大学英语听力(四) 期末考试听力原文

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大学四级CET4历年真题听力(附文本)(2024)

大学四级CET4历年真题听力(附文本)(2024)

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听力文本中的文化背景知识
英美国家文化习俗
了解英美国家的节日、风俗、习 惯等,有助于更好地理解听力文 本中的相关内容。
教育体制和校园生活
熟悉英美国家的教育体制和校园 生活,可以更好地融入听力文本 所描述的情境中。
社会热点和时事政治
掌握当前的社会热点和时事政治 ,有助于理解短文类听力文本中 涉及的相关话题。
扩大词汇量,熟悉常用的 短语和表达方式,有助于 更好地理解听力材料中的 信息。可以通过阅读、听 力练习和记忆单词等方式 来积累词汇和短语。
在备考过程中,要注意提 高自己的听力速度。可以 通过听一些速度较快的英 语材料来逐渐适应和提高 自己的听力速度。同时, 也要注意训练自己在有限 的时间内准确地捕捉关键 信息。
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考试技巧点拨
总结了听力考试中的高分技巧,帮助学员更好地应对考试。
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THANKS
感谢观看
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多角度练习
通过不同的练习方式,如精听、泛听、听写等,全面提高听力水平。
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注重积累
在听力练习过程中,注意积累常用的词汇、短语和表达方式,提高语 言感知能力。
定期自测与反思
定期进行自测,了解自身的听力水平和进步情况,并针对存在的问题 进行反思和调整学习方法。
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总结回顾与展望
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模拟试题难度分析
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词汇难度
涉及大学四级考试大纲要求的词汇,包括一些专业术语和常用表 达。
语速和语音
语速适中,发音清晰,符合大学英语四级考试听力部分的要求。
题型多样性
包含多种题型,如选择题、填空题和判断题,以全面考察学生的听 力理解能力。

大学英语教材4听力原文

大学英语教材4听力原文

大学英语教材4听力原文Unit 1 Life ChangesPart A1. W: I can't believe it's been four years since we started university.M: Yeah, time really flies. It feels like it was just yesterday when we were freshmen.Q: What are the speakers talking about?2. W: I've been feeling so stressed out lately. I have exams coming up next week.M: I understand how you feel. Make sure you take breaks and give yourself time to relax.Q: Why is the woman feeling stressed?3. M: I applied for an internship at a big law firm. I really hope I get it.W: Don't worry, you have a lot of experience and your grades are excellent. I'm sure you'll get the job.Q: What does the woman mean?4. W: Are you going to the club meeting tonight?M: No, I decided to quit. I need to focus on my studies and part-time job.Q: Why is the man quitting the club?5. W: I can't believe my brother is getting married next month. It feels like he was just a baby yesterday.M: I know what you mean. Time really does fly by.Q: What is the woman surprised about?Part BDirections: You will hear information about a university course. Listen carefully and answer the questions.Good morning, everyone. I'm here to introduce a new course that will be offered next semester. The course is called "Introduction to Environmental Science." This course would be of interest to students from different academic backgrounds, as it covers a wide range of topics related to the environment.Firstly, let me provide you with an overview of the course content. The course will explore major environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. We will discuss the causes and consequences of these issues, as well as potential solutions. Students will have the opportunity to develop a holistic view of the environment and understand the interconnectedness of various environmental processes.The course will consist of lectures, guest speakers, and group discussions. We will also incorporate field trips to environmental organizations and research institutes, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. This hands-on experience will enhance students' understanding and give them a chance to engage with professionals working in the field.Assessment for the course will be based on class participation, assignments, and a final exam. This will encourage students to actively participate in discussions and apply what they have learned to solve environmental problems. Additionally, students will have the option to work on a group project, where they can further explore a specific environmental issue and propose solutions.The prerequisites for this course are an introductory science course and good English proficiency. It is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. For those interested, registration will open next week, and limited seats are available. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to expand your knowledge and contribute to environmental sustainability.That's all for today's introduction. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.6. What is the purpose of the talk?7. What topics will be covered in the course?8. How will students apply their knowledge in the course?9. What will assessment be based on?10. Who can take the course?Unit 2 Cultural DifferencesPart A1. W: I was surprised to learn that people in this country eat dinner so late in the evening.M: Yes, it's quite different from what I'm used to back home. But I've gotten used to it now.Q: What does the man say about the dinner time in this country?2. W: Excuse me, is it okay to give a gift with one hand in this culture?M: No, it's considered impolite. It's better to use both hands when presenting a gift.Q: What does the man say about giving gifts in this culture?3. M: I find it fascinating how people here greet each other with a bow.W: Yes, it's a sign of respect and politeness in this culture.Q: What do the speakers say about the bowing greeting in this culture?4. W: When I traveled to another country, I found the local customs and traditions to be very different from my own.M: That's what makes traveling so interesting. You get to experience different cultures firsthand.Q: What does the man say about traveling?5. M: I'm having a hard time adjusting to the food here. It's so different from what I'm used to.W: It takes time to get used to new flavors and cuisines. Don't worry, you'll adapt eventually.Q: What advice does the woman give to the man?Part BDirections: You will hear a conversation between a professor and a student who is studying abroad. Listen carefully and answer the questions.Professor: So, how are you finding your study abroad experience so far?Student: It's been great, Professor! I'm really enjoying it. The only thing is, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the cultural differences.Professor: That's perfectly normal. It can be a bit challenging at first. Which aspect of the culture do you find the most different?Student: The concept of personal space is something I'm still trying to get used to. In my home country, people tend to keep a larger distance when talking to each other. Here, it's much closer, which I find a bit uncomfortable.Professor: Ah, yes. That's a common observation. In this country, physical closeness is seen as a sign of friendliness and warmth. People often stand closer to each other when conversing. It's an interesting cultural difference, isn't it?Student: It definitely is. I'm slowly adapting, but it still feels awkward at times. Another thing I've noticed is that punctuality is highly valued here. Back home, being a few minutes late is usually not a big deal. But here, it seems like everyone is always on time for appointments.Professor: Yes, that's true. Being on time is considered a sign of respect for others' time. It's important to be mindful of that cultural expectation. Are there any other cultural differences that have stood out to you?Student: Well, the food is quite different too. The flavors, spices, and even the eating etiquette are all new to me. It's been an adventure trying outnew dishes, though. I've discovered some amazing flavors I didn't know existed before.Professor: That's one of the joys of traveling and experiencing different cultures. It broadens your perspective and introduces you to new and exciting things. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions or concerns about adjusting to the cultural differences. I'm here to support you throughout your study abroad journey.11. What does the student find challenging about the cultural differences?12. How do people in the country view physical closeness when conversing?13. Why is punctuality highly valued in the country?14. What does the student say about the food in the country?15. According to the professor, what is one of the benefits of experiencing different cultures?。

21世纪大学英语4听力原文及答案

21世纪大学英语4听力原文及答案

第一单元美国军方资助的弹药和使用缩写的IRAM NE报告称它们是飞航路边炸弹,所有的IRAM都可以装在一个敞开的背包后面,并通过遥控器发射,这是一个自制的多发火箭系统。

这是非常危险的。

”那是Michael Oates少将。

美军和联军在伊拉克中部、巴格达南部的指挥官。

S。

官员们指控伊朗特工提供装备和训练高功率路旁炸弹,杀死了几名U。

S。

伊朗政府否认这一指控已向几个美国小基地发射,造成3人死亡。

S。

部队和伤人15,但最致命的伊拉姆事件涉及六月初流产,其中几枚炸弹过早爆炸,杀死16名伊拉克平民和两名袭击者。

波士顿大学和阿萨诸塞州综合医院的一组研究人员正在共同努力,使血糖自动控制成为现实。

这一切都始于一位父亲,他的儿子是糖尿病患者,这个特别的父亲,达米亚诺也恰巧是一名生物医学工程师,而G。

艾夫斯让他尝试解决儿子面临的挑战。

他的儿子胰脏不能正常工作,所以他没有将胰岛素或胰高血糖素释放到他的系统中来控制血糖。

达米亚诺和他的团队提出了一种系统,该系统使用双胰岛素/胰高血糖素泵,并与一个恒定的血糖监测植入物相连,该植入物与A智能手机可以使糖尿病患者与这种仿生胰腺几乎完全正常的生活。

这一切都始于一位父亲说:“如果。

?Dan Wright是树顶建筑商的创始人,自2003创办公司以来,他已经建造了400多座树屋。

怀特公司开着自己的树屋工作室,Bala Sundar和他的妻子Lakshmi为自己建造了一个树屋,“我们想在一个僻静的地方建造一些东西,我们可以来这里放松一下。

比起我的孩子,更多的是我想要的空间。

有床、桌子和窗户,是一个舒适舒适的地方度过一个夏天的夜晚。

60岁的鲍伯奇迹想要为他的孙子建造一个。

Sandy Kiefer是大提琴教官。

她的梦想是建造三座树屋并用它们来做早餐。

安装特殊的树形螺栓是工作中最重要的部分。

随着树的生长,有时你需要移动部分结构或者把它的一部分剪下来,让树屋每年生长。

然后在树梢上升起底座。

它很快就会成为一座大树屋的基础,所以孩子们或大人都可以在树顶上玩耍。

大学英语听说教程4听力原文Unit 13

大学英语听说教程4听力原文Unit 13

Unit 13Part BReality TV Around the GlobeReality TV shows have taken the world by storm. 'Survivor', 'Big Brother' and other shows have drawn hundreds of millions of viewers to the screen.It was in Europe that all this started. The first series of this kind of show was called 'Expedition: Robinson'. It was shown in Sweden in 1997, and was soon a hit. That show placed young people in faraway places to compete against each other. The finale of the show was watched by half the Swedish population, making it one of the most popular programs in the country's history. Its success alerted TV bosses around the world to the potential of watching ordinary people try hard to survive in the wilderness.Officials at the Columbia Broadcasting System in the United States decided to produce their own version of the show. This is how 'Survivor' came into existence. They chose 16 Americans of different ages and races to live on a South Pacific island in May 2000. The contestants on the island had some real problems to tackle. One of them was food, as they had to find and cook their own food. Sometimes, they were even forced to catch and eat rats and worms.Experts say that 'Survivor' is popular because television viewers like to watch people in real situations where the final result is unknown. Viewers also like to watch other people's struggles and problems because it makes them feel better about their own lives.'Big Brother' started in Holland. Nine volunteers took part in the show and were filmed 24 hours a day for 100 days. It became one of Holland's top-rated shows within a month, and drew 15 million viewers for its climax on New Year's Eve 1999. And its success prompted TV stations around the world to buy the idea.Two months after the appearance of 'Survivor', the American version of 'Big Brother' was aired in the United States, involving ten participants who were filmed inside a house built on a California soundstage.Winners of the two shows can walk away with a lot of money. 'Survivor's' prize was $1 million, whereas 'Big Brother' contestants could win $500,000, and 'Survivor' triumphed in the ratings.Reality TV shows are also causing a big stir in France, Britain and many other countries. The French answer to 'Big Brother' is 'Loft Story', in which 11 contestants are locked up in anapartment in Paris. Protesters surrounded the apartment three times in one week. They complained that the show is sinking to new broadcasting lows. The protests, however, have fuelled public interest. And the show remains high in the ratings.Britain started its reality shows later than some of its European and American counterparts. In fact, 'Survivor' was dreamed up by a Briton named Charlie Parsons, but the idea was not picked up in his home country until it had been a success in Scandinavia and America.Questions:1. Which of the following reality TV shows are mentioned in the passage?2. Who are the performers in reality TV shows?3. What is the essence of a reality TV show?4. Which of the following is true about 'Survivor' and 'Big Brother' when shown in different countries?5. What nationality is Charlie Parsons, who first got the idea of the reality TV show 'Survivor'?6. What occurred to TV bosses around the globe after the success of the first series of 'Survivor'?Part CA Reality TV ShowBeginning February 28, 2002, on CBS, the world will watch the new series of the reality TV show 'Survivor'. Sixteen contestants will be stranded on the remote island of Nuku Hiva, a distant neighbor of Tahiti in the South Pacific. They will be forced to band together and carve out a new existence, using their collective wits to make surviving in their rugged and primitive environment a little easier. Day by day, the harsh elements and threatening indigenous animals will test theendurance of the Survivors. Each three days of life on the island will result in a one-hour 'Survivor' episode. The Survivors must form their own cooperative society, building shelter, gathering and cooking food, and participating in contests for rewards. Those who succeed in the day-to-day challenges will be rewarded with things to make life on the island more bearable. Those who fail must do without.The contestants are divided into two tribes, which will compete with each other to get food, supply or immunity. On the last day of each three-day cycle, the Survivors must attend a Tribal Council. At this meeting, each person votes secretly to send one fellow Survivor home. The person with the most votes must leave their tribe immediately. Week by week, one by one, people are voted off, until at the end of the final episode, only two Survivors remain. At that point, the seven most recently eliminated Survivors will return to form the final Tribal Council and decide who will be the Sole Survivor -- and win one million dollars!There are two kinds of challenge facing the Survivors. One is a Reward Challenge, in which Survivors compete for luxuries, such as a phone call home or a hot shower. The second is an Immunity Challenge, in which Survivors compete for the most valuable prize: immunity from being voted off the island at a Tribal Council. The team winning an Immunity Challenge does not have to vote one of its own members out at the end of a three-day period, whereas the losing team does. Occasionally, the Reward and Immunity challenges are combined: winners receive both a reward and immunity.Usually when it comes down to 10 Survivors, the two teams merge. The remaining Survivors will come to live together and compete as individuals, not as members of opposing teams. At that point, the challenges become person against person, and only the winning individual will receive a reward and / or immunity.After being voted out, the Survivor will make one final comment to the TV cameras. Even though the Survivor is no longer part of the show, he or she is at least able to take a shower and to get a hot meal right away.Part DCourtroom Reality TVA Texas judge presiding over a murder trial has ruled that a crew can film the jury's private deliberations for a reality television show. The defendant, Cedric Harrison, is accused of killing a man in a carjacking. He could be facing the death penalty at 17. In allowing the Public Broadcasting Service to film jurors determining his fate the judge has broken ground in the long history of American jurisprudence. And the shorter history of reality television, which has giventhe world 'Big Brother' and 'Survivor', has won a major issue.Judge Ted Poe's decision has met with fierce opposition from prosecutors, who fear that public exposure might make jurors more reluctant to sentence the defendant to death. But the judge said that it was healthy for the public to know and see as much as possible about the legal process.Harrison and his mother signed waivers saying that they would not use the documentary on appeal, or seek a new trial. His lawyer said: "It can only help us. We want to make sure everything is done correctly. If the State of Texas wants to execute a 17-year-old, the world should be watching to make sure it is done right."However, he revealed the defense's real motive for welcoming in the cameras when he said that the film would help his case because jurors would be more reluctant to sentence a defendant to death under such scrutiny. Opponents of the death penalty agree. "When the sunshine is let in, government tends to work better," David Elliot, of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, said.Fourteen of the 110 jurors initially called to serve were dismissed after they said that the camera might affect their decision-making.The district attorney responsible for prosecuting Harrison has argued that the presence of cameras would violate Texas law requiring that jurors be "left alone, unobserved and unheard by others". In his appeal to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals he wrote: "The desire to serve on a Survivor-style reality series should not be added to the qualifications for jury service."Courts in Arizona and Wisconsin have allowed filming of deliberations in criminal cases for later broadcast, but never before have the cameras been allowed into a jury room in a capital case.Judge Poe believes that he has the law on his side. He said that the prosecutors "hadn't provided any legal authority" to convince him that cameras were out of place.If Judge Poe gets his wish, a new subject will be offered for the reality television shows that have become a standard part of American entertainment.Statements:1. The defendant has murdered a man, so he will be sentenced to death according to Texas law.2. The judge decides to allow the jury's deliberations of the case to be filmed for a reality TV show out of sympathy for the young man.3. The defendant and his mother signed an agreement stating that they would give up their right to appeal.4. The defense lawyer said that his client would use the documentary on appeal because he believed public exposure of how members of the jury discuss the case would be favorable to him.5. Fourteen jurors were dismissed because they did not agree to let their deliberations be shown on TV.6. It can be learned from the passage that people who are against the death penalty strongly oppose the judge's decision.7. The strongest opposition to the judge's decision came from the district attorney.8. It can be inferred from the passage that TV cameras have been allowed to film jury's deliberations in non-criminal cases.9. It can be concluded from the passage that the jury's deliberations will not be shown on TV as it is against Texas law.10. If the judge's decision is approved, it will open a new field for reality TV shows.。

大学英语听说教程4听力原文Unit 12

大学英语听说教程4听力原文Unit 12

Unit 12Part BOpinion PollsMan: Do you know the thing that's always struck me as odd about opinion polls?Woman: What's that?Man: The percentages. Like recently there was a survey about what people thought about traffic, and petrol prices, and public car parks. In some car parks it now costs something like 5 pounds to park a car for half an hour.Woman: Yeah, but I don't see what you're getting at.Man: What I mean is the percentages in the results. So there might be 70% of people who complained about high petrol prices, and 60% who want to see the traffic reduced, and 65% who think car park charges are too high. Does that mean that there are 35% who actually think the charges are OK and would even be prepared to pay more, and another 30% who think petrol prices are OK? I mean that's absurd. I don't know anyone who doesn't think they're too high.Woman: Well, actually I think we should pay more.Man: Come on, you're joking.Woman: No, seriously. I think we should pay more for petrol, even twice as much maybe, and certainly far more for inner city car parks.Man: But why?Woman: More taxes should be charged on petrol, I think, to discourage people from using cars, and a kind of graded charging system for car parks depending on how far they are from the city center.Man: What do you mean?Woman: Well, if you park your car quite far from the city center then you pay a nominal amount as a kind of reward for not polluting the city center. Well, the closer you get to the center, the moreyou are penalized. Prices in the center should be totally prohibitive. I mean with an efficient bus or tram service there's no excuse for using cars.Man: Yeah, but you can't penalize people who don't use their car to go into town. I mean if you doubled the price of petrol, it would cost people a fortune to go anywhere, even on short trips, and especially on holidays.Woman: Don't use your car then. Use a train.Man: But what about lorries? I mean they use a lot of petrol to transport goods from one place to another.Woman: So what's to stop these goods being transported by train or even via canal?Man: Well, anyway, I still can't believe that 30% of those people who said car park charges were OK all think the same as you.Woman: Well, maybe that's where you are wrong. Just think about what I've said and you'll realize that perhaps it's not so stupid as it sounds.Questions:1. What items are surveyed in the opinion poll mentioned in the conversation?2. What does the man find absurd about the survey?3. Which of the following best reflects the woman's view about car parking?4. Which problem is the woman most concerned about according to the conversation?5. Which of the following describes the man's attitude toward opinion polls?Part CHow These Pollsters Do Those PollsV oters can become weary of polls as a campaign winds down, and in public, candidates invariably declare that they ignore them -- at least, the candidates who are losing. But the fact is, pollsters are good and getting better.Most election-eve polls in 1992 predicted the voting percentages eventually won by Clinton, Bush and Perot well within the sampling margin of error. Of some 300 such polls, none projected Bush or Perot as the winner.Typically, these polls are generated by telephone interviews with 600 to 1,000 "likely voters", who are 18 or older, as determined by answers to initial questions. The phone numbers are selected as random digits by a phone-dialing computer.Hypothetically, almost every person in America has an equal chance of being called since most households have phones. The samples may seem small, but the techniques used in polls are proven enough to be regularly accepted as evidence by the courts when election results are legally challenged. No sample is as accurate as interviewing 100 percent of the people in an election district, of course. A "sampling error" or "margin of error" accompanies every significant result. It is the largest possible difference that could exist between a random national sample and a poll that asked 200 million Americans the same questions. A 3 percent sampling error, for example, means that if a poll predicts that a candidate will get 45 percent of the vote, he may probably get 42 to 48 percent of the vote.Often, after a random sample is collected, it's compared with US Census statistics to determine the degree of agreement before the poll is finalized. This can help polling professionals correct anomalies so that they can get clients that pay them the big bucks.The "exit polls" that play a key part in election night drama in American homes are even more accurate than other forecasts because the specially trained interviewers are using respondents who are known voters.Questions:1. How is a typical election poll conducted in the US?2. How large is the sample for a typical election poll?3. If a poll shows a 50% support for a candidate with a 3% margin of error, what would be the probable percentage of support for him?4. Why are "exit polls" especially accurate?5. What is the passage mainly about?Part DUse of Public Opinion PollsPublic opinion polls are regularly conducted and published in many countries. They measure not only support for political parties but also public opinion on a wide range of social and political issues. They are frequently published in major newspapers and are generally accepted as useful tools by businesses, political organizations, the mass media and government, and academic research groups. Hundreds of public polling firms operate around the world. The Gallup Poll and Harris Poll are among the best known in the US.In business, polls are used to test consumers' preferences and to discover what gives a product its appeal. Responses to commercial polls help businesses in planning marketing and advertising strategies and in making changes in a product to increase its sales.In politics, polls are used to obtain information about voters' attitudes toward issues and candidates, to put forward candidates with winning potential, and to plan campaigns. Polling organizations have also been successful in predicting the outcome of elections. By polling voters on Election Day, it is often possible to determine the probable winner even before the voting booths close.Newspapers, magazines, radio and television are heavy users of public opinion polling information, especially political information that helps to predict election results or measure the popularity of government officials and candidates. The public's attitude toward various social, economic, and international issues is also considered newsworthy.Governments use opinion polls to find out public sentiment about issues of interest. Theyalso use polling methodology to determine unemployment rates, crime rates, and other social and economic indicators.Opinion polls have also been employed extensively in academic research, particularly in the social sciences. They have been valuable in studying delinquency, socialization, political attitudes, and economic behavior. Among the prominent organizations that primarily serve academic research purposes are the Survey Research Center at the University of Michigan and the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago.Questions:1. By whom are public opinion polls generally accepted as useful tools?2. For what are opinion polls used by businesses?3. For what are opinion polls used in politics?4. For what are opinion polls used by governments?5. What new media are heavy users of the information from opinion polls?6. For what are opinion polls used in academic research?。

