Most people I meet have some English ability, but the ones who work hard at it really stand out from the crowd.
我遇到的多数人都会点英语,但只有那些刻苦学习的人才鹤立鸡群,给我深刻印象。
at any rate for short periods -- that running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue.
至少在短期内如此 -- 跑跑、跳跳、踢踢球是对一个民族品德素质的检验。