CEPT Practice B1 Level Extended Listening about an interview with a champion gymnast

 

You will hear an interview with a champion gymnast called Maria Anderson. For each question, choose the correct answer A, B or C.

1 Maria decided to take up gymnastics

A at a gymnastics competition.

B in a sports lesson at the school.

C when she read a book about a gymnast.

2 When did Maria realise she could be champion gymnast?

A when she won some local competitions

B as soon as she started to practice gymnastics

C when a well-known coach offered to teach her

3 Why does Maria think success has not changed her?

A She believes she's a sensible person.

B Her parents help her live a normal life.

C People tell her she's the same as before.

4 What does Maria say about school?

A She feels too tired to study.

B She has little time with school friends.

C She is allowed to miss some lessons.

5 What does Maria do in her free time?

A make videos

B go to concerts

C watch cartoon films

6 What is Maria's favourite thing in her room at home?

A a poster of a band with a singer

B a glass case with her cups and prizes

C a picture of herself with another gymnast

c

h

e

c

k

y

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u

r

a

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Audioscript

Man: I'm talking to Maria Anderson, a 16-year old champion gymnast. Maria, have you always dreamed of being a gymnast?

Maria: I got interested when I was eight. I loved running, and jumping, and my teacher said I'd be good at sports. I read a book about a gymnast who took part in the Olympics and her life seemed very hard. Then I went to watch a gymnastics event with my Dad and saw gymnasts In action and I thought, 'I'd like to do that'. 

Man: Did you realise immediately you'd be a champion?

Maria: I tried too hard in the beginning - I'm very competitive - and was in a hurry to learn the moves. I made so many mistakes, I nearly gave up. Even when I won prizes at events in my town I didn't think I'd ever be really good. But a famous coach saw me doing floor exercise and said he'd give me lessons, and then I knew I could get to the top.

Man: You've done amazingly well since then. Has success changed you?

Maria: I hope not. I'm growing up, getting experience, but basically I think I'm the same. My coacl'l says the best athletes are sensible, they don't let success make a difference to them as people, and I think that's true of me. It's just my mum and dad worry about me and wish I could lead a more normal life.

Man: What about school? Can you keep up with the other children?

Maria: I go to the sports centre at 5.30 every morning to practise, so I've been working for three hours before I even get to school. It was hard at first, I felt really tired. But I'm used to it now. I rest during the lunch break, instead of being with my friends. Lessons are all right, but I can't stay up late or go to parties.

Man: Do you have time for hobbies?

Maria: Well, I travel a lot to events in other countries and I listen to music on the plane. I hope I get a chance to go to a concert some day and I like movies, but not cartoons. My dad films me when I'm performing in a competition, and I put together videos for my website, which is fun.

Man: What does your room at home took like?

Maria: I've got posters covering every wall, mostly of singers and bands. The best thing is a photograph of me shaking hands with my hero, a fantastic Russian gymnast I met last year. Oh, and I've got all my cups and prizes in a glass case - a bit embarrassing.

1 A 

2 C

3 A 

4 B 

5 A 

6 C