Listening Skills – IEETP, 16-31, July 2026 Issue – BBc News 23 June 2026

Topic: The risk of a ‘super’ El Niño is rising -Click audio button to listen to the audio

Fill in the Blanks (5 Questions)

El Niño is a weather phenomenon that occurs in the __________ Ocean.

Answer: Pacific

Sea surface temperatures must be at least __________ higher than normal for several consecutive months for El Niño to occur.

Answer: 0.5°C (0.9°F)

A very strong El Niño can bring __________ and stormier conditions to the southern part of North America.

Answer: wetter

Scientists forecast a __________ chance of sea surface temperatures exceeding 2°C later this year.

Answer: 63%

El Niño can increase the risk of __________ in drought-stricken states because of heavier rainfall. Answer: flooding

1. What is El Niño?

A. A type of hurricane
B. A global weather phenomenon that raises global temperatures
C. A mountain wind
D. A winter storm

Answer: B. A global weather phenomenon that raises global temperatures

2. When does El Niño occur?

A. When sea temperatures fall by 2°C
B. When sea surface temperatures rise by 0.5°C above normal for several months
C. When the Pacific Ocean freezes
D. When heavy rain falls for a week

Answer: B. When sea surface temperatures rise by 0.5°C above normal for several months

3. What kind of weather is expected in the southern United States during a strong El Niño?

A. Colder and snowier weather
B. Dry and windy weather
C. Wetter and stormier conditions
D. Hotter and drier weather

Answer: C. Wetter and stormier conditions

4. What are atmospheric rivers?

A. Rivers flowing through mountains
B. Underground streams of water
C. Huge, invisible ribbons of water vapour in the sky
D. Frozen clouds

Answer: C. Huge, invisible ribbons of water vapour in the sky

5. According to the passage, what is one possible danger of increased rainfall during El Niño?

A. Earthquakes
B. Flooding
C. Volcanic eruptions
D. Tsunamis

Answer: B. Flooding