全新版大学英语听说教程4听力原文

全新版大学英语听说教程4听力原文

全新版大学英语听说教程第四册听力原文(Part B,C 部分)Unit 1Part BBirthday Celebrations Around the WorldChairman: Welcome to this special birthday edition of One World. Yes, folks, we've been on the air for exactly one year now, and we thought it would be a nice idea to have a special program dedicated to birthday celebrations around the world. With us in the studio tonight we have Shaheen Hag and Pat Cane, who have a weekly column on birthdays in the Toronto Daily Star. Shaheen: Good evening. Pat: Good evening.Chairman: Shaheen, perhaps we could begin with you. How are birthdays celebrated in India? Shaheen: Well, perhaps we're all assuming that everyone in the world celebrates their birthday. This just isn't the case. Low-income families in India, for instance, simply can't afford any festivities. And most Muslims don't celebrate their birthdays.Pat: I think Shaheen has raised an interesting point here. The Christian church, too, was actively against celebrating birthdays, and in any case most people, until a couple of hundred years ago, couldn't even read and wouldn't have even been able to spot their birthday on a calendar anyway. Shaheen: Of course some Muslims do celebrate their birthdays. In Egypt, Turkey and Indonesia, for example, the rich people invite friends and families around. But not in small villages. Chairman: Here in England your twenty-first used to be the big one. But now it seems to have moved to eighteen. Is that true?Pat: Yes, in most parts of the West eighteen is now the most important birthday. In Finland, for example, eighteen is the age when you can vote, you know, or buy wines, drive a car and so on. But in Japan I think you have to wait till you're twenty before you can smoke or drink. Shaheen: I know in Senegal, which is another Muslim country, girls get to vote at sixteen and boys at eighteen. And in Bangladesh, girls at eighteen and boys at twenty-one.Chairman: That's interesting. I mean is it typical that around the world girls are considered to be more mature than boys?Shaheen: Yes, I think so, and there are some countries, particularly in South America, which have a big party only for girls. In Mexico and Argentina, for example, they have enormous parties for 15-year-old girls.Pat: You know in Norway they have a great party for anyone who's not married by the time they're thirty. It's kind of embarrassing. I mean you get pepper thrown at you.Chairman: Pepper? Why pepper?Pat: I'm not really sure.Shaheen: So does that mean that on your 29th birthday you can start thinking 'God I better get married'?Pat: Well, I'm not sure how seriously they take it.Chairman: In England we have quite big parties for your fortieth, fiftieth, sixtieth and so on.Pat: Well, in Japan your eighty-eighth is considered ...Chairman: Eighty-eighth?Pat: ... to be the luckiest birthday. Eight is a very lucky number in Japan.Part CUnit 2 Part B Last Gasp for SmokersIt was a normal day and in their New York office, Ken and his colleagues stopped for their coffee break. But while his colleagues were able to sit at their desks and drink their coffee, Ken had to go outside. He couldn't stay inside, because he wanted to smoke. If the smokers of the Big Apple want to enjoy a cigarette, the authorities have decided they must go out into the street or up onto the rooftops.Throughout the United States, the number of places where people are allowed to smoke has gradually dwindled. First it was banned on trains, buses, and planes, then in public places such as theaters and airports. Now you can't smoke in any workplace. Nonsmokers are definitely winning the battle. "Why should we breathe their smoke?" they say.If they're lucky, smokers can still find some bars and restaurants or parks and recreation centers where they can light up a cigarette, but it may soon be banned there, too. In fact, smoking in parks and recreation centers is already banned in California. On August 9, 2001, Los Angeles City and County officials announced the implementation of a smoke-free park policy, officially designating smoke-free zones in all 375 parks and recreation centers in the city. And since January 1, 2002 all parks in California have become smoke-free to safeguard children from the harmful effects of secondhand tobacco smoke and dangerous tobacco waste. Anti-smoking groups even think that smoking ought to be banned in people's homes. Under new plans you won't be able to smoke in any house where there are more than ten visitors in a week, or where there are children.In 1996, nicotine was classed as a drug, like cannabis, cocaine or heroin. And scientists all over the world agree that exposure to secondhand smoke poses a serious health risk and there is no safe level of exposure. It is especially dangerous for children because when they are exposed to tobacco smoke, they have much higher rates of lung diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia and are also at greater risks of developing asthma.In the country that gave tobacco to the world, smoking might one day be illegal. And then Ken will have to give up.Part CUnit 3Part BHow Our Memory WorksTry to imagi ne a life without a memory. It would be impossible. You could n't use a Ian guage, because you would n't remember the words. You could n't un dersta nd a film, because you n eed to hold the first part of the story in your mind in order to understand the later parts. You would n't be able to recognize anyone - even members of your own family. You would live in a permanent present. You would have no past and you would n't be able to imagine a future.Human beings have amazing memories. Apart from all our personal memories about our own lives, we can recall between 20,000 and 100,000 words in our own Ianguage as well as possibly thousa nds more in a foreig n Ian guage. We have all sorts of in formati on about differe nt subjects such as history, scie nee, and geography, and we have complex skills such as driv ing a car or play ing a musical in strume nt. All these things and coun tless others depe nd on our memory.How well you remember things depends on many different factors. Firstly, some people naturally have better memories than others, in just the same way as some people are taller than others, or have different color eyes. Some top chess players, for example, can remember every move of every game that they have ever see n or played.Secon dly, research shows that differe nt things are stored in differe nt parts of the brain. Ideas,words, and nu mbers are stored in the left-ha nd side, while the right-ha nd side remembers images, soun ds, and smells. In most people one side of the brain is more developed tha n the other, and this may explain why some people can remember people's faces easily, but can't remember their n ames.Thirdly, we all remember exciting, frightening, or dramatic events more easily. This is because these experie nces produce chemicals such as adre nali ne, which boost your memory. They say that anyone who is old eno ugh to remember knows exactly where they were on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, when radio and TV programs around the world were interrupted with the shock ing n ews that the twin towers of the World Trade Cen ter in New York were hit.Fourthly, the con text in which you lear n someth ing can affect how well you remember it. Tests on divers, for example, showed that when they learned things underwater, they could also remember those things best whe n they were un derwater.Lastly, the more ofte n you recall a memory the more likely you are to remember it. If you don't use it, you'll lose it. A teleph one nu mber that you dial freque ntly will stay in your memory easily, but you will probably have to write dow n one that you use only now and aga in.Part CUnit 4Part BEmbarrass ing Experie ncesIn terviewer: Rob, you went to Brazil, did n't you?Rob: Yes, I did.In terviewer: So, what happe ned?Rob: Well, I went into this meeti ng and there were about, er... seve n or eight people in there and I just said 'Hello' to everybody and sat dow n. Appare ntly, what I should have done is to go round the room shak ing hands with every one in dividually. Well, you know, it's silly of me because IT^pticript7b inany people Adv<tricin^ inedins ius- ing your hairand your is it truethat the older you get, the less you reinemher?Actuftlly. in healthy peo 卩le, menior>r doesn'tdeteriorate as quickly as rndny of us think. As we age,our memory mechanism isn't broken, it's just diflerent.The brain's processing tinie slowi duwn over the years.Jiecent research EU 岸 gestf that nerve cells luseefficiency and thill there's less activity in the part of thebrain that decides whether Eo store information or not.There are steps you can take tn improve yourmtrmtjry; though you liave to work to keep your braiii inshape.Hlrliicry crlhdiicement ejtperts jsug- 月wepay attention io what wc to remember. Then givesome meaning tc it. We remember tilings when wefacus an them, whether wc intend io or nar.Basic orgdnizjtinn helps US remember thuboring stuff Fur example, rather than trying to recall arandom list of groceries, we can divide tliem into (■試such as dairy. . mnd produce. For important things like keys and money, wc CATI 5PT up a 'Target-iBE-rtOt spot wherir we always kerp them r Wfe can eat to aid our memory powtr. Whole grdins h fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of glucose, the brains preferred fiiel. 1b girt ad?c|U3tf rc^t is n low-t^ch wsy to improve memory. Sleep may allow OUF brain time to enec^de memories. Interest in friends, family and hobbies does woiider$ fnr nur memory. A sense nf passion or 卩iirpose helps u* renieniber. Memciry require^u$ to pay attention to cur lives, allowing us to dincaver in them everythin^ worth remembeTirig. Queitions !■ Which of the following an we learn from the passage? 2. Wliidi of the following can help improve our nw mo ry acco rding tu the passage? What should we do (□ nicl our memory paw - erseconding to the passage?found out later it upset every on e. I mean, I think they felt I was tak ing them for gran ted.Kate: Well, I know that because when I was in France the first time, I finished a meeting , with 'Goodbye, every one!' to all the people in the room. There were about half a doze n people there but I was in a hurry to leave, so I just said that and left. Well, I later found out that what I should have done is shake hands with every one in the group before leavi ng. Now, appare ntly, it's the polite thing to do. In terviewer: Well, people shake hands in differe nt ways, don't they?Rob: Oh, yes, that's right, they do. See, no rmally I shake hands quite gen tly whe n I meet some one. So when I went to the US for the first time, I think people there thought my weak handshake was a sign of weakness. Apparently, people there tend to shake hands quite firmly.Kate: Oh, gosh, you know, that reminds me: on my first trip to Germany, it was a long time ago, I was in troduced to the boss in the compa ny whe n he passed us in the corridor. Well, I was n't prepared, and I mean, I had my left hand in my pocket. And whe n we shook hands I realized my left hand was still in my pocket. Well, that was, you know, very bad manners and I was quite embarrassed.In terviewer: And how about using first n ames? Have you made any mistakes there?Rob: Oh, yes, I have! When I first went to Italy I thought it was OK to use every on e's first n ame so as to seem frien dly. And I later discovered that in bus in ess you should n't use some on e's first n ame uni ess you are in vited to. Oh, and you should always use their title as well.Kate: Hm, yeah, well, whe n I met people in Russia, you know, they seemed to be puzzled whe n I shook hands with them and said 'How do you do?' Well, what they do whe n they greet a stra nger is to say their own n ames, so I had that all wrong!Rob: Oh, yes, I agree with that. Remembering names is very important.In terviewer: Shall we take a break? When we come back we'll move on to our next topic.Kate & Rob: OK.Part C Test Your Listening Unit 5 FriendshipPart BThe Hospital Windowtn many cuuntriieK. ic k not customsry to callsomeone very Sdrly in th* morning, [f you call earlyin the da^ white he [s shaving or having breakfast,the time of the c^ll shows thjt The matter is veryimportant mnd requires ininiedi' ate attention. Thesame meaning is atuched to telephone calls after11:00 p.m. If someone receives a cd 11 duringsleepiEig hou 「蛍 he assumes it is n marter of lifeand dead). The time chosen for the caTI ccnimuiiic^te^ its imparr^nce.tn social life, time pFays A very importantpmrt, In the U.S. guests tend to feel they are highlyregarded if the invitation to a dinner party isextended three or four djys before [heparty date. Rut ir is not true in oih^r countries. Mseme coujitries it may be considered foolish to makean appointment too far ui advance be- BLi 我 pJansthat are mtide for a more than s week away tend to be forgotten. The meaning of timedialers in different parts of the world. Thus, misunderstanding arises between people 1 from different : countries that treat time 击他e ently. Imagine yoi] have arranged a meeting at 4 o'clock. What time should you expect your foreign business colleagues to arrive? If they're they'll be bang on time. If they're American theyll probably be 15 minutes early. If they 1 re British, they'll be 15 minutes late, and you should allow up to an hour for the Italians. Questions 1 - What have you learned about the time for telephone calls in many countries? 2. Wliy is it (xmsiderod fbuiish to nuke sn appoint- Inent too fur in advance in some countries? 3* Which nationalities are most pimctual and which are least punctual?Jack and Ben, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. Jack, whose bed was next to the room's only window, was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. But Ben had to spend all day and night flat on his bed. To kill time the two men began to talk. They talked for hours about their wives, families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, and where they had been on vacation. As days went by, a deep friendship began to develop between them.Every afternoon when Jack could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to Ben all the things he could see outside the window. And Ben began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees beautified the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.As Jack described all this in exquisite detail, Ben would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scenes.One warm afternoon Jack described a parade passing by. Although Ben couldn't hear the band -- he could see it in his mind's eye as Jack portrayed it with descriptive words.Days and weeks passed. One morning the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of Jack, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.Ben was heart broken. Life without Jack was even more unbearable. How he longed to hear Jack's voice and his melodious descriptions of the outside world! As he looked at the window, an idea suddenly occurred to him. Perhaps he could see for himself what it was like outside. As soon as it seemed appropriate, Ben asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself! He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall!'What could have compelled my roommate to describe such wonderful things outside this window?' Ben asked the nurse when she returned.'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you to live on,' she said. 'You know, he was blind and could not even see the wall.'Part CT4p«scrFpt || decided to hom^chool 仙As Fiona LS ar i R.IWo years ago. wfien Fiona turned four, Sam an find scho0| rubbing away her unique ventive, observant, and sensitive child, it would b亡A tr3S enflSS- ( f lrt. r mv ch i|dren would lean best if 1 stayed o ut”I tried not to reproduce school at home. I 杞山山日 -tbeif W. romes int0 mv room with ”Wh戲are we doingFiona is a structured child. Each morning she comes imo my <tod^y?" and ' What else?,h』., Every day we go with the flow, read some and 胡耿sow. but Fiona does not 注m ㈣血川环happy. She loses her temper now and then.I think it so strange that my child who is free from school doesn't warn to be tree at alL Her friends all go topre-school. So de 弭her nearest acquaintances. She feels left out of A m晌【的o; her friends' shared lives and experiences-Welh here is a dilemma I hadn't anticipated. It is importa nt to me to respect my daughter s opiii” ions and feelings. But on the other hand the quality of learning my child docs at home is superior Hpw c\3n I 注low her to get an inferior education?When we first decickd to do rhis, Sam and [ agreed that we would reassess the situation far each child as she turned seven. This would allow us to listen to how the child felt about home-schooling. MeanwhiEe we would give her plenty oftime with other kids — ballet lessons, swimming classes.Every rime she asks when shc h s going to school, we tell her that there will be a famtly meeting abour it when she turns s^ven. She nearly always responds, ThsCs when Cm going to go, tht?ru"We have one year I hope that Fiona will either learn to read and the world opens up for her or she discovcrs something wonderful to pursue. I hope she will find the activities she is involved in provide her with satisfactory kid-tiniHQuestions1娜$ 证the s P fiaker and血血聞d decide co home-school thdr daughter Fi Ona?2- How did Fiona respond to her biome-schooling?1 WhaT was血speaker s biggest pnoblem in home-schooling her daughter?4. What does the passage suggest?。

