Page 384 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

At the gym where I work out, three types of exercisers stand out

from the crowd. The first type, the struggler, breaks into a sweat

just at the sight of an exercise bike. Strugglers walk five laps
around the track and then stop, huffing and puffing, to rest on a

bench before attempting another few laps. In contrast to strugglers

are the fashion plates, who always have the latest in exercise wear.

Exercising in front of the mirror, fashion plates can admire their

colorful leotards, smartly cut shorts, or new athletic shoes. Even
when they exercise, fashion plates never have limp, straggly hair or

sweat-stained clothing. They always look their best. Finally, there

are the athletes, who do not mind working up a sweat and are

dedicated to fitness. In a Zumba class, they step wider and shake

more vigorously than anyone else, even after an hour on the
treadmill. Before they leave, they may swim a few laps in the pool

just to cool off. Whether they are suffering strugglers, self-

absorbed fashion plates, or dedicated athletes, these exercisers are

fun to watch as I struggle through my own workout.

1. Which type of exerciser is not classified on the same basis as

the others?

2. What is the basis for classification of the other two points?

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