anthem 国歌 under the spotlight 成为众人的注目焦点 performance 表现 tradition传统 uniting 团结 glory 光荣，荣耀 etiquette礼节 political statement 政治声明 embarrassed 尴尬的 allegiance 效忠，拥护 dual nationality 双重国籍 patriotic 爱国的 boycotting 抵制 republican 共和（国）的 represent their country 代表他们的国家 pro-monarchy 支持君主立宪（制） passionate （充满）热情的 ceremony仪式 national hero 名族英雄