新世纪(第二版)大学英语4听力原文

新世纪(第二版)大学英语4听力原文

Unit 1 Man and NatureListen and RespondThe Importance of Protecting Sea ResourcesDuring the 19th century, people in Europe and America claimed that marine resources were unlimited.For example, a noted biologist at the time commented that none ofthe world’s great sea fisheries were ever going to be exhausted.Today though, there is evidence showing that marine resources areas seriously endangered as those of the land and the air.In fact, in some ways the threats to fish are more alarming than the threats to animals and birds.This is because fish is a much needed food resource,as people throughout the world depend on fish as an important part of their diet.It is reported that to satisfy food demands,20 billion pounds of fish are harvested every year in the North Atlantic alone.Sea resources are also rapidly declining in many other parts of the world.Scientists now believe that food supplies from the sea won’t last forever.They warn that excessive fishing will destroy fish reserves within the next few years.They also warn that the decline in fish supply will cause starvation in some parts of the world.Unit 2 Man and TechnologyListen and RespondWhat Has Technology Brought Us?Technology plays a vital role in our society.It makes our life more comfortable and convenient.Without it, we couldn’t evolve or cope up with the ever changing world we live in. Firstly, technology shortens the distance between people and makes communication much easier.Today, the Internet is widely used not only for the collection of information but also for correspondence.Secondly, modern means of transportation, such as airplanes and high-speed trains make our journey smoother and faster.With the help of modern transportation, we can go almost anywhere we want to.To journey into outer space and other planets is not a dream any more.Rockets and space shuttles have made the dream come true.Thirdly, modern medicine prolongs our life and relieves patients from pain.Some deadly diseases, such as cancer and AIDS can be treated now, and we can live longer and better.Last but not least, technology expands our vision of the world.It provides us with larger possibilities by giving us ideas that never occurred to us in the past. It is hard to imagine what the world would be like without technology.Unit 3 Fame and SuccessListen and RespondFour Steps to Successful Goal-SettingSuccessful people always have clear goals.Great musicians, great athletes, successful salespeople and inspiring leaders know what they want in life, and they go after it.No one becomes successful by accident!And yet, a lot of young people that I know just live their lives withno goals at all, or with only vague dreams, hopes and wishes.No wonder they have achieved so much less than they could!For those who have not yet experienced the joy of setting and achieving magnificent goals, here is a powerful set of principles that have worked for thousands of my clients.They will work for you, too.I call them “Four Steps to Successful Goal-Setting”:1. Decide what you want.Choose the life you prefer!You can’t have everything in life.But you can have anything you choose if you will focus,pay the price, and pursue it with all your heart.2. Make clear your values.Too often, people choose goals that are inconsistent with their priorities and daily behavior. Do you value health, or comfort?Is financial independence a priority, or merely a wish?Make sure that your goals are consistent with your most important values.3. Write them down.Have the courage to put your intentions on paper and in your own words.Be specific and describe your goals in detail.When will you achieve them?What will success look like?Write down the details and read your goals every day.4. Take action.To run a marathon, you must jog every day.A loving marriage or happy kids require your time, your attention and your love, every day. Your daily actions need not be profound or extraordinary, but they must be consistent and persistent.Success does not “just happen”.Just as an artist will make preliminary sketches and work out the details in his mind,so your success requires written goals, careful choices, clear commitments and daily persistence.You can do this.Make something great of your life!Unit 4 Work and CareerListen and RespondAttitude Makes a DifferenceAttitudes affect the way people get along at home, at school, and at work.Your attitude will influence your feelings of job satisfaction and your career success. Attitude is the way you think about things and act toward others.In fact, many employers believe that the most important factor in job success is a positive attitude.They know that an employee's work performance is closely related to his or her attitude. Employees with a positive attitude enjoy better business performance.If you view a new job as an opportunity, a chance to learn new things,and act with interest and enthusiasm, you are expressing a positive attitude.You also demonstrate a positive attitude when you are polite, cooperative and considerate with your co-workers and superiors.People with a positive attitude view the world as a friendly place.They take responsibility for their decisions and have the ability to control their feelings. People with a positive attitude are easy to get along with.They are honest in expressing their thoughts and feelings.And they are open to suggestions and constructive criticism.As you begin your new job, guard against a negative attitude.People with a negative attitude frequently complain and have careless work habits.They always blame others for their own problems.Besides, they are critical and indifferent to the needs of others.Unit 5 LifestylesListen and RespondLiving a Frugal LifePeople who live a frugal lifestyle often live with less stress.This is because they know how to take control of their money and,therefore, they have more control over their lives in general.And if you have more control of your life, you are likely to have more peace of mind.With that peace of mind comes what may be called "frugal freedom", namely, freedom from debt,freedom from envy, freedom from shame, freedom from worry, and freedom from loss of one's identity.Living a frugal life does not mean having nothing or living poor and cheap.Neither does it mean denying oneself the luxuries of life.A frugal lifestyle simply means that you have the intelligence to live a happyand fulfilling life without possessing a lot.Much of the transition from being extravagant to being frugal is within the mind.For example, before you leave your room, remember to turn off the light; keep all windows and outside doors closedwhen the air conditioning is on; turn off the tap water immediately after use; when you goshopping,use your brain to save money on certain things for something else you need or want.In short, living a frugal lifestyle means that you don't have to "keep up with the Joneses" and that you do not have to follow trends and fads.We should always remember that it is easier to spend less than it is to make more.It is easier to be frugal than to free oneself from financial stress.So, let us be frugal and live within our means.It is a great way of life.Unit 6 Attitudes to LifeListen and RespondAlways Be PositiveBeing positive is a discipline.There are so many things we cannot control,forces we are powerless to change because so much of life is unpredictable.We cannot control diseases.We cannot control injuries.We cannot control the weather and so many other things that are a part of our lives.But we can control our moods.A mood is simply a reflection of our attitude and we certainly can change our attitude.For example, when one of your co-workers asks you how you're doingwith your work, your answer may be "I feel great".But do you really feel great?Probably not.If your answer were negative, you would make your co-workers feel bad and uncomfortable. In that case, you've begun a whole cycle of negativity.Again, it's an attitude.A good attitude and a bad attitude are really just two different ways of looking at the same situation.Here's another example.You have a big work project due on the boss' desk tomorrow morning.You are up against a deadline.And you are half-done.Now there are two ways to look at the project.You can worry about all the work still left for you to do.Or you can tell yourself that half of it is already done,and you are certainly better off than when you first started the project.That's your choice: is the glass half-empty or half-full?That's the choice we have to make every morning when we get out of bed.Looking honestly at the reality of the situationand seeing the positive side of it may indeed increase the quality of our life.Self-motivated people look at each day as a new opportunity.They love what they do.They cannot wait to get to work in the morning.Unit 7 Reading and ReflectionListen and RespondReading EfficientlyYou know you have to read "between the lines" to get the most out of anything.I want to persuade you to do something equally importantin the course of your reading, that is: "write between the lines".Unless you do, you are not likely to do the most efficient kind of reading.I contend that marking up a book is an act of love.There are two ways in which one can own a book.The first is the property right you establish by paying for it, just as you pay for clothes and furniture.But this act of purchase is only the prelude to possession.Full ownership comes only when you have made it a part of yourself,and the best way to make yourself a part of it is by writing in it.Why is marking up a book indispensable to reading?First, it keeps you awake.And I don't mean merely conscious; I mean wide awake.In the second place, reading, if it is active, is thinking,and thinking tends to express itself in words, spoken or written.The marked book is usually the thought-through book.Finally, writing helps you remember the thoughts you had, or the thoughts the author expressed.If reading is to accomplish anything more than passing time, it must be active.You can't let your eyes glide across the lines of a bookand come up with an understanding of what you have read.The books you read for pleasure can be read in a state of relaxation and nothing is lost.But a great book, rich in ideas and beauty,a book that raises and tries to answer fundamental questions, demands the most active reading.When you've finished reading a book, and the pages are filled with your notes, you know that you read actively.Unit 8 GlobalizationListen and RespondThe Advantages and Disadvantages of GlobalizationGlobalization has been a commonly used term since the late twentieth century.It simply means that the world has become integrated economically, socially,politically and culturally through the advances in technology, transportation and communication.It is undeniable that globalization has resulted in both positive and negative effects which must be addressed accordingly.To begin with, globalization has contributed to the world's economies in many beneficial ways.Advances in science and technology have allowed businesses to easily cross over frontiers. Consequently, companies tend to become more productiveand competitive thereby raising the quality of goods, services and the world's living standards.Secondly, a very critical advantage is the spread of education.With numerous educational institutions around the globe, one can move out from the home country for better opportunities elsewhere.Thus, integrating with different cultures, meeting and learning from variouspeople through the medium of education is all due to globalization.Developing countries or labour-intensive countries have benefited the most.However, one cannot deny the negative effects resulting from globalization. Globalization has given rise to more health risks and threats of epidemics.A customary example is the dawn of HIV/AIDS.Having its origin in remote regions of Africa, the virus has spread like wildfire throughout the globe.Furthermore, food items are also transported to various countries,and this is a matter of concern, especially in the case of perishable items.The safety regulations and the standards of food preparation are different in different countries,which may pose a risk of potential health hazards.In conclusion, while globalization is inevitable, we must nevertheless urge individuals, companies and governments to use a more balanced approach by takingappropriate steps to deal with matters relating to the financialor economic gains versus the social, political and ecological concerns of the world.。

大学英语听说教程4听力原文Unit5

大学英语听说教程4听力原文Unit5

⼤学英语听说教程4听⼒原⽂Unit5Unit5PartBHow Our Memory WorksTry to imagine a life without a memory. It would be impossible. You couldn't use a language, because you wouldn't remember the words. You couldn't understand a film, because you need to hold the first part of the story in your mind in order to understand the later parts. You wouldn't be able to recognize anyone - even members of your own family. You would live in a permanent present. You would have no past and you wouldn't be able to imagine a future.Human beings have amazing memories. Apart from all our personal memories about our own lives, we can recall between 20,000 and 100,000 words in our own language as well as possibly thousands more in a foreign language. We have all sorts of information about different subjects such as history, science, and geography, and we have complex skills such as driving a car or playing a musical instrument. All these things and countless others depend on our memory.How well you remember things depends on many different factors. Firstly, some people naturally have better memories than others, in just the same way as some people are taller than others, or have different color eyes. Some top chess players, for example, can remember every move of every game that they have ever seen or played.Secondly, research shows that different things are stored in different parts of the brain. Ideas, words, and numbers are stored in the left-hand side, while the right-hand side remembers images, sounds, and smells. In most people one side of the brain is more developed than the other, and this may explain why some people can remember people's faces easily, but can't remember their names.Thirdly, we all remember exciting, frightening, or dramatic events more easily. This is because these experiences produce chemicals such as adrenaline, which boost your memory. They say that anyone who is old enough to remember knows exactly where they were on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, when radio and TV programs around the world were interrupted with the shocking news that the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York were hit.Fourthly, the context in which you learn something can affect how well you remember it. Tests on divers, for example, showed that when they learned things underwater, they could also remember those things best when they were underwater.Lastly, the more often you recall a memory the more likely you are to remember it. If you don't use it, you'll lose it. A telephone number that you dial frequently will stay in your memory easily, but you will probably have to write down one that you use only now and again.Questions:1. What does the passage mainly tell us?2. What can be inferred from the passage?3. Which of the following is stated to be true?4. Why can we remember exciting, dramatic, or frightening events better?PartCAdditional ListeningsTechniques to Help Us Remember BetterWe all have problems remembering things, but there are some techniques that you can use to help you remember.First of all, remember the names and jobs of the people and where they come from. Here, the best thing is to imagine images of the people and the names that you want to remember. And you should try to think of funny images as they are easier to remember. For example, we have Tom the student from Australia. Well, for Tom you might imagine a tomato. Then Australia has a shape a bit like a dog. Now let's imagine it's a very clever dog and is studying. So imagine Tom's face as a tomato and he's with a dog and the dog is reading a book. So now we have a picture of Tom the student from Australia.Now let's take the numbers. The best thing to do here is to break a large number up into smaller numbers and then think of things that the numbers remind you of, such as a birthday, a particular year, the number of a house. Or with a number like 747 you might think of a jumbo jet -- a Boeing 747.With the directions, the best thing is to imagine yourself following the directions. Create a picture in your mind of yourself going down the street. Count the turnings 1, 2, ... Then turn left. Now imagine going past a supermarket and a cinema and so on.When you have to remember lists of words, try to build them into a story. So with our words we might start with, 'The sun was shining, so I went for a walk. I saw a horse wearing trousers. It was kicking some bananas over a television. The bananas landed in a bag.' And so on. Again the funnier the story, the better.Try some of these techniques and you'll be amazed at what you can remember.Questions:1. How many techniques are mentioned in the talk?2. Why should we imagine a dog in order to remember that Tom is from Australia?3. What should we do to remember a large number?4. How can we remember the directions to a certain place?5. How can we remember lists of words?PartDImprove Your MemoryTo many people advancing age means losing your hair, your waistline and your memory. But is it an inescapable fact that the older you get, the less you remember? Well, as time goes by, we tend to blame age for problems that are not necessarily age-related.When a teenager can't find her keys, she thinks it's because she's distracted or disorganized, but a 70-year-old blames her memory. In fact, the 70-year-old may have been misplacing things for decades -- like we all do from time to time.In healthy people, memory doesn't deteriorate as quickly as many of us think. According to psychologists, as we age, our memory mechanism isn't broken, it's just different. The brain's processing time slows down over the years, though no one knows exactly why. Recent research suggests that nerve cells lose efficiency and that there's less activity in the part of the brain that decides whether to store information or not. But it's not clear that less activity is worse. A beginning athlete is winded more easily than a trained athlete. In the same way, as the brain gets more skilled at a task, it spends less energy on it.There are steps you can take to improve your memory, though you have to work to keep your brain in shape. It's like having a good body. You can't go to the gym once a year and expect to stay in top form.Some memory enhancement experts suggest using the AM principle. Pay attention to whatyou want to remember. Then give some meaning to it. We remember things when we focus on them, whether we intend to or not. That helps explain why jingles stick in our minds. They are played on loud, flashy TV commercials. They also use rhyme and music to help us remember better.Basic organization helps us remember the boring stuff. For example, rather than trying to recall a random list of groceries, we can divide them into categories, such as dairy, meat, and produce. For important things like keys and money, we can set up a "forget-me-not" spot where we always keep them.We can also eat to aid our memory power. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of glucose, the brain's preferred fuel. Another low-tech way to improve memory is to get adequate rest. Sleep may allow our brain time to encode memories.Interest in friends, family and hobbies does wonders for our memory. A sense of passion or purpose helps us remember. Memory requires us to pay attention to our lives, allowing us to discover in them everything worth remembering. Statements:1. It is not always true that the older you get, the less you remember.2. It can be inferred from the passage that memory problems are not really age-related.3. As we get older, our memory mechanism is broken, and so cannot be the same as it was before.4. Scientists have discovered that memory loss is caused by lack of activity in the part of the brain that decides what information to store.5. You must work hard to keep your brain active, just as you work hard to keep yourself in shape.6. In the AM principle, the letters A and M most likely refer to attention and memory respectively.7. A right choice of food and plenty of rest help improve our memory.8. Memory requires us to have purpose or passion in what we do.。

大学英语IV期末听力复习音频及听力原文-2014年6月(第3套)2009年12月四级听力原文

大学英语IV期末听力复习音频及听力原文-2014年6月(第3套)2009年12月四级听力原文

2009年12月大学英语四级真题听力原文Short conversations1.M: Excuse me, do you have change for a ten-dollar note? I need to pay the parking meter (停车计时收费器).W: I’m sorry, but I think you can get it through the money changer in the shopping center across the street.Q: What is the man trying to do?2.M: Can you recommend something that a school boy of 7 or 8 will really like?W: I’d suggest this toy train, sir. It’s an excellent brand, very popular all over the world these days.Q: What is the man doing?3.W: Do you let people know when you’re taking pictures of them?M: I try not to. You know any picture of a person who poses for the camera would look dull(死板)and unnatural.Q: What are the speakers talking about?4.W: I need to talk to someone who knows Baltimore well. I’m told youlived there.M: Oh, but I was really young at the time.Q: What does the man mean?5.W: Aren’t you disappointed that you didn’t get the promotion?M: Maybe a little, but I know I need more experience before I’m ready for that kind of responsibility.Q: What do we learn about the man from this conversation?6.W: I’ve been working out the gym since January. I was a bit out of sh ape (走样).M: You look terrific. It seems that your effort has paid off.Q: What does the man imply about the woman?7.W: Professor Clark suggested I get a tutor for advanced physics (高等、近代物理).M: Well, that might help. Advanced physics is a pretty difficult course. Q: What does the man mean?8.W: Bill, have you heard the latest news? It appears we two won’t be laid off after all.M: Oh, I’m somewhat tired of working here. I’ve been wonderingwhether I should resign. Anyway, the news seems to be good for you. Q: How does the man feel about the news?Long conversationsLong Conversation 1W: Hello, Cartson College, may I help you?M: Yes. I’m looking for inf ormation on courses in computer programming. I would need it for the fall semester.W: Do you want a day or evening course?M: Well, it would have to be an evening course since I work during the day.W: Aha. Have you taken any courses in data processing?M: No.W: Oh! Well, data processing is a course you have to take before you can take computer programming.M: Oh, I see. Well, when is it given? I hope it is not on Thursdays.W: Well, there’s a class that meets on Monday evenings at 7.M: Just once a week?W: Yes. But that’s almost 3 hours from 7 to 9:45.M: Oh! Well, that’s all right, I could manage that. How many weeks does the course last?W: Mm, let me see. 12 weeks. You start the first weekends Septemberand finish…Oh.. just before Christmas, December 21st.M: And how much is the course?W: That’s 300 dollars including the necessary computer time.M: Ah-hum. Okay, Eh, where do I go to register?W: Registration is on the second and third of September between 6 and 9 in Frost Hall.M: Is that the round building behind the parking lot?W: Yes, that’s the one.M: Oh, I know how to get there. Is there anything that I should bring with me?W: No, just your check book.M: Well, thank you so much.W: You’re very welcome. Bye!M: Bye!Questions 9 to 12 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Q9: Why does the man choose to take an evening course?Q10: What does the man have to do before taking the course of computer programming?Q11: What do we learn about the schedule of evening course?Q12: What does the man want to know at the end of the conversation?Long Conversation 2:W: So why exactly does your job have a reputation for being stressful? M: Stress is generally driven by the feeling of being out of control of a situation, and a feeling of a situation controlling you (当你感觉自己无法控制某种情况,或感觉自己为某种情况所控制时,就会产生压力。

