Extreme Sports – B1 English Listening Exercise
Listening 1
Listen to the conversation between two trail runners. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 How did Mia injure herself during the run?
(A) She dropped a heavy backpack on her foot.
(B) She fell over a piece of wood on the ground.
(C) She was hit by a falling rock from the mountain.
2 How does Mia describe her current physical condition?
(A) She experiences intense pain if she tries to stand on her foot.
(B) She feels a mild, dull ache but can still walk slowly.
(C) Her ankle is bleeding heavily inside her running shoe.
3 What do they finally decide to do to solve the problem?
(A) To walk five kilometers to the nearest main road together.
(B) To use the first-aid kit to fix the ankle and continue running.
(C) To stay in their current location and contact the authorities.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Mia says, “I tripped over a tree root.” A “tree root” is a piece of wood on the ground, and “tripped over” means she fell over it.
- Why the traps are wrong: Options A and C are plausible accidents in extreme sports, but they are never mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Mia states, “It’s a really sharp pain when I try to put any weight on it. I can’t even stand up.” “Sharp pain” is intense pain, and “put any weight on it” means trying to stand on her foot.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option B is a trap; Jake asks if it is a “dull ache” and if she can “walk slowly,” but Mia says no. Option C is a trap; she says it is “swelling up” (getting bigger/inflamed), not bleeding.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Jake says, “Let’s sit right here… I’m going to… call the park rangers for emergency help.” “Sit right here” means staying in their current location, and “park rangers” are the authorities.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; Jake mentions they are “five kilometers away from the main road,” but Mia cannot walk that far. Option B is a trap; Jake mentions having a “first-aid kit,” but they decide not to walk or continue running.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Mia: Ow! Ouch… stop, Jake, stop!
Jake: Mia! Are you okay? What happened?
Mia: I tripped over a tree root. I think I twisted my left ankle. It hurts so much.
Jake: Let me see. Don’t move it. Is the pain sharp or just a dull ache?
Mia: It’s a really sharp pain when I try to put any weight on it. I can’t even stand up.
Jake: Alright, don’t panic. We are about five kilometers away from the main road. Do you think you can walk slowly if you lean on my shoulder?
Mia: Honestly, no. It feels like it’s swelling up quickly inside my shoe. I don’t want to make it worse.
Jake: Okay, we shouldn’t risk it. We have enough drinking water and a first-aid kit. Let’s sit right here under this tree. I’m going to take out my phone and call the park rangers for emergency help.
Mia: Thanks, Jake. I’m sorry for ruining our weekend run.
Jake: Don’t be silly. Your safety is the priority right now.
Listening 2
Listen to the conversation between a customer and a bungee jumping instructor. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is the main reason Emma decides not to jump?
(A) She believes the safety equipment is not securely attached.
(B) She is suffering from an intense fear of the height.
(C) She feels sick because the wind on the bridge is too strong.
2 How does the instructor initially respond when Emma wants to quit?
(A) He gets annoyed because she is wasting his time.
(B) He tries to physically push her off the edge of the bridge.
(C) He offers her a little extra time to relax before deciding.
3 What happens at the end of the conversation?
(A) They remove the safety gear and return to a safe area.
(B) Emma agrees to jump after resting for five minutes.
(C) Emma decides to jump together with the instructor.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Emma says, “looking down at the river is making my head spin” and she is having a “panic attack.” Jake also mentions she is reacting to the “extreme height.” This perfectly matches option B: an intense fear of the height.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; Jake mentions the “safety equipment,” but Emma explicitly trusts it (“I know you do [have the best equipment]”). Option C is plausible because it’s outdoors, but she doesn’t mention the wind making her sick.
2 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: When Emma says she wants to go back, Jake says, “I can give you five more minutes to calm down and breathe if you want.” This means he offers her extra time to relax.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; Emma apologizes for “wasting your time,” but Jake is not annoyed (he says “Don’t apologize!”). Option B is a plausible fear in extreme sports, but it never happens in the audio.
3 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Emma says, “Please take this harness off me,” and Jake agrees: “Let’s get you unhooked and walk back to the solid ground.” “Unhooked” means removing the safety gear, and “solid ground” is a safe area.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option B is a trap using the “five minutes” mentioned earlier, but Emma explicitly rejects that offer (“No, I’ve made up my mind”). Option C is a real type of jump (tandem jump), but it is not mentioned here.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Jake: Alright, Emma. You are all strapped in. The safety checks are complete. Whenever you are ready, just take a deep breath and step off the edge.
