Listening practice
1 Read the words and the definitions. Make sure you understand them before listening.
run-of-the-mill: average
hands on: involved
ethos: underlying belief
philanthropist: someone who cares about the welfare of others
2 Read the first lines of the listening. What do you think it will be about?
Sophie: Ben, hello and welcome to Show of the Week.
Ben: Hello, Sophie.
Sophie: What suggestion do you have for us today?
Ben: Well, it’s not your run-of-the-mill drama or concert. Today I’m recommending a show called Amaluňa performed by the
Cirque du Soleil.
3 Read Exercises 4–6 so you have an idea what the listening
is about. The first time you hear the recording, listen out
for key words. Then listen carefully for more vocabulary
connected to the topic.
4 06 Listen and circle true (T) or false (F). Give reasons
to justify your answers.
1 The listening is about an act called Cirque du Soleil. T / F
2 Ben classifies Cirque du Soleil as a dance group. T / F
3 Ben didn’t enjoy the show he saw in Florida. T / F
4 Cirque du Soleil is a French company. T / F
5 The founder of Cirque du Soleil is still involved with the
company. T / F
5 Listen again and answer the questions in your
06
own words.
1 What does Ben say about the show in Madrid?
2 Why does Ben think the show is so popular?
3 When was Cirque du Soleil founded?
4 Describe the head office in Montreal?
5 How does Ben describe the founder, Guy Laliberté?
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Cambridge University Press 2015
Unit 6
6 06 Listen again. Choose the best answers.
1 Ben said he enjoyed one act in the Madrid show …
a that included acrobats and dancers doing some original
manoeuvres.
b because it had acrobats and jugglers performing tricky
moves.
c that involved some acrobats performing difficult moves
with ease.
2 Ben said the show in Florida …
a wasn’t as good as the show in Madrid because it was
more family-oriented.
b attracted as many people as the show in Madrid and was
of a high standard.
c was as good as the show in Madrid but didn’t draw in as
many people.
3 Today, Cirque du Soleil …
a has around 1,000 artists in its employment and holds
shows all over the world.
b employs around 1,300 artists and puts on productions
worldwide.
c has a few hundred artists in the different shows
worldwide.
4 The ethos of Cirque du Soleil is …
a that creativity is vital in order to discover new ideas.
b that creativity should be encouraged in certain areas.
c that creativity is essential for costume designers and
other craftsmen.
5 Guy Laliberté thinks that he and his company …
a have no social responsibility but that it is good to help
others.
b bear a social responsibility and should help other
communities.
c are required by society to help the local community.