Writing: For this part, you are supposed to write an e-mail in about 100 - 120 words based on the following situation. Remember to write it clearly. 你(Li Yuan)下周一因为要去参加演讲比赛,不能上外教(Prof.Smith)的写作课。请给他写一封e-mail,内容包括:·请假并表示歉意;·解释不能上课的原因,如比赛的重要性;·承诺会自学所缺内容并按时交作业;·祝他偷快。
Which of the following is closest in meaning to “sitting on the sidelines” in Para. 3?