Extreme Sports – B1 English Listening Exercise
Listening 1
Listen to the telephone conversation between a customer and a skydiving center receptionist. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 How can the customer get a video of the skydiving experience?
(A) By holding his own personal device during the flight.
(B) By paying extra money for an expert to film the jump.
(C) By asking the instructor to record it for free.
2 Why does the center have a strict weight limit for participants?
(A) To guarantee that the parachuting gear works properly.
(B) Because heavy individuals are charged a much higher price.
(C) To make the airplane flight more comfortable for the staff.
3 What do we learn about the customer’s brother?
(A) He needs to lose ten kilograms before his birthday next weekend.
(B) He is currently too heavy to participate in the extreme activity.
(C) His body weight is acceptable under the company’s safety rules.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Sarah explains that they can “hire a professional cameraman” for an “additional fifty dollars.” Option B perfectly paraphrases this: paying extra money for an expert to film.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is exactly what Tom asks to do, but Sarah explicitly says personal devices are “strictly prohibited” (The Trap). Option C is a plausible guess in real life, but it is never mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Sarah states that the limit exists “to ensure the safety gear operates correctly.” Option A uses synonyms: “guarantee” (ensure) and “works properly” (operates correctly).
- Why the traps are wrong: Options B and C are plausible reasons a company might have weight rules, but they are completely made up and not mentioned in the audio script.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: The limit is 100 kilograms. Tom says his brother is “around ninety kilograms, so that shouldn’t be an issue.” Therefore, his weight is acceptable under the rules.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a math trap; 100 minus 90 is 10, but he doesn’t need to lose weight because he is already under the limit. Option B is a trap using the words “heavily built” from the audio, but his actual weight (90kg) is safe.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Sarah: Blue Sky Parachuting, Sarah speaking. How can I help you?
Tom: Hi, I’m interested in booking a tandem jump for my brother’s birthday next weekend. Could you tell me how much it costs?
Sarah: Certainly. Our basic package is two hundred dollars per person. That includes the ground training session and all the necessary equipment.
Tom: Great. Also, we really want to capture the experience. Are we allowed to hold our own cameras or phones during the fall?
Sarah: For safety reasons, personal devices are strictly prohibited in the air. However, you can hire a professional cameraman to jump alongside you. It’s an additional fifty dollars, and you’ll get a fully edited video.
Tom: That sounds perfect. One last thing, my brother is quite tall and heavily built. Is there any restriction I should know about?
Sarah: Yes. To ensure the safety gear operates correctly, participants cannot exceed one hundred kilograms. If he is over that limit, unfortunately, he won’t be permitted to jump.
Tom: Oh, he’s around ninety kilograms, so that shouldn’t be an issue. I’ll call back later this afternoon to confirm the booking.
Listening 2
Listen to the conversation between a tourist and a dive shop employee. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What must the customer do before discussing the equipment?
(A) Pay a thirty-dollar deposit for the afternoon trip.
(B) Prove that he is officially trained and allowed to dive.
(C) Sign a medical document about his physical health.
2 Which piece of equipment does the customer ALREADY have with him?
(A) The gear used to see clearly underwater.
(B) The metal tanks filled with breathing air.
(C) The special clothing designed to keep his body warm.
3 Why does the staff member offer a different type of wetsuit?
(A) Because the customer asked for maximum protection against the cold.
(B) Because the thicker suits are currently cheaper to rent.
(C) Because the standard version in his size is no longer available.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: The staff member says, “I need to see your official diving license,” and the customer shows his “open water certification card.” Option B paraphrases this: “Prove that he is officially trained.”
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; thirty dollars is the rental cost mentioned at the end, not an initial deposit. Option C is a logical real-world requirement for diving, but it is never mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The customer says, “I actually brought my own face mask from home.” A “face mask” is exactly “the gear used to see clearly underwater.”
- Why the traps are wrong: Option B is a trap; the audio mentions “air tanks,” but the staff says they are “already loaded on the boat.” Option C is the wetsuit, which the customer specifically needs to rent.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: The staff says, “we are completely out of our regular medium wetsuits today.” “Completely out of” and “regular” match option C: “the standard version in his size is no longer available.”
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; the thicker suit will keep him warmer, but he didn’t ask for it initially—it was offered because the regular one was out of stock. Option B is not mentioned at all (pricing difference between suits is not discussed).
