General Listening Quiz

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?

1. 1. Snow skiing is too dangerous to be considered a regular sport.
   2. Skiing is more about fun than fitness.
   3. Ski resorts are overpriced for what they offer.
   4. Skiing is better than snowboarding for beginners.
   5. Winter sports are more exciting than summer sports.
   6. People should only ski if they can afford professional lessons.
   7. Skiing is environmentally harmful because of resorts and travel.
   8. Skiing alone is better than skiing with friends or in groups.
   9. Skiing is worth learning even if you rarely get the chance to go.
   10. Technology, like ski lifts and snow machines, makes skiing less challenging and less rewarding.

“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.”

Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)

Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:

• whew (interjection): a sound to show that you are surprised, hot, or relieved
  – Whew! I almost ran into that tree. That was close!
• numb (adjective): not able to feel parts of your body because of cold
  – My fingers and toes are so numb. I’d better go inside and get warm.
• drive something (verb): move something with force (this is different than driving a car
  – The hunters drove the deer out of trees and into the open meadow.
• apologize (noun): to say sorry or feel regret for doing something wrong
  – I apologize for not going skiing with you today. I’m just not feeling well.
• certain (adjective): without a doubt, positive
  – I am certain that Jennifer will come with us to the ski resort tomorrow.
• drastic (adjective): extreme, serious
  – The ski resort took drastic steps to increase business.

Do the vocabulary quizzes with the words from the conversation for more practice:

• Mixed-Up Sentence  |  Sentence and Vocabulary Matching

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?

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