大学英语听说教程4听力原文Unit4

大学英语听说教程4听力原文Unit4

Unit4PartBHow to Use an OHPM: I want to use the overhead projector for my presentation. Could you show me how to use it?W: OK, let me show you. Just watch what I do. I... I'll talk you through the procedure.M: Thanks.W: Right, well. First of all, you put the OHP on the table here, about 2 meters from the wall or the screen. Er...do you have a screen?M: Er...no. I thought I'd just use the wall.W: Oh, er...well, a screen's better, but I suppose this wall will be all right. It is sort of white. Anyway, let's try it. So, the next thing you have to do is press these buttons in and lift this part up until it snaps into place.M: I see.W: And then turn it round so the head is facing towards the screen, I mean the wall, and now we can plug it in.M: Right, and you switch it on?W: Yeah. Then I press the switch here on the front...M: Right.W: There! And the light should come on.M: Right, OK.W: Yeah, there we are. So, you just place your transparency here on the glass.M: OK, there, oh!W: Oh, no! No, the other way up.M: Oh yes, of course.W: That's right, yeah. And to raise or lower the image you move this flap up or down... There, that's better.M: Right, OK.W: And finally, to focus the image you turn this wheel to make it sharp. There we are, that's not too bad.M: Oh, that's great, yeah. OK, thanks.W: Oh, one more thing: whatever you do, don't keep switching it on and off. I'm going to switch it off now. Now, when you use it in your presentation, you should leave it switched on, with a piece of paper over the glass.M: Right, I...er... I don't understand why you have to leave it on.W: Well, the reason why you have to do that is that you don't want the bulb to fail. The bulb fails easily if the machine is on and off frequently. If it does, you'll have to replace the bulb, which will be very hot and you may not have a spare anyway. So that's about it. Any questions?M: Erm...no, that seems all very clear. Thank you very much.W: You're welcome. Oh, and I really do think you need to get a screen, by the way. The picture would be much brighter than on that wall, you know.M: Oh, OK. Well, I'll ask Jim if he's got one.W: Oh, good idea! And make sure he shows you how to put it up!M: I will. Thanks again.PartCAdditional ListeningsHow to Send an E-mailM: I would like to send an e-mail to a friend of mine. Could you tell me how to do it?W: Certainly. First, you choose the e-mail program on your computer and click New Message.M: All right.W: OK? Well, then you start typing the name of the recipient. The program remembers the name and completes the e-mail address. Well, if not, you look up the name in the address book or contact list. OK? Well, if you want other people to get copies of the same message, you send them 'CCs', which are copies of the message. OK? Then you press Return on the keyboard and then you type the subject of the message. Now, there's no need to put the date because that goes in automatically when you send the message, together with the time. OK?M: Oh, yeah.W: Well, then you press Return again and start writing the message. Now, if you make a mistake, you just press Backspace to delete the previous letter or word and then type it again correctly.M: I see.W: Now, when you've finished, you read the whole message through to make sure it looks right and contains the right information. Now, if you decide you want to change sentences around, you can copy sentences and paste them in other places.M: And...er...er...how about spelling and punctuation, er...that can be corrected automatically, can't it?W: Well, yes and no. You can run your spell checker and that may bring up some mis-typings and things like that. But it definitely won't catch them all, so you must read it through to check your spelling, too. And check your punctuation at the same time. Now if you notice a misspelt word, or if you want to change a word or something like that, double-click on the word and type the new word over it.M: Fine. That's easy.W: Hmm. And then it's ready to send. You just click on Send and it'll go off immediately. And the other person will find your message in their Inbox when they next go online to get their messages.M: Right. Well, that sounds much easier than handwriting a message and faxing it.W: Sure it does.Questions:1. Where does the computer store the e-mail addresses of your friends?2. What does "CCs" stand for? When do you use "CCs"?3. What can you do if you want to change sentences around?4. What can you do if you want the computer to check mis-typings?5. What do you do if you want to change a word?PartDLayout of a LetterAs we go through, I'm going to tell you the layout of a formal letter in English -- you might want to note this information down on a separate piece of paper. OK, the first thing is to write the sender's address in the top right-hand corner. OK. This has a set order with the number of the house or flat followed by the name of the street; and then underneath that, perhaps the district if it's a big town, then under that the name of the town or city, with the postcode. And it's now common, quite acceptable, to write all this without any punctuation at all. And the address -- please write it now in the top right-hand corner -- is 12 Greenwood Avenue.And the next line is West Ealing (that's E-A-L-I-N-G). Next line: London W5-then a small gap -- 6RJ. London W5 6RJ.Now leave a line, and then write the date directly underneath the address. Now you can do this in several different ways. You can put 10 September, or September 10, or just 10 dot 9 dot 2003. So use one of these methods and put today's date in the correct place.And now, if you want, you could write the address of the person you are writing to. If you do that, you put it on the left-hand side of the paper, and you would usually start the address at roughly the same level as the date which is on the right-hand side.The next thing we write is the salutation. Our letter is to Sean White, and we begin Dear Mr. White -- please note exactly where it goes.Now, if you don't know the person's name you just put Dear Sir, or Dear Madam, or Dear Sir or Madam. In an informal letter you still use "Dear", but you start with the person's first name -- for example, Dear Maria or Dear Stephen or whatever.And at the end of the letter you sign off "Yours sincerely" -- capital "Y", but small "s". Socould you write that now at the end of the letter, leaving a line first?Now, we put "sincerely" if we know the name of the person that we are writing to. But if you don't know the name, the traditional ending is "Yours faithfully". Now, this is the custom in Britain, although it is true to say that not everyone keeps to it, and I think in America they use different endings -- for example, they may finish a letter with "Truly yours".OK, if you are writing to a friend, then it's usually something like "best wishes", or often "love" if it's a member of your family or a very close friend, but not so common between two friends who are men. After the ending, in this case "Yours sincerely", leave a line, and then put your signature directly underneath. If your name is Maria Lee, write M. Lee underneath "Yours sincerely" Then type your full name below your signature. So do that now -- write your signature at the end of the letter. And that's it.Questions:1. According to the speaker, what should be included in the sender's address in a formal letter in English?2. Which of the following is not an acceptable way to date an English letter?3. What does the speaker say about addressing the receiver in a formal letter if we don't know the person's name?4. What does the speaker say about the ways to end a letter?5. When is it not advisable to end a letter with the word "love"?6. What is usually placed below the writer's signature at the end of a letter?。

新编大学英语视听说教程4听力原文与答案.pdf

新编大学英语视听说教程4听力原文与答案.pdf

新编⼤学英语视听说教程4听⼒原⽂与答案.pdf视听说4 听⼒原⽂及答案Unit 1 Leisure activitiesPart 1 listening oneEver wish you could do magic tricks, or introduce yourself as “magician” at a party? Imagine, everybody wants to have fun, but nothings’ really happening, it’s time for you to show one of your ne w tricks. Here, you can learn how, and without any need for special materials or much practice.A trick with a coin, a handkerchief and a friend:Put the coin on your palm. Cover the coin with the handkerchief. Ask several people to put their hands beneath the handkerchief and feel the coin, to make sure that it is still there. Then take the corner of the handkerchief and pull it rapidly off your hand. The coin has gone! How? You must make sure the last friend who feels the coin knows the trick and removes the coin when he seems to be just feeling it. And nobody knows where it has gone!A trick with a piece of paper and a pencil:Tell your friend that you can communicate your thoughts without speaking to other people. Write on the piece of paper the word No. Don't let your friends see what you have written. Say, "Now I will communicate this word into your minds." Pretend to concentrate. Ask them if they know what is written on the paper. They will say, "No!" And you say, "Quite correct! I wrote No on the paper!"A trick with an egg and some salt:Ask your friends to stand the egg upright on the table. They won't manage to do it. Say that you can speak to the chicken inside. Say, "Chicken! Can you hear me? Get ready to balance your egg!"When you first get the egg back from your friends, pretend to kiss the egg at the base. Make the base wet. Then put the base into salt which is in your other hand. The salt will stick to the egg. Then put the egg on the table. Twist the egg around a few times as this will arrange the grains of salt. Then it will stand up. Don't forget to thank the chicken.Questions:1.What does the magician ask people to do in the first trick2.What happens to the coin?3.How does the magician prove that he can communicate histhoughts to the audience in the second trick?4.What is the first step to make the egg stand upright?5.What else is needed to make the egg stand upright?Keys: 1. B 2. C 3. C 4. A 5. DPart 1 listening two(The following is an interview from a weekly sports program.) Presenter: Good morning, listeners. Welcome to our weekly sports programaimed at all those underactive youngsters with time on their hands!Listen to what our two guests have to say about their hobbies andhow their hobbies have made a difference to their lives. Adriennefirst, then, Jonathan.Adrienne: I collect very interesting jewelry. I tend to travel a lot as most of my family do, so whenever I have a holiday, I like to go traveling.Whenever I travel somewhere, I like to pick up something to remindme of the place that I visited. And, the easiest thing to do is to pickup a small piece of jewelry instead of getting a poster or a T-shirtthat won’t last. I like the idea of having something small and also, Ifind whenever I wear jewelry from somew here, it’s a goodconversation piece. Usually people ask you, “Where did you getthis?” I then have a story to tell, and it’s a good way to meet and talkto people. It’s just interesting. I have jewelry that I picked up when Itraveled to Thailand, when I traveled to Africa and when I traveled toEurope.Presenter: Wow! Sounds nice. You’ll have to show your collections to us. Adrienne: I’d love to.Presenter: Thank you, Adrienne. Now Jonathan.Jonathan: I prefer canoeing because you've always got the water there for support. If you're a good swimmer, have a good sense of balanceand strong arms, you'll like canoeing! The main trouble istransporting your canoe to the right places—my father takes it onthe roof of the car—or sometimes I put it on the roof of the club’sLand Rover. What it has taught me most is to be independent. It'sjust you and the canoe against the wind, the weather and the water.It gives you a lot of self-confidence and it can be really exciting aslong as you don't mind getting soaked, of course! It makes you feelclose to nature somehow. Last year, when I was qualified, I began torun my own canoeing center.Presenter: So you are making your hobby work for you.Jonathan: People are usually very skilled at their hobbies. The combination of interest and skills is a very compelling reason to choose a particularcareer.Presenter: Then, Adrienne, do you have a similar plan?Adrienne: Yes, I love making beaded jewelry. I’ve decided to get some formal training. I want to learn how to be a jewelry designer. Questions:1. Who is the target audience in the program?2. What is Adrienne’s hobby?3. What does Adrienne usually buy when she visits a place?4. How does Jonathan benefit from canoeing?5. What should be the major concern in choosing a career according to Jonathan?Keys: 1. A 2. B 3. D 4. C 5. BPart 1 listening threeGerry: I've just been to see Gone with the Wind. It was fantastic. Well worth seeing. Have you ever seen it?Judy : No, but I've read the book. I don't think I would like to see the film really. It would spoil the story for me.Gerry: Really? Oh, give me a film any day. Honestly, if I had to choose between the film of a story and the book of it, I'd go for the film. Judy : Would you?Gerry: Yes. It's much more real. You can get the atmosphere better. You know, the photography and location shots, period costumes, theright accents. Don't you think so?Judy : Not really. I much prefer to use my own imagination. I can imagine how I want it, rather than how someone makes me see it. Anyway, I think you get much more insight into the characters when you read a book. Part of a person's character is lost on film because you never know what they are thinking.Gerry: True, but I don't know. It's much easier going to the cinema. It takes less time. I can get the whole story in two hours but it might take mea week to read the book.Judy : I know, but it's so expensive to go to the cinema nowadays.Gerry: I know, but it's a social event. It's fun. You can go with your friends.When you read a book you have to do it on your own.Judy : All right. Let's agree to differ. I'll get some coffee.Keys:1.1.s poil the story 1.2. and day1.3. Honestly choose the film1.4.Atmosphere photography location period1.5.insight into the characters 1.6. social event1.7. agree to differ2.Films: get the atmosphere better---photography/locationshots/period costumes/right accenteasiertake less time: two hoursan social event: fun, go with friendsBooks: take more time: one weeknot a social event: do it on your ownbooks: use readers’ own imaginationget much more insight into the charactersfilms: spoil the storyexpensivePart 1 listening fourSally Marino gets married. After the wedding, there is a big party—a wedding reception. All the guests eat dinner. There is a band and, after dinner, everyone dances. Sally's mother and father pay for everything. At the end of the reception, Sally andher new husband cut the wedding cake and all the guests get a piece.Pete and Rose buy a new house. After moving in, they invite their friends and family to a party—a housewarming party. Everybody comes to see the new house. They look at the bedrooms, the dining room, even the garage. Pete and Rose serve drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. The party is on a Saturday afternoon.It is Christmas time. Ted and Sarah Robinson want to see many of their friends over the holiday. So they invite their friends to an open house. The hours of the party are from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The guests arrive and leave whenever they want. The Robinsons serve sandwiches, drinks, and snacks. Some guests stay for just 20 minutes, others stay for 3 hours. About fifty people come to the open house.Mr. and Mrs. Todd ask their neighbors to come to an evening party. They don't serve much food, just snacks—pretzels, chips, peanuts and many types of drinks. No one dances. Conversation is important with people asking questions like "What's new with you?".Keys:1.√2 √32.4.d inner band dances piece2.5.house drinks snacks2.6.Invite arrive fifty/502.7.snacks Conversation new with youPart 4 Listening 1Receptionist: Good morning. Can I help you?Cathy: Er...a friend told me that you have exercise and dance classes here.Receptionist: That's right.Cathy: OK. Can you give me some information about days and times, please?Receptionist: Yes, there are four classes a day, every day from Monday to Saturday with nothing on Sunday.Cathy: Yeah, can you tell me the open hours?Receptionist: The first one is an aerobics class from 8:30 to 9:30 in the morning. Then there's another aerobics class at lunchtime from12:30 to 1:30.Cathy: Right.Receptionist: Then in the evening from 5:30 to 6:30—another aerobics class too. And there's a jazz dance class from 6:30 to 7:30. Cathy: Right. And what level are they for? I mean, would they be OK fora beginner?Receptionist: The morning aerobics—8:30 to 9:30—is advanced. All the others are at the beginner to intermediate level. But let me giveyou a schedule.Cathy: Thanks. And how much does it cost for a class? Receptionist: You pay a £1 entrance fee and then the classes are £2.50 each and £3.50 for the jazz dancing. It's there on the sheet. Cathy: Oh, yes, I see.Receptionist: If you become a member, entrance is free and...Cathy: Oh, no, it's OK. I'm only in London for two weeks. Receptionist: Oh, right. That's no good then.Cathy: And I guess you have showers and everything? Receptionist: Yes, sure, and in the evenings you can use the sauna free, too. Cathy: Oh, great. So the next class is at 5:30? Well, I'll see you then. Receptionist: Fine. See you later!Questions:1. Where does the dialog most likely take place?2. How many classes are there every day except Sunday?3. At what time does the last class end?4. How much is the entrance fee?5. Which class will Cathy most probably attend?6. What can we learn about Cathy from the conversation?Keys: 1. A 2.C 3.C 4. A 5. C 6. BListening 2Woman: Why don't we go abroad for a change? I'd like to go to France, Spain, or even Italy.Man: Mm. I'm not all that keen on traveling really. I'd rather stay at home. Woman: Oh, come on, Steve. Think of the sun! Man: Yes, but think of the cost! Going abroad is very expensive. Woman: Oh, it isn't, Steve. Not these days.Man: Of course it is, Juliet. The best thing about having a holiday here in Britain is that it's cheaper. And another thing, traveling in Britainwould be easier. No boats, planes or anything.Woman: Even so, we've been to most of the interesting places in Britain already. What's the point in seeing them again? Anyway, we cantravel round Britain whenever we like. There's no point in wastingour summer holiday here.Man: Mm, I suppose you're right. Nevertheless, what I can't stand is all the bother with foreign currency, changing money and all that when wego abroad. I hate all that. And it's so confusing.Woman: Oh, don't be silly, Steve.Man: And what's more, I can't speak any of the languages—you know that.It's all right for you. You can speak some foreign languages. Woman: Exactly. You see, what I'd really like to do is practice my French and Spanish. It would help me a lot at work.Man: Mm, but that's no use to me.Woman: But just think of the new places we'd see, the people we'd meet! Man: But look, if we stayed here, we wouldn't have to plan very much. Woman: I'm sorry, Steve. No. I don't fancy another cold English summer. Questions:1. Where does the man want to spend the summer holiday?2. According to Steve, what is considered important in planning vacation?3. What does Steve find confusing about traveling abroad?4. What will help Juliet in her work?5. What does Juliet think of summer in Britain?Keys:1. C2. B3. D4. C5. BListening 3The game of football may have started in Roman times. It seems that theRomans played a game very much like our modern rugby but with a round ball.English villagers played football in the 16th century and they often had almost a hundred players on each side. It was a very common game, which was very rough and even dangerous until the early part of the 19th century. In the 18th century a Frenchman who had watched a rough game of football in a village wrote, "I could not believe that those men were playing a game. If this is what Englishmen call playing, I would not like to see them fighting!"From the mid-19th century, it was played in schools in England and soon spread all over Britain and Europe. Until in 1850, it was not possible to have football matches between one school and another, because each school had different rules! So set rules had to be made. They were not improved though until, in 1863, when those who preferred to play with hands as well as feet formed the Rugby Union while the others started the Football Association (F.A.). It was only in 1863 that the first set of rules for all football clubs was agreed upon.Nearly 150 years later, football has become by far the most popular sport in the entire world. Would that 18th century Frenchman have believed it possible?Questions:1. According to the passage, when may the game of football have first started?2. How many team members were often involved in the game when the English began to play the game?3. What did the speaker say about the earliest football game in England?4. Why was it NOT possible to have football matches between two schools until 1850?5. What happened to football in 1863?Keys:1. D2. D3. A4. C5. CListening 4In one town, there were three longtime friends, Pat, Mike and Bob. Pat and Bob were quite bright, but Mike was rather dull.One day as Pat and Mike were walking down the sidewalk together, Pat put his hand on a solid brick wall and said, "Mike, hit my hand as hard as you can." Mike struck a hard blow, but Pat pulled his hand away from the wall just before Mike's fist hit it. Of course, it hurt Mike's hand very much when he hit the wall, but Pat said, "That was a good joke on you, wasn't it?" Mike agreed, but was not too happy.The following day Mike and Bob were walking in the town square. Mike decided to play the joke on Bob. He looked around, and seeing no solid object, he placed his hand over his face and said, "Bob, hit my hand as hardas you can." Bob agreed, and as he struck a hard blow with his fist, Mike quickly pulled his hand away and was knocked to the ground, unconscious. After a few minutes Mike recovered, and saw Bob worriedly looking down at him. Mike said, "That was a good joke on you, wasn't it?"Questions:1.Who was NOT clever?2.What did Pat ask Mike to do?3.Who was hurt finally?4.On whom was Mike going to try this joke?5.Where did Mike put his hand when he asked Bob to hit him?6.What happened to Mike after Bob struck a hard blow with his fist?Keys:1.1A2. C3. A4.B5. C6. B2.√2 √5Unit 3 Gender DifferencesPart 1 listening oneThree guys are out having a relaxing day fishing. Out of the blue, they catch a mermaid who begs to be set free in return for granting each of them a wish.Now one of the guys just doesn't believe it, and says, "OK, if you can really grant wishes, then double my IQ." The mermaid says, "Done." Suddenly, the guy starts to recite flawless Shakespeare followed by a short pause and an extremely insightful analysis of it. The second guy is so amazed that he says to the mermaid, "Hey, triple my IQ." The mermaid says, "Done." The guy begins pouring out all the mathematical solutions to problems that have puzzled scientists in all fields.The last guy is so impressed by the changes in his friends that he says to the mermaid, "Quintuple my IQ." The mermaid looks at him and says, "You know, I normally don't try to change people's minds when they make a wish, but I really wish you'd reconsider."The guy says, "No, I want you to increase my IQ five times, and if you don't do it, I won't set you free." "Please," says the mermaid, "you don't know what you're asking... It'll change your entire view of the universe. Won't you ask for something else? A million dollars or anything?"But no matter what the mermaid says, the guy insists on having his IQ increased by five times its usual power. So the mermaid sighs and says, "Done." And he becomes a woman.Keys: 1. F 2. F 3. F 4. T 5. T2.1. set free in return 2.2 extremely insightful analysis2.3 pouring out, puzzled, in all fields2.4 normally, change people’s minds, reconsider 2.5 usual powerPart 1 listening two(Dr. Herring, author of a book on language and communication, is being interviewed by Bob White, a writer for an academic journal on communication.)Bob White: Good morning, Dr. Herring! We both know that many communication specialists believe that gender bias exists in language, culture and society. Do you think this is really so? Dr. Herring: Yes, I certainly do. How we talk and listen can be strongly influenced by cultural expectations, and these begin duringchildhood. Children usually play together with other childrenof the same gender, and this is where our conversational styleis learned.Bob White: Can you give some specific examples?Dr. Herring: Certainly. We find that girls use language mainly to develop closeness or intimacy as a basis for friendship. Boys, on thecontrary, use language mainly to earn status in their group.Bob White: But, in communication through electronic devices like e-mail discussion groups, there should be no gender distinction ifwriters' names are not used in the messages.Dr. Herring: One might think so, but in fact, email writing style is more comparable with spoken language, so basic language stylesare still evident.Bob White: I thought e-mail messages were gender neutral!Dr. Herring: No. While theoretical gender equality exists for the Internet, in reality women are not given equal opportunity because ofdifferent communication and language styles between thesexes.Bob White: How does that happen? Do you have any hard facts to back up this impression?Dr. Herring: Yes. I've done a research project using randomly selected e-mail messages from online discussion groups. I found thatfemales use language that is more collaborative andsupportive such as "Thanks for all your tips on...", "Goodpoint." and "Hope this helps!". Men tend to use moreaggressive or competitive language such as "Do youunderstand that?", "You should realize that...", "It is absurd tothink...".Bob White: How great are these gender differences?Dr. Herring: Males write messages using aggressive, competitive language more than twice as often as females did, while females usecollaborative and supportive language three times as often asmales did. In this study, it is clear that there is a genderdifference in e-mail messages just as in other communicationmedia.Bob White: So the "battle of the sexes" is still with us, even online. Questions:1. According to Dr. Herring, when is children’s conversational style learned?2. Which of the following is most similar to e-mail writing in style?3. Why is there still no equality on the Internet?4. What comparison did Dr. Herring make in her speech?Keys: 1. C 2. B 3. A 4. B2.1. language, culture, society, cultural expectations2.2 closeness intimacy, earn status2.3 collaborative supportive, aggressive competitivePart 1 listening threeJohn: Cathy, do you think it's appropriate for females to continuously expect guys to behave in a standard gentlemanly fashion like opening cardoors?Cathy: W ell, I think it would be nice if men could do such things.John: My side of the theory is that we all have to admit that we are living in the world of change. Right? Sometimes the equation changes if the driver is a girl and the passenger is a guy who doesn't drive. So what happens? Should the girl open the door for the guy or should the guy open the door for the girl? Maybe we should just adopt an "open your own door" policy.Cathy: Yes, I agree, John. But...sometimes it's just a matter of courtesy. It doesn't matter who opens the door for whom. Maybe females just should not expect too much. Life isn't a fairy tale after all.John: It's absolutely true. Sometimes I feel that there isn't any difference in the roles both genders can perform. Of course I'm not saying that men can give birth. Rather what I meant was except for the physical and natural differences between both sexes, there isn't much difference between them.Cathy: But honestly, although I don't expect guys to open doors for me, or to pull out a chair for me, I am usually quite impressed if they do so, asmany guys don't do it nowadays. If the guy was walking in front of meand went through the door first, I'd appreciate it if he could hold thedoor and not let it slam in my face.John: Well, if I'm the one walking in front, I will open the door and hold it for。