Emma: I… I can’t do it. Oh my gosh, looking down at the river is making my head spin. My legs are shaking too much.
Jake: Hey, look at me. It’s completely normal to feel terrified right now. Your body is just reacting to the extreme height. We have the best safety equipment here.
Emma: I know you do, but I really can’t. I’m having a panic attack. I thought I was brave enough for this, but I’m clearly not. I want to go back.
Jake: Are you absolutely sure? I can give you five more minutes to calm down and breathe if you want. No pressure at all.
Emma: No, I’ve made up my mind. I’m so sorry for wasting your time. Please take this harness off me.
Jake: Don’t apologize! Extreme sports aren’t for everyone, and it’s better to be honest with yourself. Let’s get you unhooked and walk back to the solid ground.
Listening 3
Listen to the conversation between a skier and a ski lift operator. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why is the skier talking to the lift operator?
(A) He wants to complain about the slippery seats on the chairlift.
(B) He lost a piece of his skiing equipment on the way up.
(C) He needs medical help after falling down near a metal tower.
2 Where exactly is the missing item located?
(A) In the middle of the mountain, under a numbered structure.
(B) At the very bottom of the red path, next to the warning signs.
(C) Inside the operator’s office at the top of the ski resort.
3 What is the operator’s most important safety instruction?
(A) To wait for a rescue team to bring the item back to him.
(B) To hold onto the chairlift tightly with both hands next time.
(C) To never slide down the snow directly below the lift system.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: The skier says, “I accidentally dropped one of my ski poles into the snow.” A ski pole is a “piece of skiing equipment,” and dropping it means he “lost” it.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; he says his “glove was slippery,” not the seats. Option C is a trap; the audio mentions “falling” (it fell) and a “metal tower,” but the skier himself did not fall and does not need medical help.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The skier says it fell “halfway up the mountain, right below the tall metal tower marked with the number four.” “Halfway up” matches “in the middle,” and a tower marked with a number is a “numbered structure.”
- Why the traps are wrong: Option B is incorrect because he needs to use the red path to reach the tower, but the pole is not at the “very bottom” of it. Option C is never mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: The operator warns that “It is strictly forbidden to ski directly underneath the moving chairs.” This perfectly paraphrases option C: “never slide down the snow directly below the lift system.”
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a logical real-world action, but the operator tells the skier to go get it himself, not to wait for a rescue team. Option B is good advice, but it is not the safety instruction mentioned in this conversation.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Skier: Excuse me, sir! I have a bit of a problem. I was riding the chairlift just now, and my glove was slippery. I accidentally dropped one of my ski poles into the snow.
Operator: Oh, don’t worry, that happens quite often. Did you see exactly where it fell?
Skier: Yes, it was about halfway up the mountain, right below the tall metal tower marked with the number four. Is there any way I can go back down and pick it up?
Operator: You can, but you must be very careful. It is strictly forbidden to ski directly underneath the moving chairs. That is a dangerous closed zone.
Skier: I understand. So how do I reach it safely?
Operator: You need to ski down the regular red path first. When you are close to tower four, you must take off your skis and walk across the snow to grab it. Do not slide in there.
Skier: Okay, ski down the red path, take my skis off, and walk across. Thank you for the instructions!
Listening 4
Listen to the conversation between two friends kayaking. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 How do the friends realize that the weather is changing?
(A) They hear loud thunder and see a flash of light over the mountains.
(B) They receive an urgent storm warning on their mobile phones.
(C) They spot dark shapes in the sky and feel the air getting colder.
2 Why do they decide to head back to the beach immediately?
(A) Because sitting in an uncovered vessel during an electric storm is very dangerous.
(B) Because they have been rowing for an hour and are feeling too exhausted.
(C) Because the strong wind is starting to push their boat toward the rocks.
3 What is their immediate action plan?
(A) To wait near the mountains until the bad weather completely passes by.
(B) To row quickly toward a specific building on the coast to hide from the ra
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Alex points out the “grey clouds” (dark shapes in the sky), and Sam notices that “the temperature just dropped” (the air getting colder). Option C perfectly paraphrases these observations.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; the audio mentions a “thunderstorm” and “lightning”, but those are things they are afraid will happen soon, not what they are seeing/hearing right now. Option B is a plausible real-world warning, but it is never mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Alex states, “We can’t stay out here in an open boat if there’s lightning.” Option A uses synonyms: “uncovered vessel” (open boat) and “electric storm” (lightning).
