Exercise 1 – Vocabulary

Repeat each word, definition, and example sentence after your tutor.

volcano (noun) – a mountain that can explode with fire and lava.
Example: Tourists watched smoke rise from the volcano.

cliff (noun) – a very steep rock wall, often by the sea or mountains.
Example: The climbers stood on the edge of the cliff.

wingsuit (noun) – a special suit with fabric between the arms and legs that allows people to glide through the air.
Example: The athlete put on his wingsuit before jumping from the mountain.

surf (verb) – to ride on ocean waves using a surfboard.
Example: She learned how to surf during her holiday in Hawaii.

freedom (noun) – the state of being free, without limits or control.
Example: Skydiving gave him a powerful feeling of freedom.

Exercise 2 – Article

Five of the World’s Most Extreme Sports

People around the world love to push their limits by trying extreme sports. These activities are dangerous but also very exciting. Here are five of the most extreme:

1. Volcano Boarding – In Nicaragua, people ride a board down the side of an active volcano. They can reach speeds of almost 90 km/h while sliding on volcanic ash.

2. Big Wave Surfing – Surfers in places like Hawaii and Portugal ride waves taller than a house. This sport is beautiful but dangerous, because one mistake can end in disaster.

3. Wingsuit Flying – Athletes jump from cliffs or airplanes wearing wingsuits, gliding through the air like birds. It is one of the most dangerous sports in the world, but also one of the most spectacular.

4. Ice Climbing – Climbers use ropes and special equipment to climb frozen waterfalls or icy mountains. It requires strength, focus, and courage.

5. Base Jumping – Jumping from buildings, bridges, or cliffs with a parachute. The fall is very quick, and the parachute must open at the perfect time. This makes it extremely risky but thrilling.

These sports are not for everyone, but many people say the danger makes the experience more exciting.

Exercise 2a – Exam-Style Reading Task

Read the article again. Answer the questions.

A. Multiple Choice

1. In volcano boarding, people slide down:
   a) a frozen waterfall
   b) the side of a volcano
   c) a tall cliff

2. Big wave surfers face danger because:
   a) the waves are taller than a house
   b) they don’t use equipment
   c) the water is frozen

3. Wingsuit flying is described as:
   a) one of the safest sports
   b) one of the most dangerous sports
   c) a sport that uses ropes and ice axes

B. True or False
4. Ice climbing requires courage and special tools. (T/F)
5. Base jumpers usually land in the water. (T/F)
6. Extreme sports give people a feeling of freedom. (T/F)

Exercise 3 – Discussion

• Which of these five sports sounds the most interesting to you? Why?

• Which one would you never want to try? Why not?

• Do you think people who do these sports are brave or crazy?

• Which sport do you think is the most dangerous? Why?

• If you could invent a new extreme sport, what would it be?

Exercise 4 – Further Discussion

• Do you think extreme sports are worth the risk?

• Why do you think people are attracted to dangerous activities?

• Are extreme sports more exciting to watch or to play?

• Which extreme sport would you enjoy watching in the Olympics?

• Do you think parents should allow teenagers to try extreme sports?

Exercise 5 – Writing Task 

Essay Prompt:
“Extreme sports are exciting but dangerous. Do you think people should be free to do them, or should some extreme sports be banned? Give reasons and examples.”