General Listening Quiz
“Smoking: Kicking the Habit”
| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | Smoking | Man – Woman | 01:39 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
What effects does smoking have on the human body? At what age do people often start smoking and how difficult can it be to quit?
Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, exploring ideas, and sharing opinions.
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In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way?
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In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms.
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For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate.
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- Smoking should be banned in all public places.
- People who smoke are responsible for their own health problems.
- E-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes.
- Smoking is a personal choice and should not be restricted.
- Tobacco companies should be held responsible for health issues caused by smoking.
- Smoking in movies and TV shows encourages people to smoke.
- Schools should teach more about the dangers of smoking.
- Smokers should pay higher health insurance premiums.
- Quitting smoking is more difficult without professional help.
- People should start smoking only after they are adults.
Idioms
“go up in smoke” = if a plan goes up in smoke, the it didn’t work out and failed
“We wanted to go on a trip, but our plan went up in smoke when I lost my job.”
“blow smoke” = to trick, lie, or deceive people
“Brandon said he stopped using drugs, but he’s just blowing smoke.”
Listening Exercise
Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)
Vocabulary and Sample Sentences
Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:
- sound like (verb): seem, appear
– It sounds like Andrew has a serious problem with alcohol. - casual (adjective): happening at certain times, not usual
– My brother says he’s just a casual drinker, but he often gets drunk at home. - butt out (verb): not interfere or get involved in someone’s personal matters
– Why can’t you just butt out of my personal life? I don’t want your advice or help. - nag (verb): annoy or complain about something by asking repeated questions
– My sister always nags me about not cleaning my room. - trust (verb): believe somewhat is honest
– I don’t trust my roommate because he doesn’t tell the truth all of the time. - get caught (verb): someone discovers that you are doing something
– Ashley got caught drinking in the bathroom at school. - figure something out (verb): begin to understand something
– When is Bryan going to figure out that he can’t smoke in front of his kids?
Vocabulary Practice
Do the vocabulary quizzes with the words from the conversation for more practice:
Post-Listening Exercise
What are the basic laws or rules of etiquette regarding smoking in public or at home in your area today? How have these laws changed over the years? For example, in some places, smoking is not allowed in public buildings, and you have to smoke a certain distance away from the entrance and windows of public buildings.
Online Investigation
What are some key steps to kicking the habit of smoking? What organizations or websites are available to help people with this issue? Search the internet for information on this subject.