上海外语教育出版社大学英语听说教程4听力原文

上海外语教育出版社大学英语听说教程4听力原文

全新版大学英语听说教程第四册听力原文(上海外语教育出版社)Unit1(BOOK4)Part B The Hospital WindowJack and Ben, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. Jack, whose bed was next to the room's only window, was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. But Ben had to spend all day and night flat on his bed. To kill time the two men began to talk. They talked for hours about their wives, families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, and where they had been on vacation. As days went by, a deep friendship began to develop between them.Every afternoon when Jack could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to Ben all the things he could see outside the window. And Ben began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees beautified the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.As Jack described all this in exquisite detail, Ben would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scenes.One warm afternoon Jack described a parade passing by. Although Ben couldn't hear the band -- he could see it in his mind's eye as Jack portrayed it with descriptive words.Days and weeks passed. One morning the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of Jack, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.Ben was heart broken. Life without Jack was even more unbearable. How he longed to hear Jack's voice and his melodious descriptions of the outside world! As he looked at the window, an idea suddenly occurred to him. Perhaps he could see for himself what it was like outside. As soon as it seemed appropriate, Ben asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself! He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall!'What could have compelled my roommate to describe such wonderful things outside this window?' Ben asked the nurse when she returned.'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you to live on,' she said. 'You know, he was blind and could not even see the wall.'Questions:1. What does the story mainly tell us?2. Which of the following adjectives can best describe Jack?3. What did Jack describe to Ben according to the story?Part CAdditional ListeningShort ConversationsConversation 1:M: How do you like your roommate, Debby?W: Ever since we met on the first day of college, we've been inseparable.Q: What do you know about Debby and her roommate?Conversation 2:M: Have you heard from Linda lately? You two were so intimate in college.W: Well, honestly, I haven't heard from her as much as I used to since she moved to the east coast two months ago. But I'm sure the friendship between us is as strong as it was before.Q: What can you infer from the woman’s response?Conversation 3:W: Do you keep in touch with your old friends back home now that you don't see them regularly? M: Frankly, after I moved to this city, I'm out of touch with most of them except a few close ones. Q: What does the man mean?Conversation 4:W: It's polite to call a friend before we visit, isn't it?M: You're right. People usually don't like surprise visits. But close friends often drop in on each other.Q: What does the man mean?Conversation 5:M: Cathy, it seems that you and Sally do almost everything together.W: That's true. You see, we were born on the same day. We both majored in fashion designing. And we even have the same love for using bright-colored material in our designs. Isn't it amazing! Q: What can we learn from the conversation?Part DThe Colors of FriendshipLegend has it that the colors of the world started to quarrel one day. All claimed that they were the best, the most beautiful.Green said: "Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of hope. I was chosen for grass, trees and leaves. Without me, all animals would die."Blue interrupted: "You only think about the earth, but have you ever considered the color of the sky and the sea?"Hearing this, Yellow chuckled: "You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety and warmth into the world. I am the color of the sun, the moon and all the stars. Without me there would be no fun."Orange started next to blow her trumpet: "I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious, for I serve the needs of human life."At this, Red could stand it no longer. He shouted: "I am the ruler of all of you. I am the color of blood -- life's blood! I am also the color of danger and bravery, of passion and love."Purple rose up to his full height: "I am the color of royalty and power. I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me! They listen and obey."Finally Indigo spoke: "Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I represent thought and reflection."And so the colors went on boasting. Their quarrelling became louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightning, followed by a roll of thunder. Rain started to pourdown. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort.Just then rain began to speak: "You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me."Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands.Then rain continued: "From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky to form a great bow of colors as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow."And so, whenever a good rain washes the world, a rainbow appears in the sky, to let us remember to appreciate one another.Unit 2Part BEmbarrassing Experiences (Part One)Interviewer: Rob, you went to Brazil, didn't you?Rob: Yes, I did.Interviewer: So, what happened?Rob: Well, I went into this meeting and there were about, er... seven or eight people in there and I just said 'Hello' to everybody and sat down. Apparently, what I should have done is to go round the room shaking hands with everyone individually. Well, you know, it's silly of me because I found out later it upset everyone. I mean, I think they felt I was taking them for granted.Kate: Well, I know that because when I was in France the first time, I finished a meeting , with 'Goodbye, everyone!' to all the people in the room. There were about half a dozen people there but I was in a hurry to leave, so I just said that and left. Well, I later found out that what I should have done is shake hands with everyone in the group before leaving. Now, apparently, it's the polite thing to do.Interviewer: Well, people shake hands in different ways, don't they?Rob: Oh, yes, that's right, they do. See, normally I shake hands quite gently when I meet someone. So when I went to the US for the first time, I think people there thought my weak handshake was a sign of weakness. Apparently, people there tend to shake hands quite firmly.Kate: Oh, gosh, you know, that reminds me: on my first trip to Germany, it was a long time ago, I was introduced to the boss in the company when he passed us in the corridor. Well, I wasn't prepared, and I mean, I had my left hand in my pocket. And when we shook hands I realized my left hand was still in my pocket. Well, that was, you know, very bad manners and I was quite embarrassed.Interviewer: And how about using first names? Have you made any mistakes there?Rob: Oh, yes, I have! When I first went to Italy I thought it was OK to use everyone's first name so as to seem friendly. And I later discovered that in business you shouldn't use someone's first name unless you are invited to. Oh, and you should always use their title as well.Kate: Hm, yeah, well, when I met people in Russia, you know, they seemed to be puzzled when I shook hands with them and said 'How do you do?' Well, what they do when they greet a stranger is to say their own names, so I had that all wrong!Rob: Oh, yes, I agree with that. Remembering names is very important.Interviewer: Shall we take a break? When we come back we'll move on to our next topic.Kate & Rob: OK.Questions:1. What is the conversation mainly about?2. Who might be the people Rob and Kate met in various countries?3. What can we infer about Kate and Rob from the conversation?4. Which countries has Kate visited, according to the conversation?5. Which countries has Rob visited, according to the conversation?6. What is the main message that the speakers want to tell us?Part CAdditional ListeningAmerican PartiesAs you would imagine, Americans move about a great deal at parties. At small gatherings they may sit down, but as soon as there are more people than chairs in a room - a little before this point - you will see first one and then another make some excuse to get to his feet to fetch a drink or greet a friend or open a window until soon everyone is standing, moving around, chatting with one group and then another. Sitting becomes static beyond a certain point. We expect people to move about and be "self-starters". It is quite normal for Americans to introduce themselves; they will drift around a room , stopping to talk wherever they like, introducing themselves and their companions. If this happens, you are expected to reply by giving your name and introducing the person with you; then at least the men generally shake hands. Sometimes the women do so as well, but often they merely nod and smile. A man usually shakes a woman's hand only if she extends it. Otherwise he too just nods and greets her.Statements:1. We can't imagine that Americans do not like big parties and they prefer going around at parties.2. At small parties they may sit down, but as more people come, they would stand up and move about.3. The reason why Americans like to stand is that they like the free atmosphere of the party.4. The meaning of "self-starters" is that Americans help themselves to drinks during the parties.5. Americans are more open-minded than British people according to the passage.6. If a woman doesn't extend her hand to a man at the party, he should not shakes hands with the woman.7. The passage shows a unique aspect of American culture.Embarrassing Experiences (Part Two)Interviewer: Let's go on with our talk. What do you think of business cards, Rob?Rob: I found them very useful when I was in Japan not so long ago. Each person can clearly see the other's name and the job title on the card. And I found out that you have to treat business cards with respect. What you've got to do is hold them with both hands and then read them very carefully. What happened to me was the first time I just took a man's card with one hand and put it straight into my pocket.Interviewer: What other advice do you have, Kate?Kate: Well, one time I unintentionally caused some problems when I was in China. Well, I was trying to make a joke when I pretended to criticize my business associate for being late for a meeting. And he was embarrassed, I mean, he was really embarrassed instead of being amused. Now you shouldn't criticize people in China or embarrass them. I mean, you must avoid confrontation. That's for sure!Rob: Oh, I must tell you about the first time I was in Mexico! I have to admit I found it a bit strange when business associates there touched me on the arm and the shoulder. Well, I tried to move away and, of course, they thought I was being very, very unfriendly. Apparently, it's quite usual there for men to touch each other in, you know, in a friendly way. Oh ... oh, and another thing, the first time I went to Korea I thought it was polite not to look someone in the eye too much. The Koreans I met seemed to be staring at me when I spoke, which seemed, you know, a bit odd at first. In Korea, eye contact conveys sincerity and it shows you're paying attention to the speaker.Kate: Oh, well, it seemed strange because you British don't look at each other so much when you're talking to each other. I mean, you look away, you know, most of the time. I found this hard to deal with when I first came to the UK, because people seemed to be embarrassed when I looked at them while they were speaking to me.Interviewer: So what's the thing visitors to Britain should avoid most?Rob: Well, I don't think we're all that sensitive, do you, Kate?Kate: Ohoo, well, I'll tell you, I made a big mistake when I was in Scotland. I found myself referring to the UK as "England" and to the British as "the English". Now, I know that would be just as bad in Wales, I guess.Rob: Yes, it certainly would!Unit 3Part BBirthday Celebrations Around the WorldChairman: Welcome to this special birthday edition of One World. Yes, folks, we've been on the air for exactly one year now, and we thought it would be a nice idea to have a special program dedicated to birthday celebrations around the world. With us in the studio tonight we have Shaheen Hag and Pat Cane, who have a weekly column on birthdays in the Toronto Daily Star. Shaheen: Good evening.Pat: Good evening.Chairman: Shaheen, perhaps we could begin with you. How are birthdays celebrated in India? Shaheen: Well, perhaps we're all assuming that everyone in the world celebrates their birthday. This just isn't the case. Low-income families in India, for instance, simply can't afford any festivities. And most Muslims don't celebrate their birthdays.Pat: I think Shaheen has raised an interesting point here. The Christian church, too, was actively against celebrating birthdays, and in any case most people, until a couple of hundred years ago, couldn't even read and wouldn't have even been able to spot their birthday on a calendar anyway. Shaheen: Of course some Muslims do celebrate their birthdays. In Egypt, Turkey and Indonesia, for example, the rich people invite friends and families around. But not in small villages. Chairman: Here in England your twenty-first used to be the big one. But now it seems to have moved to eighteen. Is that true?Pat: Yes, in most parts of the West eighteen is now the most important birthday. In Finland, for example, eighteen is the age when you can vote, you know, or buy wines, drive a car and so on. But in Japan I think you have to wait till you're twenty before you can smoke or drink. Shaheen: I know in Senegal, which is another Muslim country, girls get to vote at sixteen and boys at eighteen. And in Bangladesh, girls at eighteen and boys at twenty-one.Chairman: That's interesting. I mean is it typical that around the world girls are considered to bemore mature than boys?Shaheen: Yes, I think so, and there are some countries, particularly in South America, which have a big party only for girls. In Mexico and Argentina, for example, they have enormous parties for 15-year-old girls.Pat: You know in Norway they have a great party for anyone who's not married by the time they're thirty. It's kind of embarrassing. I mean you get pepper thrown at you.Chairman: Pepper? Why pepper?Pat: I'm not really sure.Shaheen: So does that mean that on your 29th birthday you can start thinking 'God I better get married'?Pat: Well, I'm not sure how seriously they take it.Chairman: In England we have quite big parties for your fortieth, fiftieth, sixtieth and so on. Pat: Well, in Japan your eighty-eighth is considered ...Chairman: Eighty-eighth?Pat: ... to be the luckiest birthday. Eight is a very lucky number in Japan.Questions:1. What is One World?2. What is the topic of the program?3. What do Shaheen Hag and Pat Cane do?4. Why don't some people in India celebrate their birthdays?5. According to Pat, when did people around the world begin to celebrate their birthdays?6. Why is the eighteenth birthday so important in Finland?7. Why can girls in some countries get to vote at an earlier age than boys?8. Which of the countries mentioned in the text are Muslim countries?Part CAdditional ListeningsOne World One MinuteOne World One Minute is a unique film project that invites participants in every country around the globe to record, simultaneously, one minute of their lives, one minute of our world. Sponsors of this project have chosen 12:48 GMT, September 11th 2002 as the one minute to record. At that moment exactly a year earlier began the terrorist attacks that led to the deaths of more than 2,000 people from over 60 countries. For many this will be a time of remembrance and reflection. And for others this will be an appropriate time for international communication, cooperation and sharing. It will offer them an opportunity to share a moment of their world and their life with others, an opportunity to both talk to and listen to the world, to join with others around the globe and create a truly unique record and experience. This is the idea behind the project One World One Minute.Participants are free to choose what and how to record their One Minute. Some may want to take photographs, some paint or draw pictures, while others may want to write something and record their readings. The material can be submitted to the project organizers in Scotland via e-mail or post within 6 weeks of September 11th. All the material will then be made into a feature-length film, which will capture that One Minute of our existence.The film will explore the rich diversity that is both humanity and our world. It will allow a voice to all people regardless of nationality, religion, race, political viewpoint, gender or age. Therich diversity that is Humanity shall be there for all to see.Participants will not only be kept informed of the progress of the film and the release process but will be invited to actively participate through newsletters and discussion forums.When the film is finished, it will be shown in every country of the world, both in cinemas and on TV. Contributors will be invited to attend the premiere of the film in their respective countries and will receive a full screen credit on the finished production.Statements:1. One World One Minute is a project sponsored by some filmmakers in Hollywood.2. The purpose of the project is to record how people of the world mourn the death of those who lost their lives in New York's World Trade Center.3. Participants may come from different races or nations, have different religious beliefs, and maintain opposite political viewpoints.4. Participants are invited to record one minute of their lives on any given day.5. Participants are encouraged to make short video films to record an important event in their lives.6. The project will offer people from various parts of the world an opportunity to share a moment of their life with others.7. The organizers believe that humanity is represented by the colorful variety of people's life all over the world.8. Participants are required to submit what they have recorded to organizers by e-mail not later than September 11, 2002.9. All the material submitted by the participants will be made into a feature-length film and shown on TV and in cinemas throughout the world.10. The film will become a powerful means to unite people all over the world in the war against terrorism.Part DOne World, Many UniversesOurs is, in many ways, a world without boundaries. Being a citizen of a particular nation is almost as much as being a resident of a particular town or province. Boundaries of class and caste that once shaped societies continue to fade. The freedom of people to move increases gradually with the relaxation of immigration laws in the last century. Many countries have fairly simple requirements for obtaining citizenship and voting rights.In Europe, for example, the European Union's membership has grown to 15 countries and may increase to 21 or more by 2010. It has developed a common body of laws, common policies and practices, and a great deal of cooperation among its members. The adoption of the single currency, the euro, by 12 of its member countries and the circulation of euro cash in January 2002 have enabled citizens in these countries to move about even more freely.In addition, all of the major organized religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, are alive and well, but less clearly and exclusively identified with specific cultures and geographic regions. People everywhere feel free to convert to other religions, and many people identify themselves with more than one religion.Since 1995, which is called the Year of the Internet, cyberspace has become a rich and realistic realm of experience. Its activities include the No-Self Network, which is concerned with liberation from the self. The network's members regard this liberation as an ordinary humanachievement-roughly comparable to learning to play the piano -- and not as a superhuman or divine feat. One World, Many Universes is, for me, the most persuasive mix of idealism and realism. This particular future is likely to be the most fast-changing one, rapidly evolving beyond what I have described.Questions:1. What is the passage mainly about?2. Which of the following is not mentioned in the passage as a reason that makes national boundaries less prominent?3. Which of the following is not one of the major religions mentioned in the passage?4. What enabled citizens in many EU countries to move about more freely?Unit4PartBHow to Use an OHPM: I want to use the overhead projector for my presentation. Could you show me how to use it? W: OK, let me show you. Just watch what I do. I... I'll talk you through the procedure.M: Thanks.W: Right, well. First of all, you put the OHP on the table here, about 2 meters from the wall or the screen. Er...do you have a screen?M: Er...no. I thought I'd just use the wall.W: Oh, er...well, a screen's better, but I suppose this wall will be all right. It is sort of white. Anyway, let's try it. So, the next thing you have to do is press these buttons in and lift this part up until it snaps into place.M: I see.W: And then turn it round so the head is facing towards the screen, I mean the wall, and now we can plug it in.M: Right, and you switch it on?W: Yeah. Then I press the switch here on the front...M: Right.W: There! And the light should come on.M: Right, OK.W: Yeah, there we are. So, you just place your transparency here on the glass.M: OK, there, oh!W: Oh, no! No, the other way up.M: Oh yes, of course.W: That's right, yeah. And to raise or lower the image you move this flap up or down... There, that's better.M: Right, OK.W: And finally, to focus the image you turn this wheel to make it sharp. There we are, that's not too bad.M: Oh, that's great, yeah. OK, thanks.W: Oh, one more thing: whatever you do, don't keep switching it on and off. I'm going to switch it off now. Now, when you use it in your presentation, you should leave it switched on, with a piece of paper over the glass.M: Right, I...er... I don't understand why you have to leave it on.W: Well, the reason why you have to do that is that you don't want the bulb to fail. The bulb fails easily if the machine is on and off frequently. If it does, you'll have to replace the bulb, which will be very hot and you may not have a spare anyway. So that's about it. Any questions?M: Erm...no, that seems all very clear. Thank you very much.W: You're welcome. Oh, and I really do think you need to get a screen, by the way. The picture would be much brighter than on that wall, you know.M: Oh, OK. Well, I'll ask Jim if he's got one.W: Oh, good idea! And make sure he shows you how to put it up!M: I will. Thanks again.PartCAdditional ListeningsHow to Send an E-mailM: I would like to send an e-mail to a friend of mine. Could you tell me how to do it?W: Certainly. First, you choose the e-mail program on your computer and click New Message. M: All right.W: OK? Well, then you start typing the name of the recipient. The program remembers the name and completes the e-mail address. Well, if not, you look up the name in the address book or contact list. OK? Well, if you want other people to get copies of the same message, you send them 'CCs', which are copies of the message. OK? Then you press Return on the keyboard and then you type the subject of the message. Now, there's no need to put the date because that goes in automatically when you send the message, together with the time. OK?M: Oh, yeah.W: Well, then you press Return again and start writing the message. Now, if you make a mistake, you just press Backspace to delete the previous letter or word and then type it again correctly. M: I see.W: Now, when you've finished, you read the whole message through to make sure it looks right and contains the right information. Now, if you decide you want to change sentences around, you can copy sentences and paste them in other places.M: And...er...er...how about spelling and punctuation, er...that can be corrected automatically, can't it?W: Well, yes and no. You can run your spell checker and that may bring up some mis-typings and things like that. But it definitely won't catch them all, so you must read it through to check your spelling, too. And check your punctuation at the same time. Now if you notice a misspelt word, or if you want to change a word or something like that, double-click on the word and type the new word over it.M: Fine. That's easy.W: Hmm. And then it's ready to send. You just click on Send and it'll go off immediately. And the other person will find your message in their Inbox when they next go online to get their messages. M: Right. Well, that sounds much easier than handwriting a message and faxing it.W: Sure it does.Questions:1. Where does the computer store the e-mail addresses of your friends?2. What does "CCs" stand for? When do you use "CCs"?3. What can you do if you want to change sentences around?4. What can you do if you want the computer to check mis-typings?5. What do you do if you want to change a word?PartDLayout of a LetterAs we go through, I'm going to tell you the layout of a formal letter in English -- you might want to note this information down on a separate piece of paper. OK, the first thing is to write the sender's address in the top right-hand corner. OK. This has a set order with the number of the house or flat followed by the name of the street; and then underneath that, perhaps the district if it's a big town, then under that the name of the town or city, with the postcode. And it's now common, quite acceptable, to write all this without any punctuation at all. And the address -- please write it now in the top right-hand corner -- is 12 Greenwood Avenue.And the next line is West Ealing (that's E-A-L-I-N-G). Next line: London W5-then a small gap -- 6RJ. London W5 6RJ.Now leave a line, and then write the date directly underneath the address. Now you can do this in several different ways. You can put 10 September, or September 10, or just 10 dot 9 dot 2003. So use one of these methods and put today's date in the correct place.And now, if you want, you could write the address of the person you are writing to. If you do that, you put it on the left-hand side of the paper, and you would usually start the address at roughly the same level as the date which is on the right-hand side.The next thing we write is the salutation. Our letter is to Sean White, and we begin Dear Mr. White -- please note exactly where it goes.Now, if you don't know the person's name you just put Dear Sir, or Dear Madam, or Dear Sir or Madam. In an informal letter you still use "Dear", but you start with the person's first name -- for example, Dear Maria or Dear Stephen or whatever.And at the end of the letter you sign off "Yours sincerely" -- capital "Y", but small "s". So could you write that now at the end of the letter, leaving a line first?Now, we put "sincerely" if we know the name of the person that we are writing to. But if you don't know the name, the traditional ending is "Yours faithfully". Now, this is the custom in Britain, although it is true to say that not everyone keeps to it, and I think in America they use different endings -- for example, they may finish a letter with "Truly yours".OK, if you are writing to a friend, then it's usually something like "best wishes", or often "love" if it's a member of your family or a very close friend, but not so common between two friends who are men. After the ending, in this case "Yours sincerely", leave a line, and then put your signature directly underneath. If your name is Maria Lee, write M. Lee underneath "Yours sincerely" Then type your full name below your signature. So do that now -- write your signature at the end of the letter. And that's it.Questions:1. According to the speaker, what should be included in the sender's address in a formal letter in English?2. Which of the following is not an acceptable way to date an English letter?3. What does the speaker say about addressing the receiver in a formal letter if we don't know the person's name?4. What does the speaker say about the ways to end a letter?5. When is it not advisable to end a letter with the word "love"?。

