More Than a Stretch (Listening Practice) (High Intermediate)

More Than a Stretch

 A local radio segment interviews a fitness instructor, Maya, about the changing perception of yoga in western communities. Listen to the interview and choose the correct answer.

Choose the correct answer:

1. What does the interviewer mean when he says people are "missing the forest for the trees"?

A) People are practicing yoga in the wrong environments.

B) People are focusing too much on small details instead of the main purpose.

C) People do not understand the historical origins of yoga in nature.

D) People are spending too much money on yoga clothing.

2. What is Maya’s attitude toward people who do yoga just for a intense physical workout?

A) She is critical of them for ignoring the spiritual side.

B) She is accepting of it as long as it serves as a starting point.

C) She believes they are completely wasting their time.

D) She thinks social media has tricked them into hurting themselves.

3. According to Maya, what was the original historical purpose of the physical yoga poses?

A) To achieve maximum flexibility and physical strength.

B) To cure chronic back pain caused by manual labor.

C) To prepare the body to remain still during meditation.

D) To test a person's mental discipline through pain.

4. Why does Maya describe the first ten minutes of her class as "agonizing" for some students?

A) The physical stretching is too intense for beginners.

B) They are frustrated because they cannot use their technology.

C) They find it difficult to cope with quietness and lack of distraction.

D) They feel guilty about being late to class.

5. Why does Maya use the phrase "badge of honor" to describe busy-ness?

A) To show that society highly values and praises being constantly active.

B) To suggest that employers reward employees who work fast.

C) To criticize people who brag about their jobs.

D) To explain why yoga instructors are in high demand.

6. What is Maya's main criticism of corporate lunch-hour yoga sessions?

A) Forty-five minutes is not enough time to get a proper workout.

B) They are often used as a superficial solution to deeper workplace problems.

C) Human Resources departments do not understand how to teach breathing.

D) Employees are distracted because they are worried about their emails.

7. What does Maya imply when she says, "I don't think that's exactly what HR has in mind when they book the sessions!"?

A) HR departments want employees to quit their jobs.

B) HR expects yoga to make employees more obedient and productive, not question their environment.

C) HR does not realize that yoga can cause physical injuries.

D) HR managers rarely attend the yoga classes themselves.

8. When discussing going to an ashram in India, Maya’s tone can best be described as...

A) Dismissive of traditional Eastern practices.

B) Encouraging for students who want a real challenge.

C) Practical, emphasizing that spiritual growth can happen anywhere.

D) Regretful that more people cannot afford to travel.

9. Why does Maya bring up the example of being stuck in traffic on the Don Valley Parkway?

A) To prove that modern life is inherently more stressful than in the past.

B) To give a relatable example of how to apply yoga principles to daily stress.

C) To complain about the local infrastructure and transit system.

D) To advise listeners to practice driving meditation.

10. Overall, what is the main theme of Maya’s message?

A) Yoga must be rescued from corporate greed and commercialization.

B) True yoga is an internal practice of mindfulness and reaction control, not an external display.

C) Meditation is superior to physical exercise for mental health.

D) Western society has completely ruined the true meaning of ancient traditions.

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