AUDIO SCRIPT
Customer: Hi there. I’m hoping to join the afternoon boat dive, and I need to rent some gear.
Staff: Great! Welcome to Ocean Blue Diving. Before we sort out the equipment, I need to see your official diving license.
Customer: Oh, sure. Here’s my open water certification card.
Staff: Perfect, everything looks valid. The air tanks and heavy weights are already loaded on the boat. What else do you require?
Customer: Well, I actually brought my own face mask from home, but I definitely need a wetsuit and some fins. I take a size 42 for the feet, and a medium for the suit.
Staff: Let me check the back room… Ah, I’m sorry, we are completely out of our regular medium wetsuits today. However, I can offer you a slightly thicker one in a medium. It will actually keep you much warmer in the cold ocean.
Customer: That works out perfectly, to be honest. I tend to freeze easily anyway. How much is the total cost?
Staff: It’ll be thirty dollars for the rental items. I’ll grab those for you right now.
Listening 3
Listen to the conversation between a skier and a ski patrol member. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is the skier’s main problem at the beginning of the conversation?
(A) He injured his leg while riding on the intermediate trail.
(B) He got lost and needs to find the easiest skiing area.
(C) He dropped his trail map while riding the ski lift.
2 Where is the nearest restaurant located?
(A) Right next to the tall pine trees on the blue trail.
(B) Inside the main rescue center at the top of the mountain.
(C) At the end of the beginner slope, inside a wooden structure.
3 What does the ski patrol remind the skier to do at the lodge?
(A) To remove his physical equipment before entering the building.
(B) To pay for his hot meals and soups using cash only.
(C) To wait outside until a staff member calls his name.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: The skier says, “I think I took the wrong turn. I’m looking for the beginner slope.” “Took the wrong turn” means he got lost, and the “beginner slope” is the easiest skiing area.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; the patrol mentions he is on the trail for “intermediate skiers,” but the skier never says he is injured. Option C is a plausible real-world situation, but dropping a map is never mentioned.
2 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: The patrol says the Alpine Lodge (restaurant) is at “the bottom of the green run” and is a “large wooden building.” “Bottom” matches the “end” of the slope, and “green run” is the beginner slope.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; the “tall pine trees” are where the skier needs to turn left, not where the restaurant is. Option B is not mentioned in the audio.
3 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The skier asks if he should “take off my skis,” and the patrol confirms he must leave “all your winter sports gear” outside. Option A perfectly paraphrases this as removing his “physical equipment” before entering.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option B is a trap; the audio mentions “hot meals and soups,” but there is no discussion about how to pay for them (cash). Option C is not mentioned at all.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Skier: Excuse me! Could you help me? I think I took the wrong turn. I’m looking for the beginner slope.
Patrol: Sure thing. You are currently on the blue trail, which is designed for intermediate skiers. To get to the green run, you need to go straight down this path and take the first left near those tall pine trees.
Skier: Straight down and first left. Got it. Thank you. Also, my friends and I are starving. Is there a place to grab some lunch around here?
Patrol: Yes, absolutely. Once you reach the bottom of the green run, you’ll see a large wooden building on your right. That’s the Alpine Lodge. They serve excellent hot meals and soups.
Skier: Oh, that sounds perfect to warm up. Should I take off my skis before going inside?
Patrol: Yes, it’s a strict rule. You must leave all your winter sports gear on the racks outside the entrance.
Skier: Understood. Thanks for your help! Have a good day.
Listening 4
Listen to the conversation between a customer and a theme park staff member. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why does the customer hesitate to sign the document at first?
(A) He refuses to wear the heavy safety equipment provided by the park.
(B) He is suffering from a serious illness and is worried about the danger.
(C) He wants to clarify the meaning of a specific health-related word.
2 According to the staff, why is the health rule necessary?
(A) Because the extreme rides can make a person’s heart beat very fast.
(B) Because the park’s insurance company will not pay for any injuries.
(C) Because the local hospital is located too far away from the adventure park.
3 What does the customer do at the end of the conversation?
(A) He decides to cancel his ticket and leave the adventure park immediately.
(B) He successfully finishes filling out the mandatory legal paperwork.
(C) He asks to call a medical doctor before going on the giant swing.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: The customer asks, “What exactly does that mean?” because he “wasn’t completely sure about the medical vocabulary.” This perfectly matches option C: clarifying the meaning of a specific health-related word.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; he explicitly says, “I completely understand the part about wearing safety gear.” Option B is a trap; the audio mentions “heart disease,” but the customer says he doesn’t have any (“my heart is perfectly healthy”).