《现代大学英语听力4》听力原文及题目答案Unit 2

《现代大学英语听力4》听力原文及题目答案Unit 2

Unit 2Task 1:【答案】June 5th,the United Nations,1972,world leaders and citizens how to protect the environment,San Francisco, California,"Plan the Planet","Green Cities",most people now live,more than 75 percent,the former vice president,music concerts,parades,tree plantings,representatives from many environmental organizations【原文】Every year on June fifth many countries celebrate World Environment Day. The United Nations established this special day in nineteen seventy-two to get people to think about taking care of the planet. Faith Lapidus tells us more.“Public events for World Environment Day are taking place from June first through June fifth. The events and conferences help teach world leaders and citizens how to protect the environment.“Every ye ar World Environment Day is celebrated in a different city. This year it is being held in San Francisco, California. This is the first time since the beginning of World Environment Day that the conference is being held in the United States. The main message of World Environment Day this year is ‘Plan for the Planet’. The events and conferences will show how to have ‘Green Cities’. This means that people will talk about ways that cities can have healthy environments.“Most people in the world live in cities. This makes them especially important areas of environmental concern. Cities use more than seventy-five percent of the world's natural resources such as water and gasoline. World Environment Day will center on how people in cities can work together to help save the planet.“San Francisco is holding public talks to discuss pollution reduction, clean energy sources and the importance of healthy parks and gardens. Special experts are among the speakers. For example, former vice-president Al Gore will talk about climate change. There also are fun events such as music concerts, movies, art shows, parades, bicycle rides and tree plantings. Local farmers and restaurant owners will serve food that has been naturally grown.“The Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, invited city leaders from all over the worldto attend this conference and share ideas. Representatives from many environmental organizations also are attending. The United Nations hopes to create an international agreement that countries and citizens wil l follow to help improve the Earth's environment.”Task 2:【答案】A.1) d2) a3) b4) cB.1) Occupational noise2) Aircraft noise3) Traffic noise【原文】The sense of sound is one of our most important means of knowing what is going on around us. Sound has a wasted product, too, in the form of noise. Noise has been called unwanted sound. Noise is growing and it may get much worse before it gets and better.Scientists, for several years, have been studying how noise affects people and animals. They are surprised by what they have learned. Peace and quiet are becoming harder to find. Noise pollution—the crashing, squeaking, banging, hammering of people—is no joke. It is a threat that should be looked at carefully. Sound is measured in units called “decibels”.At a level of 140 decibels people feel pain in their ears.Automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, airplanes, boats, factories, bands—all these things make noise. They bother not only our ears, but our minds and bodies as well. There is a saying about it being so noisy that you can’t hear yourself think. Doctors who study noise believe that we must sometimes hear ourselves think. If we don’t we may have headaches, other aches and pains, or even worse mental problems. Noise adds more tension to society that already faces enough stress. But noise is not a new problem. In ancient Rome, people complained so much about noise that the government stopped chariots from moving through the streets at night!Noise can be separated into a few general groups. The following examples are taken from hearings before the US Senate Subcommittee on Air and Water Pollution in 1970.Occupational noise—Factory workers who always hear noise have poorer hearing than other groups.Aircraft noise—Around airports or on air routes the noise of airplanes taking off and landing causes the greatest complaints.Traffic noise—Away from the noise of planes, traffic sounds break in on our peace and quiet. Trucks and motorcycles cause the most problems.Task 3:【答案】1) F2) F3) T4) F5) T6) F7) F8) T9) T【原文】We usually think of pollution as a harmful waste substance that threatens the air and water. But some people have become concerned about another kind of pollution. It can be everywhere, depending on the time of day. And it was not thought of as a substance. It is light.The idea of light pollution has developed with the increase of lights in cities. In many areas, this light makes it difficult or impossible to observe stars and in the night sky. In 1998, the International Dark-Sky Association formed. This organization wants to reduce light pollution in the night sky. It also urges the effective use of electric lighting.There are a number of reasons why light pollution is important. One has become clear at the Mount Wilson near Los Angeles, California. Mount Wilson Observatory was home to the largest telescopes in the world during the first half of 1900.During that period, Los Angeles grew to become one of America's biggest cities.Today, light from Los Angeles makes the night sky above Mount Wilson very bright. It is no longer an important research center because of light pollution.Light pollution threatens to reduce the scientific value of research telescopes in other important observatories. They include Lick Observatory near San Jose, California and Yerkes Observatory near Chicago, Illinois.Light pollution is the result of wasted energy. Bright light shining into the sky is not being used to provide light where it is needed on Earth. Poorly designed lighting causes a great deal of light pollution. Lights that are brighter than necessary also cause light pollution.Recently, two Italian astronomers and an American environmental scientist created a world map of the night sky. The map shows that North America, Western Europe and Japan have the greatest amount of light pollution.Most people in America are surprised to find out that they are able to see our own galaxy, the Milky Way, with their own eyes. But about three fourths of Americans cannot see the Milky Way because of man-made light.Objects in the night sky are resources that provide everyone with wonder. And light pollution threatens to prevent those wonderful sights from being seen.Task 4:【答案】A.Israel and Jordan,365,the lowest point,saltiest,are important to Jews, Christians and Muslims,Minerals,The strange beauty of the seaB.Purpose of the project: To help save the Dead Sea from shrinking.Countries to initiate the project: Israel and Jordan.Cause of the shrinking: Water that used to flow from the Jordan River into the Dead Sea has beenredirected for other uses in the area.Specific measures: A pipeline of more than 300 kilometers long will be built to pump water from the Red Sea through both countries into the Dead Sea.Duration of the project: At least three years.Cost of the project: 1,000 million dollars.Message sent by this project: The environment, ecology and nature are more important thanborders or political conflicts.C.1) T2) T【原文】Israel and Jordan recently announced that they would work together to help save the Dead Sea from shrinking. Government officials said the joint project would help the sea, protect the area's unusual wildlife and increase the number of visitors to the area. The announcement was made during the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development earlier this month in Johannesburg, South Africa.The Dead Sea is on the border between Israel and Jordan. It is 365 meters below sea level. That is the lowest point on Earth. The Dead Sea is the saltiest large body of water in the world.The area around the Dead Sea has ancient places that are important to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Minerals in the Dead Sea are used for health treatments. The strange beauty of the sea brings many visitors to the area.But the Dead Sea is shrinking by almost one meter each year. Most of the water that flows into the Dead Sea comes from the Jordan River. However, water flowing from the Jordan River has been redirected for other uses in the area. Officials say within the next 50 years, the Dead Sea could shrink to less than half of its current size.To prevent that, Israel and Jordan plan to build a pipeline more than 300 kilometers long. The pipeline would pump water from the Red Sea through both countries into the Dead Sea. After the pipeline is built, the officials hope to build a canal and a salt removal System that will provide fresh water to Jordanians, Israelis and Palestinians.The pipeline will take at least three years to build. The project will cost as much as 1,000 million dollars. Israel and Jordan hope to pay for it with help from other countries. The project is expected to begin after a nine-month study is completed.Israel and Jordan had hoped to cooperate closely on a number of issues after they signed a peace agreement in 1994. However, tensions have increased between them since the current Palestinian uprising began two years ago.Officials from Israel and Jordan described the water project as a major step forward. Experts say the agreement sends a message that the environment, ecology and nature are more important than borders or political conflicts.Task 5:【答案】A.1) 27 percent, higher ocean temperatures,activities by people,60 percent2) developing countries,off the coast of northeastern Australia,off the Philippines,the Caribbean islands,South AmericaB.Coral reefs support many kinds of sea life.Coral reefs also protect coastal communities in storms.Coral reefs support fishing activities and protect inland waterways.Coral reefs also have become popular stops for travelers.Corals are even important for medical research.C.1) F2) T3) T【原文】Environmental experts are concerned about the world's coral reefs. A recent study found that twenty-seven percent of all coral reef systems have been destroyed. Experts believe higher ocean temperatures and activities by people are to blame. The study warns that sixty percent of the reef systems could be permanently lost if nothing is done to stop the problem.Corals are groups of small organisms called polyps. These polyps live within a skeleton made of a substance called limestone.Corals are found in warm waters. Millions of corals grow together to form coral reefs. Coral reefs are some of the oldest natural systems in the world. The reefs support many kinds of sea life. They can be to important to local and national economies. The reefs also protect coastal communities in storms.The World Wildlife Fund paid for the independent report. The group warns that the destruction of coral reefs will result in severe losses to the world economy. Peter Bryant works with the Endangered Seas Program of the World Wildlife Fund. Mister Bryant notes that most of the reef systems are in developing countries. He says the presence of coral reefs produces money for many economies.Coral reefs support fishing activities and protect inland waterways. They also have become popular stops for travelers. Many people like to swim underwater to see coral reefs. Mister Bryant estimates that the world's coral reefs are worth thirty-thousand-million dollars a year.The largest in the world is the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of northeastern Australia. Coral reefs also are found in waters off the Philippines, Indonesia, the Caribbean islands, the United States and South America.Corals are even important for medical research. Mister Bryant says more than half of all new cancer drug studies involve sea creatures. For example, he notes there is a reef in the Caribbean with organisms that form the basis of the AIDS drug A-Z-T.The World Wildlife Fund say coral reefs should be declared protected areas. That way, human activities could be more closely supervised. The group says governments must take responsibility for the future of their coastal communities.Task 6:【答案】A.The group claims responsibility for hundreds of acts of destruction in the United States in the past five years, with the destruction estimated at more than 30 million dollars. Since 1996, members of the group have claimed to have damaged or burned hundreds of new homes, tree- cutting companies, federal offices and animal and plant research laboratories. They say their goal is to stop development and other activities they consider harmful to nature. They say their property attacks are aimed at industry and rich people who profit from the destruction of the natural environment. The Earth Liberation Front says it will use any direct action necessary to carry out its goals. But it says it is opposed to harming animals or humans. Traditional environmental groups in the United States reject the group's methods.1) a 17-year-old student,the state of New York,cooperate with officials investigating the Earth Liberation Front2) environmental extremists,the group usually leaves very little evidence behind【原文】For years, American law enforcement officials have been trying to solve a series of environmental crimes. The crimes are linked to a group known as the Earth Liberation Front. The group claims responsibility for hundreds of acts of destruction in the United States during the past five years. The destruction has caused more than thirty million dollars worth of damage.Federal investigators say they are finally closer to solving the crimes. Recently, a seventeen-year-old student reportedly admitted setting a series of fires in the state of New York. He was charged in connection with acts of damage believed to be carried out by the Earth Liberation Front. The student is the son of a New York City police officer. He reportedly made the admission during a secret court hearing. As part of a deal, the student agreed to cooperate with officials investigating the Earth Liberation Front. He could face up to twenty years in prison.This is the first time that a member of the group has admitted being responsible for environmental crimes linked to the Earth Liberation Front. Three other suspects in the property attacks were negotiating with federal officials.Since Nineteen-Ninety-Six, members of the group have claimed to have damaged or burned hundreds of new homes, tree-cutting companies, federal offices and animal and plant research laboratories. They say their goal is to stop development and other activities they consider harmful to nature. They say their property attacks are aimed at industry and rich people who profit from the destruction of the natural environment.The Earth Liberation Front says it will use any direct action necessary to carry out its goals. But it says it is opposed to harming animals or humans. Traditional environmental groups in the United States reject the group's methods.The Earth Liberation Front includes environmental extremists who operate independently of each other. Federal investigators say their lack of structure has made them difficult to stop. And they say the group usually leaves very little evidence behind.A few weeks ago, the group claimed responsibility for burning several new homes in Mount Sinai, New York. It has also claimed responsibility for destructive acts in Colorado, Arizona, Oregon and Wisconsin.Task 7:【答案】A.renewable energy,the next ten years,1 percent,1,500 megawatts,past 20 years,38 cents,3 cents,a 90 percent drop,government supportB.A number of people who live on or visit the Cape say Cape Cod is a national treasure should not be open to industry. They argue that building the windmills would hurt fish and birds in the area, and it would hurt tourism. They say the windmills will ruin the beauty of looking out to sea from the coast.C.2) F【原文】A study says wind power will lead the growth in the use of renewable energy in the United States and Canada over the next ten years. Renewable energy also includes forms like power from the sun. Navigant Consulting in the United States carried out the study. Energy companies helped pay for much of the research.The use of wind energy has grown in the United States, but remains less than one percent of all the energy produced.Lisa Frantzis led the study. She says the researchers expect additions of as much asone-thousand-five-hundred megawatts from wind power projects each year. That is about equal to the energy production of one nuclear power station.The study says there have been major improvements in the performance of all renewable energy technologies in the past twenty years. For example, the study reports a ninety percent drop in the price of electricity produced from wind. In the nineteen-eighties a kilowatt hour of wind power cost about thirty-eight cents. Now, a kilowatt hour is closer to three cents.The study found that government support must continue and grow to permit renewable energies to compete in the power industry.However, some renewable energy companies face criticism. In fact, wind energy producers usually have to deal with opposition from communities they try to enter.Currently, a wind energy company is trying to set up business in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in the northeastern United States. The Cape Wind company wants to place more than one-hundred windmills in nearby waters. The windmills are hundreds of meters tall. Cape Wind says the project could provide Cape Cod with seventy-five percent of its electricity needs. And, it would not create pollution.But, a number of people who live on or visit the Cape say they do not want the windmills. They say Cape Cod is a national treasure that should not be open to industry. They argue that building the windmills would hurt fish and birds in the area. And, they say it would hurt tourism. They say the windmills will ruin the beauty of looking out to sea from the coast.Environmental groups, however, look at the situation differently. They ague that a source of energy that does not cause pollution would protect natural environments like Cape Cod.Task 8:【答案】A.1) For him, pollution is the way environment is being misused, the actions which consume theenvironment, like the overuse of artificial fertilizers and over-cropping in developing agriculture. And the harmful substances like the waste from motor cars and factories are less important.2) They see pollution as a social problem, and the root cause of pollution is the way we organize our society and the incredible waste of resources.B.1) Housewives can avoid buying things that they don't need.2) They can also cut down on the amount of packaging and try not to buy dyed toilet paper to reduce water pollution.3) People can avoid buying drinks in non-returnable bottles.4) They can reduce consumption by making their own food instead of buying it.【原文】Matthew: Christopher, most countries now appear to become increasingly concerned with the issue of pollution and its control. How do you see this problem?Christopher: What I see as pollution is the way the environment is being mishandled. Um...obviously there are certain waste products which are vomited out of motor cars orout of factories, either into the sea or into the river ways and so on. But, you know,they are what people say is pollution. More important things, I think, in terms ofpollution, are the way that the environment in general is being misused. Things likeagriculture, where artificial fertilizers and over-cropping and so on literallyconsume the environment. It is all picked up, collected, and transported from theland in terms of food or fibers and then ends tip in the sea at some stage, eitherthrough sewage or through waste products. I think that they are probably moresignificant.Matthew: Right. Michael, can you tell me though whether.., urn.., as I get the feeling, this is a problem which has been blown up by the media, because people wish to avoidsome of the more difficult problems to do with being a consumer society,...and, in asensei trying to solve many aspects of the pollution problem is rather a sort ofcleaning up process without getting to the root of the problem?Michael: Well, pollution is a symptom really rather than the cause.Matthew: Mmm.Michael: But of itself it does produce many quite serious results. In fact we do not really know what the long-term effects of many pollutants are going to be, but mostforms of pollution can be solved.., urn.., fairly easily and usually by technicalmeans. Now the difficulty with other environmental problems is that many ofthem have no technical solution and this is where the difference arises betweenthose who are advocating technical solutions to problems which they see almostpurely in terms of pollution and those who see the real problems of society as awhole, the way we organize it, the incredible waste of resources that is endemic inthis society.Matthew: This seems a very complex problem. Jane, how can individuals of the public, housewives, children at school, anyone.., help to prevent pollution?Jane: Well, I think there are lots of things people can do in the home or at school or in the office. Mm... when it comes to tackling the problems on a major basis, I meanit's question of continual lobbying and pressuring, writing to newspapers, etc. ButI think there are many things that people.., particularly housewives can do in thehouse, like urn.., for instance, just not buying things that have no use after thepackage has been opened,.., um... to really make a note of the sort of stuff thatgoes into the rubbish bin, that's very, very important; you can cut down on theamount of packaging.., on the amount of, for instance, water pollution like buyingum... toilet paper that's dyed... um.., and all this sort of thing that people can cutdown on. You can make a greater .effort not to buy drinks in non-returnablebottles; to make your own food, such as jams and drinks which are quite easy todo, rather than just going out and buying and consuming more and more. And ifyou put this into practice in all walks of life, in the home and at school and in theoffice, this is a very, very good, major contribution to helping solve some of themore immediate problems of pollution.Matthew: So in a sense, perhaps you are saying that it's the way we consume things that is creating pollution, by the litter they cause or perhaps by the fact that we use somuch oil, and therefore there will be a number of oil tankers on the sea, and thatmeans there will be accidents and oil spillage and so on, so that we have to stopconsuming, is it...or...?Jane: I think that is a very big part of it actually... Certainly, you know, when you get down to the more technical sides of pollution, of atmospheric pollution caused bycertain industrial processes, there's not a great deal that an individual can do otherthan cause a fuss about it, which I hope most people, you know, would considerdoing. But certainly on a day by day household basis, much of the problems ofpollution are certainly caused by either just complete thoughtlessness and wasteor by problems of overconsuming natural resources. And in all the products thatarrive at the housewife's table, the more refined and pre-packed and disposable itis, the more pollution it will have caused in its manufacture and it's likely to causein its disposalTask 9:【答案】I. Energy transition (definition)A change of one major resource of energy to another.II. First energy transition: From wood to coalA. Wood as major fuel1. Usages: Heat homes, cook food, and produce basic items.2. Major advantages: It was cheap and easy to get and easy to burn.B. Coal as major fuel1. Advantages over wood:a. It burns for a long time.b. It burns at a higher temperature.2. Good effects on many Western countries in the 1800s and the early 1900s:a. The industry developed.b. People lived a better life.3. Disadvantages revealed after 50 years of use:a. Air pollution.b. High costs, because it is not renewable.III. Second energy transition: From coal to petroleumA. Apparent advantages over the previous fuel:1. It was cheap.2. It was easy to get.3. The supply around the world seemed to be large.B. Reasons for people to favor the new resource:1. People's need for a better life.2. Industrial development: The introduction of the internal combustion engine neededliquid fuel.C. Good effects on people's lives;It allowed people to travel by car, to heat their homes more efficiently, to buy a greater variety of things, and to purchase more things at lower prices.D. Disadvantages disclosed after 50 years of use:1. As a fossil fuel, it is not renewable.2. The price goes up.3. It causes environmental pollution.IV. ConclusionA. The pattern in the previous energy transitions:1. The transition is made in order to improve the quality of people's lives.2. A new energy resource seems to have more advantages than the old energy source, andfewer disadvantages.B. The third energy transition:1. Time: The late 20th century and early 21st century.2. The important things to consider: The effects of this energy transition and theadvantages and the disadvantages of the new fuel.【原文】Most industrialized nations have gone through two major energy transitions, and some nations are now making a third major energy transition. By energy transition we mean a change of one major resource of energy to another.The first major energy transition was from wood to coal. For many centuries people used wood as a primary source of energy. By burning wood people were able to heat their homes, cook their food, and produce basic items. By using wood societies were able to support themselves and take care of their needs. Most early societies grew up near a sufficient supply of wood. The main advantage of wood was that it was cheap and easy to get and easy to bum.During the early 1800s, probably around the year 1820, some towns and villages began to make transition from wood to coal as the basic source of energy. About that time, people thought that coal would have more advantages than wood. Wood is a renewable fuel, which means that it grows back. This is, an advantage. But most wood is not as efficient a source of energy as coal. Most wood doesn't burn for very long, and most wood doesn't burn at very high temperatures.It was found that coal could generally burn longer than wood. And it burned at a higher temperature. These were good points for industry because early in the 1800s industry began todevelop very rapidly and a long-burning and hot-burning fuel was needed for the machines that were being used.Coal seemed to have another advantage. There was a lot of it, and it was easy to get. By digging just below the surface of the ground and by using simple tools, coal could be taken from the ground easily. In the 1800s transportation became more developed too, so coal could be shipped to faraway places. It was no longer necessary to live near a source of energy.Coal was used as a primary source of energy in many Western countries in the 1800s and the early 1900s. The transition from wood to coal seemed to have an overall effect. Industry developed. People were able to get more things, they were able to build bigger homes, and they were able to spend less time making what they needed for their daily lives. Most people would say that, in general, people's standard of living went up. People seemed to have lived a better life.After 50 years of using coal some disadvantages seemed obvious. One disadvantage was air pollution. Industrial centers of the early 1900s were often covered with a thick layer of smoke. Using coal was seen as somewhat unsafe and unhealthy.Another disadvantage of using coal was its rising costs. As more coal was used, it became harder to get. It became necessary to dig farther down in the ground in order to get the coal. Because coal was more difficult to get, the cost went up. And coal is a fossil fuel. It comes from under the ground. It doesn't renew itself. When it's gone, it's gone.At about the same time some of the disadvantages of coal became clear, petroleum began to reach the market. Petroleum became attractive because it was cheap and easy to get. Most people didn't know of any disadvantages in using petroleum.So the second transition was made—from coal to petroleum.The reason for changing from coal to petroleum was that people thought that their standard of living would be better. They thought their lives would be better by changing to this new energy source. And, once again, the change was connected to developments in industry.In the early 1900s, the internal combustion engine—the kind of engine used in most automobiles-was developed. An internal combustion engine needs liquid fuel. Petroleum was an excellent liquid fuel. It was fairly cheap and easy to get, and the supply around the world seemed to be quite large. In addition, other machinery was developed that used petroleum, so gradually, many industrialized societies changed over to petroleum.Using petroleum greatly affected people's lives. It allowed people to heat their homes more efficiently, to buy a greater variety of things, and to purchase more things at lower prices because production costs were reduced. And there was less visible pollution. So, in general, the transition from coal to petroleum seemed to be worthwhile.Of course, like using wood or coal, using petroleum has some disadvantages. And, as in the case of the change to coal, it's easier to see the disadvantages 50 years after the transition. One disadvantage of using petroleum is that it is a fossil fuel—it doesn't renew itself—so eventually—it will run out. There is a limited supply. And, as the supply decreases, the price goes higher.And, like burning wood or coal, burning petroleum also produces air pollution. This pollution isn't safe for people, particularly in industrial areas and in big cities.So, if we look at these energy transitions—first, from wood to coal, and then from coal to petroleum, we see a simple pattern. The transition is made in order to improve the quality of people's lives. And the transition is made because a new energy resource seems to have more advantages than the old energy source, and fewer disadvantages.。

