Extreme Sports – B1 English Listening Exercise
Listening 1
Listen to the conversation between an employee and a Human Resources manager. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why does Alex believe white-water rafting is a good idea for the company?
(A) It helps improve how staff communicate and rely on each other.
(B) It is much cheaper than the usual indoor training workshops.
(C) It allows employees to relax during a peaceful boat ride.
2 What is Sarah’s first concern about the suggestion?
(A) She worries that the mountain river is too far from the office.
(B) She doubts that all staff members will feel relaxed doing it.
(C) She thinks that hiring professional guides will be too expensive.
3 What information does Alex need from Sarah before calling the agencies?
(A) The total number of employees attending the trip.
(B) The exact date when the event will take place.
(C) The highest amount of money the company is willing to spend.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Alex says the activity is “perfect for building trust and communication” because they have to “work together.” Option A perfectly paraphrases this by saying it improves how staff “communicate and rely on each other.”
- Why the traps are wrong: Option B is a trap; the audio mentions “indoor training workshops,” but Alex never says rafting is cheaper. Option C is incorrect because Alex describes the river as “rough water,” not peaceful.
2 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Sarah asks, “Do you think everyone would be comfortable with that?” because it sounds “a bit extreme.” Feeling “relaxed” is a synonym for being comfortable in this context.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is plausible but never mentioned. Option C is a trap; the audio mentions “professional guides” and discusses money later, but Sarah does not complain about the cost of the guides.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Alex asks, “what is our maximum financial limit for this trip?” “Maximum financial limit” means the highest amount of money the company can spend.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a plausible real-world detail, but Alex does not ask about the number of people. Option B is a trap using the word “date/Friday” from the audio, but Alex didn’t ask for the date; Sarah suggested meeting on Friday.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Alex: Hi Sarah, do you have a minute? I wanted to share an idea for the upcoming company team-building event.
Sarah: Sure, Alex. We are definitely looking for fresh ideas. What are you thinking?
Alex: Instead of our usual indoor training workshops, how about something more adventurous? I was thinking about white-water rafting on the mountain river.
Sarah: Rafting? That sounds a bit extreme. Do you think everyone would be comfortable with that?
Alex: I understand the concern, but it’s actually perfect for building trust and communication. You have to work together to navigate the rough water. Plus, we’d hire professional guides to make sure it’s completely safe.
Sarah: That’s a fair point. It would definitely be memorable. But I have to look at the numbers. What kind of cost are we looking at per person?
Alex: I haven’t got the final quotes yet. Before I contact the travel agencies, I wanted to ask: what is our maximum financial limit for this trip?
Sarah: We have around three thousand dollars in total. Why don’t you get some exact prices, and we can review them on Friday?
Listening 2
Listen to the job interview at a summer surf camp. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What makes Maya a suitable candidate for the water activities?
(A) She has worked as a professional surfing teacher for three years.
(B) She used to race for her school’s aquatic group.
(C) She recently won a national surfing competition.
2 How did Maya gain experience working with younger people?
(A) By helping younger students with their academic subjects.
(B) By organizing summer sports events for middle schoolers.
(C) By taking care of her younger brothers and sisters at home.
3 What does the director want to know about Maya’s safety qualifications?
(A) If she knows how to rescue people from a sinking boat.
(B) If she is planning to take a life support class next month.
(C) If she possesses up-to-date emergency health paperwork.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Maya says, “I was actually on my high school’s competitive swimming team.” “Race for an aquatic group” is a paraphrase of being on a competitive swimming team.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; she mentions “surfing for about three years,” but she never says she was a professional teacher. Option C is plausible for a surfer, but it is not mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Maya explains she spent last summer “tutoring middle school students in math.” Tutoring in math perfectly matches “helping younger students with their academic subjects.”
- Why the traps are wrong: Option B is a trap; it uses the words “summer” and “middle school” from the audio, but she taught math, not sports events. Option C is never mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Mr. Evans asks if she holds “any current medical training documents.” Maya answers that she has a “valid certificate” for emergencies. This matches option C (“up-to-date emergency health paperwork”).
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is not mentioned. Option B is a trap; the audio mentions “last month” (when she completed the course), but option B says “next month.”
AUDIO SCRIPT
Mr. Evans: Thanks for coming in, Maya. We’re looking for enthusiastic assistants for our teen surf camp this summer. Let’s start with your water skills.