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The staff explains that the intense activities “cause a sudden increase in your heart rate.” An increase in heart rate means making a person’s heart beat very fast.
- Why the traps are wrong: Options B and C are very logical and common real-world reasons for waivers and health rules, but they are completely made up and never mentioned in the audio script.
3 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: After getting his answer, the customer says, “Here is my signature.” Providing a signature means he finishes filling out the mandatory legal paperwork (the waiver).
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is incorrect because he signs the paper to enter the park, he doesn’t leave. Option C is a trap using the words “doctor/medical” and “giant swing” from the context, but he never asks to call a doctor.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Staff: Here is the liability waiver, sir. You need to read it carefully and sign at the bottom before you can enter the adventure park.
Customer: Okay, let me see… I completely understand the part about wearing safety gear. But I have a question about section three. It says participants must not have any “cardiovascular conditions.” What exactly does that mean?
Staff: That refers to any serious heart problems or high blood pressure. Some of our activities, like the giant swing and the bungee drop, are very intense and cause a sudden increase in your heart rate. It could be quite dangerous for someone with a weak heart.
Customer: Oh, I see. Well, I don’t have any heart disease; my heart is perfectly healthy. I just wasn’t completely sure about the medical vocabulary.
Staff: No problem at all! It’s always better to ask and be safe. Do you have any other questions regarding the document?
Customer: No, that was the only thing. Everything else makes perfect sense. Here is my signature.
Staff: Thank you very much. Enjoy your time at the park!
Listening 5
Listen to the conversation between a customer and a sales assistant in a sports shop. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why does the customer need to buy new shoes?
(A) His current athletic footwear does not provide enough traction.
(B) He wants to participate in an outdoor running competition.
(C) His old climbing shoes are completely broken and torn.
2 What is the customer’s requirement regarding the price?
(A) He is willing to pay over two hundred dollars for high quality.
(B) He wants to buy the cheapest option available in the store.
(C) He is looking for something that is reasonably priced.
3 What is a special feature of the shoes suggested by the assistant?
(A) They are manufactured by the most famous professional brand.
(B) Their bottom material helps the climber hold onto the wall securely.
(C) They come with a free training session for new gym members.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The customer says, “I tried using my running sneakers last week, and I kept slipping off the wall.” “Athletic footwear” is a paraphrase for running sneakers, and “does not provide enough traction” means he kept slipping.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option B is a trap using the word “running” from the audio, but he is doing rock climbing, not a running competition. Option C is a plausible reason to buy shoes, but he explicitly says he is looking for his “very first pair,” meaning he doesn’t have old climbing shoes.
2 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: The customer says, “I don’t want to spend a fortune,” and when hearing the $85 price, he says, “That’s right in the middle of my budget. Not too cheap, but not too pricey.” This means he wants something “reasonably priced”.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap using the “two hundred dollars” mentioned by the assistant, but the assistant says he doesn’t need those. Option B is a trap because he explicitly states he does not want something “too cheap.”
3 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: The assistant mentions the shoes have “flat rubber soles for maximum friction.” “Bottom material” is a synonym for soles, and providing friction means it “helps the climber hold onto the wall securely.”
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap using the word “professional” from the audio, but the shoes being recommended are specifically for “new climbers” (beginners), not professionals. Option C is a plausible real-world promotion, but free training is never mentioned in the script.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Customer: Hi, I’m hoping you can help me out. I just joined an indoor rock climbing gym, and I need to buy my very first pair of shoes.
Assistant: Welcome! It’s an amazing sport. Since you’re just starting out, you definitely want something comfortable but with excellent grip for stepping on small rocks.
Customer: Exactly. I tried using my running sneakers last week, and I kept slipping off the wall. So, I need a sole that really sticks. But, um… I don’t want to spend a fortune either. What do you recommend for a beginner?
Assistant: I see. We do have professional shoes that cost over two hundred dollars, but you certainly don’t need those yet. Let’s look at this pair from the ‘Summit’ brand. They are designed specifically for new climbers. They have flat rubber soles for maximum friction, and they are priced at eighty-five dollars.
Customer: Eighty-five? That’s right in the middle of my budget. Not too cheap, but not too pricey. Do you happen to have a size 9 I could try on?
Assistant: Let me check the back room for you. Have a seat right here.