大学英语听力(四)期末考试听力原文

大学英语听力(四)期末考试听力原文

Reason and EmotionScriptEmotion is sometimes regarded as the opposite of reason; s is suggested by phrase such as” appeal toemotions rather than reason” and “don’t let your emotions take over”. Emotional reactions sometimes produce consequences or thoughts which people may later regret or disagree with; but during an emotional state, they could not control their actions. Thus, it is generally believed that one of the most distinctive facts about human beings is a contradiction between emotion and reason.However, recent empirical studies do not suggest there is a clear distinction between reason and emotion. Indeed, anger or fear can often be thought of as an instinctive response to observed fact. The human mindpossesses many possible reactions to the external world. Those reactions can lie on a continuum, with some of them involving the extreme of pure intellectual logic, which is often called “cold”, and others involving the extremes of pure emotion not related to logical agreement, which is called “the heat of passion”. The relation logic and emotion merits careful study. Passion, emotion, or feeling can reinforce an argument, event one based on primarily on reason. reason. This is especially true in religion or ideology, which demands frequently demands an an all-or-nothing rejection or acceptance. In such areas of thought, beings human beings have have to adopt a comprehensive view partlybacked by empirical argument and partly by feeling and passion. Moreover, several researchers have suggested that typically there is no “pure” decision or thought; that is, no thought is based “purely”” on intellectual logic or “purely” on emotion—most decisions are founded on a mixture of both.A BlizzardScriptA blizzard is a sever weather condition characterized by low temperatures and strong winds, greater than 15miles per hour, bearing a great amount of snow.different definitions ofof what a Because the factors for classifying winter storms are complex, there are many definitionsblizzard truly is. But it is generally agreed that in order to be classified as a blizzard, as opposed to merely a winter storm, the weather must meet several conditions. The storm must decrease visibility to a quarter of a mile for three hours running. Include snow or ice as precipitation, and have wind speed of at least 32 miles per hour, which means Force 7 or more on the Wind Scale.Another standard, according to Environment Canada, is that the winter storm must have winds of 40 kilometers per hour or mi=ore, plenty of snow, visibility less than 1 kilometer, a temperature of less than -25 degrees Celsius, and all of these conditions must last for 4 hours or more, before the storm can properly be called a blizzard. When all these conditions continue after snow has stopped falling, the storm is referred to as a ground blizzard. An extensive form of blizzard is a whiteout, when the downdrafts, together with snowfall, become so sever that it is impossible to distinguish the ground from the air. People caught in a whiteout can quickly become disoriented, losing their sense of up and down as well as their sense of direction. Severe blizzard can also occur along with arctic cyclones.。

23年12月大学英语四级考试真题听力原文

23年12月大学英语四级考试真题听力原文

23年12月大学英语四级考试真题听力原文December 2023 CET-4 Listening TestPart I Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question, there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the center.1. A) A musician. B) A taxi driver.C) A student. D) A waiter.2. A) On Friday. B) On Saturday.C) On Sunday. D) On Monday.3. A) 4 minutes. B) 5 minutes.C) 6 minutes. D) 7 minutes.4. A) She doesn't mind. B) She is bored.C) She enjoys it. D) She hates it.5. A) He is learning to skate.B) He is learning to swim.C) He is learning to ski.D) He is learning to dive.6. A) At a restaurant. B) At a hotel.C) At a market. D) At a school.7. A) 320 dollars. B) 350 dollars.C) 360 dollars. D) 370 dollars.8. A) The man's unusual experience.B) The man's preference for Chinese food.C) The woman's plan for dinner.D) The woman's learning of Chinese customs. Now you'll hear two long conversations. Conversation One9. A) A library. B) A café.C) A bookstore. D) A laboratory.10. A) At 2:00. B) At 2:30.C) At 3:00. D) At 3:30.11. A) A student and a librarian.B) A student and a senior professor.C) A student and a friend.D) A student and a café owner. Conversation Two12. A) In a bookshop. B) On a train.C) In a lecture hall. D) In a library.13. A) The man is very unreasonable.B) The man is a store manager.C) The man is willing to change the book.D) The man is unwilling to exchange the book.14. A) A detective story. B) A biography.C) A novel. D) A travel guide.15. A) It's too expensive. B) It's poorly written.C) It's not the one she wants.D) It's not worth reading.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the center.Passage OneQuestions 16 to 19 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) A grant for the university. B) The speaker's private research.C) The speaker's work with volunteers. D) A government grant.17. A) Teaching. B) Studying.C) Researching. D) Fundraising.18. A) The UK. B) The US.C) Canada. D) Australia.19. A) Make a donation. B) Work as a volunteer.C) Attend a meeting. D) Join a lecture.Passage TwoQuestions 20 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.20. A) Going skiing. B) Visiting friends.C) Studying for exams. D) Cleaning the house.21. A) She isn't sure. B) She refuses it.C) She accepts it. D) She doesn't mind.22. A) Next week. B) Tomorrow.C) This weekend. D) This afternoon.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23. A) A journalist. B) An author.C) A travel agent. D) A professor.24. A) Writing a travel article. B) Preparing for a vacation.C) Conducting an interview. D) Editing a travel guide.25. A) A favorite destination in China.B) An interesting book she has read.C) A successful travel article.D) An interview with a travel company.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 26 to 32 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 33 to 35 you are required to fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in your own words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.Now, the passage will be read for the first time.PassageAs one of the most popular forms of travel, cruises bring people to new destinations, with hundreds of activities to keep them entertained. Unlike (26) ______________________, cruiseholidays revolve around (27) ___________________, from beginners to experienced sailors. From indoor to outdoor activities, there's something for everyone on board to enjoy. Whether you prefer (28) ______________________, (29) ______________________, or simply relaxing on the deck, a cruise ship provides the perfect setting for a fun and relaxing vacation.Now, the passage will be read for the second time.Now, the passage will be read for the third time.That's the end of Part I. Now turn to Part II.Part II Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning)In this section, you'll have 15 minutes to read the passages that follow. For questions 36 to 54, mark your answers on Answer Sheet 1.。

四级听力原文精选全文

四级听力原文精选全文

可编辑修改精选全文完整版Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversationsand 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both of the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices, marked A), B), C) and D),and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the center. Now let’s begin with the 4eight short conversations.1. M: I hear you have got a role in a play. How on earth did you get it? W: Well, when I heard the role was coming up, I read the book until I could learn the lines by heart and understood the character, and I had an interview and got it.Q: How did the woman get the role in the play?2. W: You seem to have had perfect health all your life.M: Yeah. I don’t remember ever having to see a doctor. I eat healthy food and take plenty of exercise. Most of all, I look at the sunny side even when things aren’t going so well.Q: What is the most important reason for the man’s perfect health?3. M: Susan, how long have we known each other?W: Let’s see. We met when you interviewed me for a teaching job. I wasthen in my senior year at college, and it has already been eight years since I graduated.Q: What can we learn from the conversation?4. W: It seems my pet dog doesn’t like the new place. He seemed to be happy all day in the countryside.M: Just ignore it. I still remember you were unhappy when you first moved here, but you are happy now. He is sure to overcome in a week or two.Q: What should the woman do according to the man?5. M: You said you got a bachelor’s degree in Engineering. Where did you get it?W: From Iowa State University. And I’m now working on my master’s. That’s part of the reason I applied for this position.Q: What can we learn about the woman?6. W: Do you daydream? Scientists recently say its advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.M: Even if it is true, I don’t think you can achieve success without hard work. It can at most make you feel happy.Q: What does the man probably agree with?7. M: Did you see the Oscar ceremony last night? It was also a fashion show when the stars stepped onto the red carpet. There were all types of fancy gowns and dresses.W: That is a great help for you and I believe you will be inspired by the show.Q: What can be inferred from the conversation?8. W: You are late again. Haven’t I told you that you should be away from home half an hour earlier?M: I’m sorry. I did do that and the traffic is OK, but I can’t do nothing in my car when I saw an old man in need of help.Q: What accounts for the man’s being late?Now you will hear the two long conversations.Conversation OneW: Tom, I suppose you must have heard about that great piece of concrete falling onto a car in that terrible accident in South Street yesterday, haven't you?M: Yes, I saw it in the paper. From a 200-foot-high building, wasn't it? W: Oh, yes. I saw the car; it was totally damaged.M: You usually park your car around there, don't you, Brenda?W: Yes, I left it in that very spot a couple of days ago, but yesterday it was parked up the road.M: You are lucky then.W: Out of luck, you mean! I'd be very pleased if my old car were smashed to bits. I could claim from the insurance company then.M: But you used to be so proud of your car, weren't you?W: It was years ago, but now there are all sorts of repairs to be done, and I just haven't got enough spare cash to put it right.M: You can always sell it, can't you?W: Few people are stupid enough to buy a car in that condition.M: The woman whose car was crushed yesterday was very annoyed about it. She will be given a new car by the builders, though.W: Yes, but her car was a specially built model that can't be replaced, and there was hardly anything wrong with it.M: Well, that's life! When people actually want to get rid of their cars, this sort of thing seldom happens, does it?Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. What happened in South Street yesterday?10. Why does the woman consider herself unlucky in terms of yesterday's accident?11. How did the owner feel when she knew her car was crushed? Conversation TwoW: Good morning, sir. I understand that you have been robbed.M: I certainly have.W: When did that happen?M: About two hours ago.W: Why didn't you report it?M: I couldn't. I was bound.W: Please tell me exactly what happened.M: I was sitting in this room watching television when someone knocked on the door. Without thinking, I opened it.W: That wasn't very wise, sir.M: I know. I was expecting my wife, you see, and thought it was her.W: You should never open a door without looking to see who it is.M: Yes, I know, I regret it very much.W: What happened?M: Two men pushed into the flat. One of them threatened me with a knife while the other bound me.W: Can you remember what they look like?M: I'm afraid not. They were both wearing stockings over their faces. W: What did they take?M: My wallet, with $300 in it, my wristwatch, some of my wife's jewelry from our bedroom, and a silver photo frame.W: They don't seem to have done much damage to the flat.M: No. They had just begun to search my house when the dogs next door began to bark. They ran off then leaving me bound. It was some time before my wife returned and released me. I phoned the police at once.W: My men began searching the area as soon as we received your call. I can't promise you that we'll recover your property but we'll certainly doour best.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. What does the woman do?13. Why did the man open the door without thinking?14. Why can't the man remember what the robbers look like?15. Why did the robbers leave in a hurry?Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages, at the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1with a single line through the center.Passage OneOld age may not sound exciting. But recent findings offer good news for older people and for people worried about getting older. Researchers found that people become happier and experience less worry after they reach the age of 50. In fact, they say by the age of 85, people are happier with their life than they were 18 years old. The findings came from a survey of more than 340 000 adults in the United States. The researchers asked questions about emotions like happiness, sadness and worry. They also asked about mental or emotional stress. Arthur Stone in theDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Stony Brook University in New York led the study. His team found that levels of stress were highest among adults between the ages of 22 and 25. The findings showed that stress levels dropped sharply after people reached their 50s. Happiness was highest among the youngest adults and those in their early 70s. The people least likely to report feeling negative emotions were those in their 70s and 80s. The study also showed that men and women have similar emotional patterns as they grow older. However, women at all ages reported more sadness, stress and worry than men. The findings appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers say they do not know why happiness increases as people get older. One theory proposed by some sociologists is that, as people grow older, they grow more thankful for what they have and have better control of their emotions. They also spend less time thinking about bad experiences.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. What does the speaker say about the recent findings?17. What can be inferred about happiness from the passage?18. According to the researchers, why do people become happier when they get older?Passage TwoBarbara Jordan was a lawyer, educator and member of Congress.She was well known for her powerful, thoughtful speeches. Barbara Charline Jordan was born in the southern city of Houston, Texas in 1936. Her father was a Baptist minister. In high school, Barbara heard a speech from a black woman lawyer. She decided to become a lawyer herself. Later, Miss Jordan attended the all-black college, Texas Southern University in Houston. She led a championship debating team and became known for her speaking skills. She finished at the top of her class. Then she went onto Boston University law school in Boston, Massachusetts. After she finished law school, Miss Jordan returned to Texas. She began to work as a lawyer. She also discovered she was interested in politics. In 1966, she decided to seek a seat in the Texas Senate and won. Barbara Jordan became the first black person to serve in the Texas Senate since 1883. After eight years in the Texas Senate, Miss Jordan campaigned for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. She won easily. She became the first woman and first black to be elected to Congress to represent Texas. In Congress, Miss Jordan spoke for the poor, for women, for African-Americans and Latin-Americans. She believed strongly, however, in being loyal to her state and her political party. She considered the interests of the people of Texas before those of any other group. Then, in 1977, Miss Jordan returned to Texas. Barbara Jordan began teaching about political values at the University of Texas. Her classes were so popular that students hadto be chosen from a long list.Questions 19 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. What's the passage mainly about?20. Why did Barbara Jordan decide to become a lawyer?21. What do we learn about Barbara Jordan when she was in Congress?22. What did Barbara Jordan do after she returned to Texas in 1977? Passage ThreeRoute 66 was once very famous in America. It has been called "The Main Street of America." The idea for Route 66 started in Oklahoma. Citizens there wanted to link their state with states to the east and west. By the 1920s, federal officials wanted to connect state roads to provide a shorter, faster way across the country. So a plan was developed to connect existing state roads into one long national highway. United States Highway 66 was established on November 11, 1926. It was one of the first federal highways. It crossed eight states. It was 3 800 km long. It passed through the center of many cities and towns. It crossed deserts, mountains, valleys and rivers. In the 1930s, people suffered through the Great Depression. In Oklahoma, many poor families lost their farms because of dust storms. So they traveled west to California on Route 66 in search of a better life. In the 1950s,holiday travel brought more and more families out West to explore. Route 66 represented the spirit of movement and excitement. Later, people were getting fewer and fewerkicks on Route 66. By 1962, parts of the road were closed because they were in poor condition. The federal government was building bigger highways. Cars and trucks could travel at higher speeds. People started driving on these new interstate highways instead of the old Route 66. Finally, in 1985, Route 66 was officially removed from the national highway system. People have formed groups to save parts of the old 66 and many of the interesting places to eat, stay and see along the way. Questions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23. What do we learn about Route 66?24. Why did Route 66 represent the spirit of movement and excitement?25. What can be inferred about Route 66 from the passage?Section C3Directions: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks with the exact words you have just heard. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written. Now listen to the passage. New Year in the United States is celebrated on January 1, the first day of the Gregorian Calendar. This is a federal holiday in the US. On this day, many people make resolutions to give away bad deeds and renew life with good ones. It's the time to remember the achievements and make merry for theNew Year. New Year is expected to bring good luck and charm for people and this is the reason why Americans love to celebrate it with fun and enjoyment. New Year's Eve celebration is a festival affair for the people of the US. They love to enjoy even the last minute of the going year and welcome the New Year with a blast. Midnight parties, luxury dinners, live music and the dance floors make a perfect New Year's Eve bash. Every year, a huge ball is organized at Times Square in New York City, which is watched over by large number of Americans. A minute before the New Year's Day, a brightly lighted ball is dropped slowly from the top of a pole. As soon as the ball reaches the ground, it gives a signal of New Year and everybody hugs and kisses each other wishing Happy New Year. Elsewhere, many of the New Year's parties in the US have a dress code or a theme. People cover their faces with masks. To have some merriment with the family members at the beginning of the New Year, people prefer to celebrate it at their homes. There is also a tradition to open champagne bottles as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. They unmask themselves only when the clock strikes 12. Now the passage will be read again. New Year in the United States is celebrated on January 1, the first day of the Gregorian Calendar. This is a federal holiday in the US. On this day, many people make resolutions to give away bad deeds and renew life with good ones. It's the time to remember the achievements and make merry for the New Year. New Year is expected to bring goodluck and charm for people and this is the reason why Americans love to celebrate it with fun and enjoyment. New Year's Eve celebration is a festival affair for the people of the US. They love to enjoy even the last minute of the going year and welcome the New Year with a blast. Midnight parties, luxury dinners, live music and the dance floors make a perfect New Year's Eve bash. Every year, a huge ball is organized at Times Square in New York City, which is watched over by large number of Americans. A minute before the New Year's Day, a brightly lighted ball is dropped slowly from the top of a pole. As soon as the ball reaches the ground, it gives a signal of New Year and everybody hugs and kisses each other wishing Happy New Year. Elsewhere, many of the New Year's parties in the US have a dress code or a theme. People cover their faces with masks. To have some merriment with the family members at the beginning of the New Year, people prefer to celebrate it at their homes. There is also a tradition to open champagne bottles as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. They unmask themselves only when the clock strikes 12. Now the passage will be read for the third time. New Year in the United States is celebrated on January 1, the first day of the Gregorian Calendar. This is a federal holiday in the US. On this day, many people make resolutions to give away bad deeds and renew life with good ones. It's the time to remember the achievements and make merry for the New Year. New Year is expected to bring good luck and charm forpeople and this is the reason why Americans love to celebrate it with fun and enjoyment. New Year's Eve celebration is a festival affair for the people of the US. They love to enjoy even the last minute of the going year and welcome the New Year with a blast. Midnight parties, luxury dinners, live music and the dance floors make a perfect New Year's Eve bash. Every year, a huge ball is organized at Times Square in New York City, which is watched over by large number of Americans. A minute before the New Year's Day, a brightly lighted ball is dropped slowly from the top of a pole. As soon as the ball reaches the ground, it gives a signal of New Year and everybody hugs and kisses each other wishing Happy New Year. Elsewhere, many of the New Year's parties in the US have a dress code or a theme. People cover their faces with masks. To have some merriment with the family members at the beginning of the New Year, people prefer to celebrate it at their homes. There is also a tradition to open champagne bottles as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. They unmask themselves only when the clock strikes 12.This is the end of listening comprehension.。

