Heat-related deaths rise sharply in Phoenix area after two years of decline

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.

Practice level

B1. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.

Question formats

Single choice

How to approach this practice

Read the questions, then listen before opening the transcript. Notice names, numbers and any corrections the speaker makes.

1. Question 1 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   What percentage increase did the county record compared with last year?

   Return to the passage, recording or visual
   1. 26%
   2. 56%
   3. 76%
   4. 96%
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   76%

   The report gives the increase immediately after the confirmed count.

   That is 76% more than at the same point last year.

2. Question 2 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   What might the total reach if many pending cases are confirmed?

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   1. 275
   2. 500
   3. 645
   4. 700
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   700

   The report says the possible total could pass a specific number.

   However, if many of those cases are confirmed, the total could pass 700.

3. Question 3 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   What ranking might this year receive?

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   1. First only
   2. Second or third
   3. Fourth or fifth
   4. Below the tenth
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   Second or third

   The medical examiner expects a high ranking, but not a new record.

   The county medical examiner does not expect this year to set a new record, but it could become the county’s second- or third-highest year.

4. Question 4 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   What can dangerous heat do to the body?

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   1. Reduce the need for water
   2. Place serious stress on the body
   3. Guarantee a quick recovery
   4. Prevent all other illnesses
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   Place serious stress on the body

   The recording explains that high temperatures create serious physical stress.

   Very high temperatures can place serious stress on the body, especially when people cannot cool down or get enough water.

5. Question 5 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   Why may the reported number change later?

   Return to the passage, recording or visual
   1. The weather forecast changes daily
   2. The county changes its borders
   3. Investigators review remaining cases
   4. The record was set in 2023
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   Investigators review remaining cases

   Investigators are still reviewing cases, so the count may be updated.

   They also show that the number may change as investigators review the remaining cases.

What to review next

Listen again to difficult sections, then open the transcript to check what you heard. Repeat a useful phrase aloud and try the recording once more without the text.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.

Before you practise: a worked example

Listen for the final information, especially when a speaker corrects or changes an earlier statement.

Example transcript: “Let’s meet at five — actually, half past five would be better.” What is the final suggested time?

The final suggested time is 5:30. Actually signals a correction; the first time is replaced by the later suggestion.

This teaching example is separate from the scored questions. After your test, compare any mistakes with the explanation and revisit the topic before trying again.