President Theodore Roosevelt was the United States’ 26th president, and had a reputation for being an adventurer. His “cowboy” style leadership led him to some very interesting positions in the government, including president of the United States.

I’ve put together an English listening activity that will help you practice your listening skills. In this lesson, you will watch this video and see if you can answer the comprehension questions below. This video would work best with an advanced ESL learner, because the speaker talks very quickly.

Listening Questions

1. What type of schooling did Roosevelt receive as a child?
2. What sport did Roosevelt specialize in?
3. Where did Roosevelt attend college?
4. Which state assembly did Roosevelt serve in?
5. Which two Roosevelt relatives died on the same day?
6. Did Roosevelt win the election for New York City Mayor?
7. What war did Roosevelt fight in?
8. How did Roosevelt first become president?
9. What shocking event happened right before Roosevelt gave a 90-minute speech in Wisconsin?
10. What major award was Roosevelt given that was the first to ever be given to a U.S. president and an American?
11. What disease did Roosevelt contract that weakened his health and ultimately led to his death?

Listening Answers

1. homeschooling
2. boxing
3. Harvard university
4. New York
5. his mother and his wife
6. no
7. Spanish-American War
8. He was serving as Vice-President when President McKinley was assassinated
9. Roosevelt was shot
10. The Nobel Prize
11. Malaria

I recently published a St. Patrick listening activity as well as a Thomas Edison listening activity to help you sharpen your English skills.