现代大学英语听力基础教程 听力文本 unit7

Unit 7

Task 1

W A: I can't stand places like Beidaihe.

M: No, nor can I.

W A: You know, where you have to share the beach with thousands of other people who are all tourists.

WB: Oh, I don't mind that.

M: Oh, I do. I never go to places like that. I like to get right away from all the tourists, go somewhere that's really peaceful, like an island or something,

W A: Yes, so do I.

WB: What's wrong with so many people? I like meeting people when I'm on holiday. I like places with a good night life, and plenty of men around, and ...well, you know, where you can have a good time...

Landowner landlady renter lodger

Task 2

Hello. Is that Oxford 40414?

Yes, it is.

Erm...I'm asking about the flat which was advertised in the local paper. Oh yes?

Wonder if you could tell me how much the rent is per month, please?

I see. Is it fairly near the city center?

Yes, it's only about a kilometer away.

I see. Is it quite handy for the shops?

Yes, within a minute or two on foot.

Good, what about a garden?

Well, you have the use of the garden.

I see. And central heating is there?

Yes, yes.

I see. Erm...how many rooms are there, please?

Well, there's one very large bed-sitting room, a kitchen and a bathroom and a small hall.

I see. Erm...which floor is it on?

On the second floor.

Oh, good. Erm... Would it be possible for me to visit it tomorrow, say about 5 o'clock?

Yes, sure.

Oh, good. That's fine. Could you just give me your name, please?

Yes. My name is Mary Jones and the address is 41 North Wall Street. Erm...41 North Wall Street. Fine. Thanks ever so much. I'll see you tomorrow at 5 o'clock then.

Yes. Good.

Goodbye.

Task 3

Since the 1400s, there had been European trading posts along the coast of Africa. But European power rarely stretched very far inland. Then, in the 1800s, a number of European nations began to carve almost all of Africa into colonies. These European nations were Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Portugal.

In the1880, the French had important settlements and much power in northern and western Africa. British influence was also growing along the Gold Coast and at the southern tip of Africa. Portuguese control on both coasts of southern Africa also began to expand. By 1900, almost all of Africa was under European control. Only Ethiopia and Liberia were still independent nations.

At first, there was little to be gained from most of the African colonies. The European nations wanted colonies because they might be valuable in the future. They also wanted to keep rival nations from getting the colonies. In the beginning, the ideal colony was simply one that supported itself. No nation wanted a colony that would cost much money to control.

Later, the European nations started to spend more money on their