General Listening Quiz

Getting together with friends on a group date can be a fun activity, especially when you like hanging out with people, but you aren’t interested in a serious relationship. In such situations, what kinds of activities do you like to do with your friends (e.g., going to watch a movie, playing video games, hiking, etc.).

1. 1. People should spend more time on active leisure than passive leisure.
   2. Watching TV is a waste of leisure time.
   3. Outdoor activities are better than indoor activities for relaxation.
   4. Hobbies are more important than socializing for mental health.
   5. Spending money on leisure is worth it for happiness.
   6. People should try new leisure activities even if they feel uncomfortable.
   7. Leisure time is more important than work-life balance.
   8. Playing video games is as valuable as reading a book for relaxation.
   9. Traveling is the best way to spend free time.
   10. Group activities are more enjoyable than doing things alone.

“know someone through and through” = know very well
“Hey, I know him through and through, and I can only say he is full of integrity.”

“true-blue friend” = someone who is completely loyal to another
“A true-blue friend never turns against his or her friends.”

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

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

• catch a movie (verb): watch
  – Let’s catch a movie this afternoon after school is over.
• cram (verb): study hard
  – I had to cram all night for the final text in my biology class.
• blast (noun): fun time
  – Thanks for inviting me to the party yesterday. It was a real blast.
• throw a party (verb): have
  – My parents are throwing a big party for my brother who just got married.
• midnight (adverb): 12 o’clock at night, the middle of the night
  – I have to be back home by midnight. It’s a family rule.

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

• Mixed-Up Sentence  |  Sentence and Vocabulary Matching

How is your life similiar or different from the people in the conversation? Explain.

You are going on vacation to New York City for one week, but before you go, you want to plan your leisure activities. Use the internet to find information and then plan your week. You should look up details on times, cost, transportation, and other relevant information:

• an outing to the Statue of Liberty
• a visit to a famous art museum
• a night out to see a broadway musical
• dinner at a authentic local restaurant