- Why the traps are wrong: Option B is a trap; Sam mentions they have been paddling for “about an hour,” but exhaustion is not the reason they turn back. Option C is a trap; the wind is mentioned, but there is no mention of being pushed toward rocks.
3 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Sam says, “Let’s paddle as hard as we can toward that white boathouse on the shore. It’s the closest shelter.” Option B paraphrases this: row quickly (paddle hard) toward a specific building (white boathouse) on the coast (shore) to hide (shelter).
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap using the word “mountains” from the audio, but they are trying to get away from the storm, not wait near the mountains. Option C is a good survival tactic, but it is not mentioned in the conversation.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Alex: This is amazing! The water is so calm today. How far out are we?
Sam: We’ve been paddling for about an hour. We must be a couple of kilometers away from the beach.
Alex: Wait, Sam, look behind you. Over the mountains. Those grey clouds are moving in really fast.
Sam: Oh no. You’re right. And do you feel that? The temperature just dropped suddenly, and the breeze is getting much stronger. I think a thunderstorm is coming.
Alex: We can’t stay out here in an open boat if there’s lightning. We need to turn around right now.
Sam: Agreed. Let’s paddle as hard as we can toward that white boathouse on the shore. It’s the closest shelter.
Alex: Okay, keep your rhythm steady! One, two, paddle! We have to beat the heavy rain.
Sam: Don’t panic, Alex. Just keep rowing. We’ll be safe if we work together.
Listening 5
Listen to the conversation between a customer and a rental shop owner. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is the initial conflict between the two speakers?
(A) The customer is unhappy because the rental price is too high.
(B) The owner wants to make the customer pay for a broken item.
(C) The customer wants a full refund because the ocean waves were bad.
2 How does the customer defend himself?
(A) He claims the equipment was already flawed before he started surfing.
(B) He proves that another surfer crashed into his board in the water.
(C) He admits he made a mistake but refuses to pay the penalty.
3 Why does the owner finally agree not to penalize the customer?
(A) Because the customer promises to buy a brand new board.
(B) Because she feels sorry that his surfing trip was ruined.
(C) Because the physical evidence shows the damage is not recent.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: The owner sees the crack and says, “I’m afraid I have to charge you a damage fee for this.” This means she wants to make him pay (charge a fee) for a broken item (the cracked surfboard).
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is a trap; money is discussed, but it’s a penalty fee, not the regular rental price. Option C is a plausible complaint at a surf shop, but it is not mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Mark says, “It was already damaged when I picked it up… before I even got into the ocean.” Option A perfectly paraphrases this: the equipment was already flawed (damaged) before he started surfing.
- Why the traps are wrong: Option B is a trap because crashes happen in extreme sports, but nobody crashed into him. Option C is incorrect; he does NOT admit he made a mistake (he says “I didn’t do it”).
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Sarah looks closely and says, “it does look pretty old” and “The saltwater has completely dried deep inside.” This physical evidence proves the damage happened a long time ago (is not recent).
- Why the traps are wrong: Option A is not mentioned; Mark doesn’t buy a new board. Option B is a trap; Sarah is understanding, but her decision is based on seeing the old crack, not out of pity for his trip.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Mark: Excuse me. I need to return this surfboard I rented this morning. But, um… there’s a bit of a problem.
Sarah: Oh? Let me have a look. Wow, there is a huge crack right down the middle. I’m afraid I have to charge you a damage fee for this. It’s in our rental policy.
Mark: Wait, that’s not fair! I didn’t do it. It was already damaged when I picked it up from your rack.
Sarah: Really? We usually inspect all our equipment carefully before handing it out. Did you accidentally hit a hidden rock while you were riding a wave?
Mark: No, I swear! I noticed the mark as soon as I walked down to the sand, before I even got into the ocean. I should have come back to tell you immediately, but I thought it was just a deep scratch on the paint, not a real break.
Sarah: Hmm… Well, let me look closely at the board. You know what, it does look pretty old. The saltwater has completely dried deep inside the crack. Okay, I won’t fine you today. But please, always report things like this before you leave the shop next time.
Mark: I definitely will. Thank you so much for understanding.