General Listening Quiz
“Snow Skiing”
Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
Intermediate | Snow Skiing | Man – Woman | 01:27 |

Pre-Listening Exercise
What are some typical sports or recreation activities that people enjoy in your area? In this conversation, you will hear a man and woman discuss snow skiing. What specific gear or equipment do you need for this sport? What are the dangers or risks of snow skiing?
Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.
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In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.
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In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?
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For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and check your progress.
- Snow skiing is too dangerous to be considered a regular sport.
- Skiing is more about fun than fitness.
- Ski resorts are overpriced for what they offer.
- Skiing is better than snowboarding for beginners.
- Winter sports are more exciting than summer sports.
- People should only ski if they can afford professional lessons.
- Skiing is environmentally harmful because of resorts and travel.
- Skiing alone is better than skiing with friends or in groups.
- Skiing is worth learning even if you rarely get the chance to go.
- Technology, like ski lifts and snow machines, makes skiing less challenging and less rewarding.
Idioms
“cold feet” = fear of doing something
“James was going to ask Ashley out on a date, but he got cold feet and couldn’t do it.”
“give someone the cold shoulder” = ignore someone or give someone a cool reception
“Elizabeth gave Ryan the cold shoulder when he tried to apologize for forgetting her birthday.”
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Vocabulary Practice
Do the vocabulary quizzes with the words from the conversation for more practice:
Post-Listening Exercise
Describe a recreational activity you enjoy doing in your free time and answer these questions:
- What is the name of the activity?
- Do you do this sport alone or with a group of people?
- What is the object of the activity (for example, you want to score the most points in a game of basketball)?
- What are the basic rules of the sport?
- In what countries is this activity popular?
- How much experience do you need to play?
Online Investigation
Use the internet to learn more about one of these unusual activities. Use the questions above to help you research the sport:
- polar bear swimming
- dog sledding
- snow tubing
- ice sailing
- curling
- snow biking
- snow kiting