Task 3
Questions 11-15
You will hear a radio interview with Norbu Sherpa about climbing Mount Everest.
For each question (11-15), choose the correct answer (A, B or C).
You will hear the recording twice.
Interviewer: Norbu Sherpa, an extraordinary woman who has climbed Mount Everest 10 times. Welcome. Tell us, isn't it unusual for Sherpa women to climb Everest?
Norbu: Yes. Nepali women stay at home caring for their families. My sisters did. But I wanted to be like my father and brother. A porter for climbers. Dad told mum: “She is strong. Let her go.” My brother led the way on my first climb.
I: Everest became your family. You married a climber?
N: My mum was angry with me for not marrying a Nepalese Sherpa as she did, but a Norwegian climber I met during my third climb. We soon moved to the US and had our children. They are born Americans.
I: What about the challenges of climbing Everest?
N: 10 times I've been, so many things you can't control. On my latest climb, it was finding enough sponsors. It is so difficult to fund it all. Then, on one of my previous expeditions, waiting for the wind to stop with almost empty oxygen tanks. On another trip, my client had altitude sickness. I almost had to quit.
I: You don't just climb mountains, do you?
N: No, I don't. My present day job is completely different from guiding expeditions. I've just changed jobs, actually. From selling bread at a local supermarket to becoming independent. I've organized a few friends and we offer specialized cleaning services to companies and shops.
I: What are your plans?
N: To keep myself busy. My daughter and I have just finished filming a Netflix documentary about women in the mountains. It's time for something new. I'll be guiding family groups to the highest peaks in the US and helping them spend quality time together outdoors.
Who did Norbu first climb Everest with?
Where did Norbu's husband come from?
What problem did Norbu have on her 10th climb to Everest?
What is Norbu's job at the time of the interview?
What is Norbu going to do next?