I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

Think of five important steps to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Write them down and look up information on the Internet to support these ideas.

HELPFUL TIP: Getting plenty of exercise, having regular health checkups, and eating right are good ways to remain in good physical condition.

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

I. Listen to the conversation by pressing the “Play Audio” button of the audio type you want to hear, and answer the questions. Press the “Final Score” button to check your quiz.

1. What does the man want to do?

A. play basketball with friends from work

B. try out for the company baseball team

C. get in shape and compete in a cycling race
2. What is the woman’s main concern?

A. She is worried her husband will spend too much time away from home.

B. She is afraid her husband will become a fitness freak.

C. She is concerned about her husband’s health.

3. What is the woman’s first suggestion to her husband?

A. He should see a doctor.

B. Her husband should start with a light workout.

C. Her husband needs to visit a fitness trainer.

4. What does the woman advise about the man’s diet?

A. He should consume less salt.

B. He should eat less fatty foods.

C. He should add more protein products to his diet.

5. Why does the man’s wife recommend cycling?

A. It is good for improving muscle tone.

B. It helps strengthen the heart.

C. It helps develop mental toughness.


Score =

Correct answers:


Man: Honey, the basketball game is about to start. And could you bring some chips and a bowl of ice cream? And . . . uh . . . a slice of pizza from the fridge.
Woman: Anything else?

Man:Nope, that’s all for now. Hey, hon, you know, they’re organizing a company basketball team, and I’m thinking about joining. What do you think?

Woman: Humph

Man: “Humph” What do you mean “Humph.” I was the star player in high school.

Woman: Yeah, twenty-five years ago. Look, I just don’t want you having a heart attack running up and down the court.

Man:So, what are you suggesting? Should I just abandon the idea? I’m not that out of shape.

Woman: Well . . . you ought to at least have a physical before you begin. I mean, it HAS been at least five years since you played at all.

Man:Well, okay, but . . .

Woman: And you need to watch your diet and cut back on the fatty foods, like ice cream. And you should try eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Man: Yeah, you’re probably right.

Woman: And you should take up a little weight training to strengthen your muscles or perhaps try cycling to build up your cardiovascular system. Oh, and you need to go to bed early instead of watching TV half the night.

Man: Hey, you’re starting to sound like my personal fitness instructor!

Woman: No, I just love you, and I want you to be around for a long, long time.

Key Vocabulary [Top]

  • fridge (noun): short for “refrigerator”
    – I think we need to buy a new fridge. The old one just doesn’t cool properly.
  • hon (pronoun): short for “honey”
    – Hon. Could you wake me up early tomorrow morning?
  • Humph: a word showing disbelief
    – Humph. There’s no way you can lift all that weight!
  • abandon (verb): in this case, “give up” the idea
    – They had to abandon the plan to build a house due to a financial crisis.
  • out of shape (idiom): in poor physical condition
    – I have to start exercising because I’m so out of shape.
  • physical (noun): a medical examination
    – She had to have a physical before she joined the track team.
  • cut back on (phrasal verb): to reduce
    – I have to cut back on the fatty foods I’ve been eating.
  • take up (phrasal verb): begin or start
    – He has decided to take up cooking in his spare time.
  • cardiovascular system (noun): your body`s blood circulation system including your heart, veins, and arteries
    – Running at least 30 minutes a day helps improve your cardiovascular system.

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