Maya: Well, I’ve been surfing for about three years. And of course, I am highly confident in the ocean. I was actually on my high school’s competitive swimming team.
Mr. Evans: That’s excellent. The ocean can be unpredictable, so strong swimmers are essential. Now, a major part of this role is dealing with our younger guests. Do you have any background in that area?
Maya: Yes. Last year, I spent the summer tutoring middle school students in math. So, I am quite used to keeping teenagers focused and entertained.
Mr. Evans: Good. Finally, safety is our top priority. Do you hold any current medical training documents?
Maya: I do. I completed a basic life support course last month, so I have a valid certificate for dealing with minor injuries and emergencies.
Mr. Evans: Perfect. I think you’d be a great fit for the team. Let me show you the facility.
Listening 3
Listen to the conversation during a university sports club meeting. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is the main purpose of Liam’s speech at the meeting?
(A) To collect money from members to buy new climbing equipment.
(B) To discuss essential security measures for an upcoming trip.
(C) To cancel the canyon adventure due to careless behavior last semester.
2 According to Liam, when are the students required to wear helmets?
(A) Only when they are actively climbing up the rock wall.
(B) During the entire bus ride from the campus to the canyon.
(C) Whenever they are close to the rocky areas, even at the bottom.
3 What must members do before they begin their climb?
(A) Have another person inspect their climbing harness.
(B) Ask a professional guide to show them the safest route.
(C) Sign a legal document promising to follow the club’s rules.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Liam says he needs to “talk about safety protocols” for the trip “next weekend.” “Security measures” is a paraphrase for safety protocols, and “upcoming trip” matches next weekend.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; Chloe asks about equipment, but Liam says they already have enough gear (they aren’t collecting money). Option C is a trap; “careless behavior last semester” is mentioned, but the current trip is NOT canceled.
2 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Liam states that “protective headgear” (helmets) must be worn “when you are near the cliffs.” When Ben asks if they need them while “just taking photos at the bottom,” Liam says “Exactly.” This matches option C.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is exactly what Ben thought, but Liam corrects him (falling rocks can happen anywhere). Option B is not mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Liam says, “you must have a partner examine your safety straps.” Chloe adds, “We check each other’s equipment.” Option A perfectly paraphrases this: another person (partner) inspects (examines) their climbing harness (safety straps).
- Why the traps are wrong: Options B and C are very logical and common rules in real life, but they are never mentioned in the audio script.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Liam (President): Alright everyone, let’s get started. As you know, our university extreme sports club is heading to the canyon next weekend for some outdoor rock climbing.
Chloe (Member 1): I’m so excited! Are we providing all the equipment, Liam?
Liam: Yes, Chloe. The club has enough gear for everyone. But listen carefully, because I need to talk about safety protocols. Last semester, a few people were careless. This time, there are zero exceptions. First, protective headgear must be worn at all times when you are near the cliffs.
Ben (Member 2): Even if we are just taking photos at the bottom and not climbing?
Liam: Exactly, Ben. Falling rocks can happen anywhere. Secondly, before anyone starts going up the wall, you must have a partner examine your safety straps. We never climb without a double-check.
Chloe: Makes sense. We check each other’s equipment to be sure it’s completely secure.
Liam: Right. If anyone fails to follow these two rules, they will be sent back to the campus immediately. We want to have an amazing adventure, but our top priority is keeping everyone alive.
Listening 4
Listen to the conversation between an event organizer and a shop owner. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is Mike asking Mr. Davis to do?
(A) To donate physical items to reward the top competitors.
(B) To give money to help build a new skate park downtown.
(C) To register as a judge for the upcoming skateboarding tournament.
2 Who is the expected audience for the competition?
(A) Professional athletes from different cities.
(B) Mostly younger people from the local area.
(C) Local business owners and their families.
3 How will the sports shop benefit from this agreement?
(A) They will be allowed to sell their products inside the park.
(B) They will receive a percentage of the event’s ticket sales.
(C) They will get public recognition and visual advertising.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Mike says, “We are hoping your shop could provide some of your products… to use as prizes for the winners.” Option A perfectly paraphrases this: “donate physical items” (provide products) to “reward the top competitors” (prizes for the winners).
- Why the traps are wrong: Option B is a trap; Mr. Davis asks about a “financial contribution” (money), but Mike explicitly says “Not exactly cash.” Option C is plausible, but Mike is asking for sponsorships, not judges.
