| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
| Intermediate | Running Shoes | Man – Woman | 01:52 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
What are the potential physical and psychological health benefits of walking and running, no matter what the pace might be?
- Expensive running shoes are always better than cheap ones.
- People should choose running shoes based on style, not performance.
- Running shoes are more important than proper running technique.
- Barefoot running is healthier than wearing running shoes.
- You should replace running shoes every 6 months, even if they look fine.
- Brand name running shoes are worth the extra cost.
- Running shoes are essential for all types of exercise, not just running.
- Online reviews are more reliable than trying shoes in a store.
- Comfort is more important than performance features when buying running shoes.
- Shoes have become a status symbol rather than just functional equipment.
Idioms
“run in the family” = to have something in common
“Running marathons runs in our family. My father does it, and so do I.”
“run late” = do something late
“The meeting is going to run late this afternoon, so I won’t be able to go running with you then. Let’s try it tomorrow.”
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Vocabulary Practice
Do the vocabulary quizzes with the words from the conversation for more practice:
Post-Listening Exercise
How does long-distance running compare to other athletic activities playing tennis, swimming, and yoga in terms of (1) conditioning, (2) endurance, (3) nutritional needs, and (4) equipment?
Online Investigation
Road running on streets and running on dirt trails and rock in the mountains require different types of running shoes. Use the internet to (1) find the difference between these two types of running surfaces (2) and recommendations on one pair of shoes for each type. What is the maker of the shoe? What specific features make it a good shoe? How much does it cost? Write a summary of your findings.