Listening Exercise: The Driest Place on Earth

1. Many people enjoy living near the coast because they love the sound of ocean waves.

a) a high mountain
b) the land near the sea
c) a busy city

2. This area is the driest part of the country–there has been almost no rain for years.

a) has the least water
b) is the most colorful
c) has the most people

3. The Sahara is a large desert, where it is very hot during the day and there is very little rain.

a) a rainy forest
b) a cold, snowy place
c) a dry, sandy area

4. It has been a decade since we last saw them–such a long time!

a) one hour
b) ten years
c) one hundred years

5. The mountain was hard to reach, so we had to hike for two days to get there.

a) talk to
b) get to or arrive at
c) look at from far away

6. Some animals can survive in very cold weather by growing thick fur and finding food under the snow.

a) stay alive
b) grow fast
c) travel far

7. Rivers and lakes are important water sources for many towns.

a) problems
b) types of animals
c) places where something comes from

8. Every morning, the villagers collect water from the fog nets. They use buckets to take the water home.

a) gather together
b) drink
c) clean

9. It was hard to see while driving because there was a lot of fog–the wet air made everything look white.

a) strong wind
b) cloudy air near the ground
c) falling snow

10. The minimum amount of money needed to buy a bus ticket is $2. If you have less, you can’t ride.

a) largest possible
b) average
c) the smallest necessary

1. What is the man’s name?

a) Nathan
b) Ethan
c) Lynne

2. Where is the Atacama Desert?

a) Africa
b) Siberia
c) Chile

3. How often does it rain in the center of the Atacama Desert?

a) A few drops of rain every year
b) A few millimeters per decade
c) Never

4. Are there people living in the center of the desert?

a) Yes, many towns
b) A few villages
c) No, it’s too dangerous

5. Where do people live in the Atacama Desert?

a) In the middle of the desert
b) Along the coast
c) In the mountains

6. How do people in the Atacama get water?

a) From rain
b) From lakes and rivers
c) From water trucks and saving water

7. What do people in the Atacama use to make water from fog?

a) Fish
b) Nets
c) Plastic bottles

8. Where did the idea of fog-catching come from?

a) Canada
b) Chile
c) Siberia

9. How much water can fog-catchers make in one village per day?

a) 1,000 liters
b) 10,000 liters
c) 100,000 liters

10. What is the minimum amount of water one person needs per day?

a) 15 liters
b) 50 liters
c) 500 liters