2 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Mike mentions that they expect a “huge crowd of teenagers and young adults to come and watch.” Option B matches this by saying “mostly younger people.”
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is not mentioned; the participants are local skaters, not professionals from other cities. Option C is a trap; Mike is talking to a local business owner, but the audience watching the event is teenagers.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Mike promises to print the shop’s “logo on all our promotional posters” (visual advertising) and make “public announcements” (public recognition).
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a very common real-world sponsorship benefit, but it is never mentioned in the audio. Option B is also a trap; the conversation is about trading products for marketing, not sharing money/ticket sales.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Mike: Hi, Mr. Davis. Do you have a moment? I’m Mike, the lead organizer of the City Street Skate Tournament happening next month.
Mr. Davis: Oh, hi Mike. I’ve heard about it. It’s taking place at the downtown park, right?
Mike: Exactly. We already have over fifty skaters registered, and we expect a huge crowd of teenagers and young adults to come and watch. I’m here today because we are looking for local businesses to support the event.
Mr. Davis: What kind of support are you looking for? Are you asking for a financial contribution?
Mike: Not exactly cash. We are hoping your shop could provide some of your products—like skateboards, safety helmets, or even clothing—to use as prizes for the winners.
Mr. Davis: I see. And what would my business get in return?
Mike: We will print your company’s logo on all our promotional posters and make several public announcements about your store during the competition. It’s an excellent way to market your brand directly to your target customers.
Mr. Davis: That sounds like a fair deal. Let me check my inventory first, and I’ll call you by Friday to confirm what we can give.
Mike: Fantastic! Thank you for your time, Mr. Davis.
Listening 5
Listen to the telephone conversation between a project manager and an insurance agent. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why is David calling the insurance agency?
(A) To report a medical emergency during a recent mountain trip.
(B) To arrange financial protection for his staff’s upcoming vacation.
(C) To complain about a delayed flight and lost company luggage.
2 What is the limitation of the standard travel policy?
(A) It does not provide compensation for extreme sports accidents.
(B) It only covers medical costs if the group is smaller than fifteen people.
(C) It is too expensive for a normal company team-building event.
3 What does David decide to do at the end of the conversation?
(A) Ask his boss to cancel the skiing activity to save twenty dollars.
(B) Buy the basic package because it is completely enough for their needs.
(C) Request more written information about the upgraded insurance option.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: David says, “We want to purchase travel insurance for fifteen employees.” “Arrange financial protection” is a paraphrase of purchasing insurance, and “staff” is a synonym for employees.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; the audio mentions “medical emergencies” and “mountains”, but the trip is happening “next month” (not recent), and no one is hurt yet. Option C is a trap using the exact words “flight delays” and “lost luggage” from the audio, but those are just features of the policy, not his reason for calling.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The agent states that the standard policy “strictly excludes extreme activities.” This means it does not provide compensation (pay) for injuries caused by sports like skiing or snowboarding.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option B is a plausible rule, but the number fifteen is just the size of David’s team, not an insurance limit. Option C is a trap; the standard plan’s cost isn’t complained about; David actually says the extra money for the premium plan is “worth the extra cost”.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: David asks the agent to “email me the details of that premium plan”. Requesting “written information” matches asking for an email, and “upgraded insurance option” matches the premium plan.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap using the words “boss” and “twenty dollars”, but David thinks the safety is worth the money, so he isn’t canceling the trip. Option B is incorrect because he explicitly learns the basic package is NOT enough for skiing.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Agent: Good morning, Secure Travel Insurance. This is Lisa speaking. How can I help you?
David: Hi Lisa, my name is David. I’m calling because my company is organizing a winter team-building trip to the mountains next month. We want to purchase travel insurance for fifteen employees.
Agent: That sounds like a wonderful trip! Our standard group policy covers flight delays, lost luggage, and basic medical emergencies.
David: That’s good, but I have a specific question. Our team plans to go skiing and snowboarding during the weekend. Does the standard package pay for injuries caused by winter sports?
Agent: Ah, I’m glad you asked. No, it doesn’t. Our standard policy strictly excludes extreme activities. If you want coverage for skiing, you will need to upgrade to our “Premium Adventure” plan. It costs an extra twenty dollars per person, but it fully protects you in case of mountain accidents.
David: I see. It’s definitely worth the extra cost to keep everyone safe. Could you email me the details of that premium plan so I can show my boss?
Agent: Of course, David. I will send that over right away.