Unlock 2 – Unit 5 – Listening 1 – Unusual Individual Sports Around the World – Quiz
Explore the exciting world of unique individual sports with Amina as she looks into unusual athletic contests from around the globe. Discover Chess Boxing, where strategy and strength come together, and learn about street golf, which turns the city into a playground. Experience the incredible challenge of the Marathon des Sables in Morocco, known as the toughest marathon in the world. Enjoy the acrobatic game of Sepak Takraw, a sport that’s changing how people play volleyball in Southeast Asia. Join us on this journey to see how these special solo sports test both the mind and body!
About This Listening: Unusual Individual Sports Around the World
This listening exercise is based on Unlock 2, Unit 5, Listening 1. You’ll hear Amina describe several unusual individual sports played around the world, from chess boxing to desert ultramarathons. Listen for how each sport combines physical and mental skill, then answer the comprehension questions below.
Key Vocabulary
- Endurance – the ability to keep doing something difficult or painful for a long time.
- Ultramarathon – a footrace longer than the traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles.
- Acrobatic – involving spectacular gymnastic feats, balance, or agility.
- Solo sport – a sport played individually rather than as part of a team.
Read more about one of the sports mentioned in this listening from Britannica’s overview of chess boxing.
Continue with Unlock 2 Unit 5, Listening 2: Are Sports Driven by Passion or Profit?
FAQ
What is chess boxing?
Chess boxing alternates rounds of chess and boxing, testing both mental strategy and physical stamina in the same match.
Why is the Marathon des Sables considered so difficult?
Runners cover roughly 250 km across the Sahara Desert over several days while carrying their own supplies, facing extreme heat and challenging terrain.