大学英语听说第三版第四册听力原文

大学英语听说第三版第四册听力原文
beforehand. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask a member
of the cabin crew. Our plane will take off shortly. Would you now please make
places, but I think Hawaii is my favorite. The children love it there too.
W: All of us are concerned with what kind of world our kids are going to
live in. How do you give your children a semblance of a normal life?
court. The Buffaloes are expected to win both games and fans. Tickets are
available from the ticket office at the sports arena.
There are also a few tickets available for the Saturday night concert by
and the exhibits of early people, there will be a special exhibit of American
Indian pottery and sand painting. Admission is free.
And now a report on snow conditions at ski resorts. Steamboat Springs is

大学英语听说教程4听力原文Unit 2

大学英语听说教程4听力原文Unit 2

Unit 2Part BEmbarrassing Experiences (Part One)Interviewer: Rob, you went to Brazil, didn't you?Rob: Y es, I did.Interviewer: So, what happened?Rob: Well, I went into this meeting and there were about, er... seven or eight people in there and I just said 'Hello' to everybody and sat down. Apparently, what I should have done is to go round the room shaking hands with everyone individually. Well, you know, it's silly of me because I found out later it upset everyone. I mean, I think they felt I was taking them for granted.Kate: Well, I know that because when I was in France the first time, I finished a meeting , with 'Goodbye, everyone!' to all the people in the room. There were about half a dozen people there but I was in a hurry to leave, so I just said that and left. Well, I later found out that what I should have done is shake hands with everyone in the group before leaving. Now, apparently, it's the polite thing to do.Interviewer: Well, people shake hands in different ways, don't they?Rob: Oh, yes, that's right, they do. See, normally I shake hands quite gently when I meet someone. So when I went to the US for the first time, I think people there thought my weak handshake was a sign of weakness. Apparently, people there tend to shake hands quite firmly.Kate: Oh, gosh, you know, that reminds me: on my first trip to Germany, it was a long time ago, I was introduced to the boss in the company when he passed us in the corridor. Well, I wasn't prepared, and I mean, I had my left hand in my pocket. And when we shook hands I realized my left hand was still in my pocket. Well, that was, you know, very bad manners and I was quite embarrassed.Interviewer: And how about using first names? Have you made any mistakes there?Rob: Oh, yes, I have! When I first went to Italy I thought it was OK to use everyone's first name so as to seem friendly. And I later discovered that in business you shouldn't use someone's first name unless you are invited to. Oh, and you should always use their title as well.Kate: Hm, yeah, well, when I met people in Russia, you know, they seemed to be puzzled when Ishook hands with them and said 'How do you do?' Well, what they do when they greet a stranger is to say their own names, so I had that all wrong!Rob: Oh, yes, I agree with that. Remembering names is very important.Interviewer: Shall we take a break? When we come back we'll move on to our next topic.Kate & Rob: OK.1. What is the conversation mainly about?2. Who might be the people Rob and Kate met in various countries?3. What can we infer about Kate and Rob from the conversation?4. Which countries has Kate visited, according to the conversation?5. Which countries has Rob visited, according to the conversation?6. What is the main message that the speakers want to tell us?Part CAdditional ListeningAmerican PartiesAs you would imagine, Americans move about a great deal at parties. At small gatherings they may sit down, but as soon as there are more people than chairs in a room - a little before this point - you will see first one and then another make some excuse to get to his feet to fetch a drink or greet a friend or open a window until soon everyone is standing, moving around, chatting with one group and then another. Sitting becomes static beyond a certain point. We expect people to move about and be "self-starters". It is quite normal for Americans to introduce themselves; they will drift around a room , stopping to talk wherever they like, introducing themselves and their companions. If this happens, you are expected to reply by giving your name and introducing the person with you; then at least the men generally shake hands. Sometimes the women do so as well, but often they merely nod and smile. A man usually shakes a woman's hand only if she extends it. Otherwise he too just nods and greets her.Statements:1. We can't imagine that Americans do not like big parties and they prefer going around at parties.2. At small parties they may sit down, but as more people come, they would stand up and move about.3. The reason why Americans like to stand is that they like the free atmosphere of the party.4. The meaning of "self-starters" is that Americans help themselves to drinks during the parties.5. Americans are more open-minded than British people according to the passage.6. If a woman doesn't extend her hand to a man at the party, he should not shakes hands with the woman.7. The passage shows a unique aspect of American culture.Embarrassing Experiences (Part Two)Interviewer: Let's go on with our talk. What do you think of business cards, Rob?Rob: I found them very useful when I was in Japan not so long ago. Each person can clearly see the other's name and the job title on the card. And I found out that you have to treat business cards with respect. What you've got to do is hold them with both hands and then read them very carefully. What happened to me was the first time I just took a man's card with one hand and put it straight into my pocket.Interviewer: What other advice do you have, Kate?Kate: Well, one time I unintentionally caused some problems when I was in China. Well, I was trying to make a joke when I pretended to criticize my business associate for being late for a meeting. And he was embarrassed, I mean, he was really embarrassed instead of being amused. Now you shouldn't criticize people in China or embarrass them. I mean, you must avoid confrontation. That's for sure!Rob: Oh, I must tell you about the first time I was in Mexico! I have to admit I found it a bit strange when business associates there touched me on the arm and the shoulder. Well, I tried to move away and, of course, they thought I was being very, very unfriendly. Apparently, it's quiteusual there for men to touch each other in, you know, in a friendly way. Oh ... oh, and another thing, the first time I went to Korea I thought it was polite not to look someone in the eye too much. The Koreans I met seemed to be staring at me when I spoke, which seemed, you know, a bit odd at first. In Korea, eye contact conveys sincerity and it shows you're paying attention to the speaker.Kate: Oh, well, it seemed strange because you British don't look at each other so much when you're talking to each other. I mean, you look away, you know, most of the time. I found this hard to deal with when I first came to the UK, because people seemed to be embarrassed when I looked at them while they were speaking to me.Interviewer: So what's the thing visitors to Britain should avoid most?Rob: Well, I don't think we're all that sensitive, do you, Kate?Kate: Ohoo, well, I'll tell you, I made a big mistake when I was in Scotland. I found myself referring to the UK as "England" and to the British as "the English". Now, I know that would be just as bad in Wales, I guess.Rob: Y es, it certainly would!。

23年12月大学英语四级考试真题听力原文

23年12月大学英语四级考试真题听力原文

23年12月大学英语四级考试真题听力原文全文共3篇示例,供读者参考篇1The following is the original transcript of the listening section from the December 23rd, 2012 College English Test Level 4 (CET-4):Section A1. W: I have a terrible headache. Do you have any aspirin?M: Yes, it's in the medicine cabinet. Help yourself.Q: What does the man mean?2. M: Excuse me, could you tell me where I can find the nearest ATM?W: Sure. Go straight ahead and turn left at the corner. You'll see it on your right.Q: Where is the ATM machine?3. M: The concert was fantastic last night. I wish I could go again.W: Yeah, it was great. I'll definitely go again if I have the chance.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?4. W: I'm thinking about getting a new phone. Do you have any recommendations?M: Well, I've heard that the new iPhone is pretty good. Maybe you should check it out.Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?5. M: I can't believe I missed the bus again. How am I going to get to work on time?W: Don't worry. I can give you a ride if you want.Q: What does the woman offer to do for the man?Section BPassage 1Once there was a little girl named Sally who lived in a small village. She loved animals and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian when she grew up. One day, while playing in the forest, Sally found a wounded bird. She carefully picked it up and took it home. With her mother's help, Sally nursed the bird backto health. From that day on, Sally knew that she was meant to help animals in need. And so, she grew up to be a successful veterinarian, saving the lives of many animals.Questions:6. What did Sally find in the forest one day?7. How did Sally help the wounded bird?8. What did Sally dream of becoming when she grew up?Passage 2It's important to start saving money at a young age to secure your financial future. Here are some simple tips to help you get started. First, set a budget and stick to it. This will help you track your expenses and make sure you are saving enough. Second, open a savings account and save a portion of your income each month. Even a small amount can add up over time. Finally, avoid unnecessary expenses and try to live within your means. By following these tips, you can build a solid financial foundation for the future.Questions:9. Why is it important to start saving money at a young age?10. What is the first tip mentioned to help you start saving money?11. How can even a small amount of savings add up over time?Section CW: Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the nearest post office?M: Sure. Go straight ahead until you see the traffic light. Turn left at the traffic light and walk for about five minutes. You'll see the post office on your right.W: Thank you.M: No problem. Have a great day.Questions:12. Where is the woman trying to go?13. How will the woman know she has gone too far?14. What does the man wish the woman?This concludes the listening section for the December 23rd, 2012 College English Test Level 4 (CET-4) exam.篇2December 2023 CET-4 Listening TestPart I (Text 1)M: Excuse me. I left my wallet in the taxi. Can I use your phone to call the taxi company?W: Sure. Here you are.M: Thank you.Questions:1. What has the man lost?2. What does the man ask the woman for?Part II (Text 2)W: Harry, have you met Mr. Smith, the new manager?M: Yes, he came in while I was having lunch, but I didn’t have time to talk to him.W: You should go to his office and introduce yourself. He seems very nice.Questions:3. Who is Mr. Smith?4. What does the woman advise Harry to do?W: Can I help you, sir?M: Yes, I am looking for a pair of brown dress shoes.W: What size do you wear?M: I wear a size 10.W: Let me see if we have that in stock.Questions:5. What is the man looking to buy?6. What size does the man wear?Part IV (Text 4)M: Hi, can you tell me how to get to the train station?W: Certainly. Go straight and turn left at the third intersection. You will see the train station on your right.M: Thanks a lot.Questions:7. What is the man’s destination?8. How can the man get there?W: What do you think about the new school policy on making up missed exams?M: I think it’s too strict. Students should have more flexibility when it comes to taking makeup exams.W: I agree. Some students have legitimate reasons for missing exams.Questions:9. What is the man’s opinion on the new school policy?10. What does the woman agree with the man on?以上为23年12月大学英语四级考试的听力原文内容,希望能帮到大家。

新视野大学英语4 期末听力原文

新视野大学英语4 期末听力原文

英语视听说4考试听力1.短对话(10题选择题课外5题 45%)Uint1BasicListening Practice1.ScriptM: I‟m beside myselfwith joy. I‟m so lucky. Guess what? I‟ve won a lit of money in the lottery.W: Yeah? Well, you doknow that money is the root of all evil, right?Q: What does the womanmean?2.ScriptW: Mary was furious.Her son wrecked up her car.M: He shouldn‟t have driven a carwithout a driver‟s license. He…s still taking driving lesson.Q: What do we knowabout Mary‟s son?3. ScriptM: Susan, I hear you‟regoing to marry that guy. Some people think you‟ll regret it.W: Is that so? Onlytime tell.Q: What does the womanimply?4.ScriptM: Mary, I just want to say howsorry I was to learn of your mother‟s passing.I know how close you two were?W: Thank you. It was sosudden. I‟M still in a state of shock I don‟t know what to do.Q: Which of followingis true?5.ScriptW: I get furious at work when myopinions aren‟t considered just because I‟m a woman.M: You should air yourview more emphatically and demand that your vice be heard.Q: What is the womancomplaining about?Keys: 1.C 2.B 3. D 4.A5.DUint2II. BasicListening Practice1.ScriptW: Did you hear? Helen gotmodeling jib! She‟s going to be sashaying down the catwalk.M: Wow, that‟s great! All thatwalking practice really paid off. And foe once she won‟t be complaining aboutbeing so tall.Q: Why did Helen getmodeling job?2.ScriptM: Julia, come and see the MissAmerica contest on TV. All those beautiful girls are walking around in bathingsuits, so the judges can decide who has the best figure.W: Bah! That‟s the worst kind ofexploitation. They are treating women like toys for people to enjoy. I wouldnever take part in this kind of contest. Q: What do the man andthe woman think about the beautify contest?3. ScriptW: What shall I do? I‟m fat. Iwant to be slim and beauty, but I‟m fat. I‟ve tried all the new ideas, highcarb and low carb, but nothing works.M: Those diets are just fads,popular for a while and then forgotten. Just follow the usual diet with fruits,vegetables, fish, water, and get plenty of exercise. Before long you‟ll seeresults.Q: What has the womantried?4. ScriptW1: I think Lily is reallyattractive. She‟s half Spanish and has this really sultry look about her.W2: That explains why she tans sowell. I‟ve always been jealous of her skin color in the summer.Q: Which of followingis true of Lily?5. ScriptM: Trust me, it was tight there onthe Internet: “Plastic Surgery Increasing ata Faster Rate Among Men”.Apparently more and more men are trying toimprove their appearance.W: I saw it too on the news.Face-lifts, nose jobs, and box to hide wrinkle are now very popular with men.Men say it‟s for business reasons, but we know it‟s vanity.Q: What does the womanthink the real reason is that men have plastic surgery?Keys: 1.B 2.A 3. C 4.D5.BUnit3II. BasicListening Practice1.ScriptW: Did you see the paper today?There was an earthquake in Brazil.M: Yes, but it only measured 3.5on the Richter scale. I don‟t think there were any casualties.Q: What is the result of theearthquake of 3.5 on the Richter scale according to the man?2.ScriptW: I‟d a bit worried about Suzietraveling to southern India.It‟s the rainy season there, and there may be landsides.M: Suzie can take care of herself;she won‟t go anywhere too risky. Besides,you can always e-mail her if it makesyou feel better.Q: What is Suzie doing?3. ScriptM: Hi, I thought youwere on holiday in Asia! Back already?W: we never got there! Our travelagent cancelled our arrangements because the whole region is flooded. We wereso disappointed; we won‟t get another chance to go this year.Q: What is the womandoing?4. ScriptM: Our flight to Tokyo was delayed by twelve hours. Can youbelieve it? A typhoon hit the east coast and it was chaos.W: I saw it on thenews. The flooding and damage were terrible. I don‟t think anyone was hurtthough.Q: What is theconsequence of the typhoon?5. ScriptW: Did you see the program lastnight about volcanoes? It was fascinating! M: Yes, the weird thingis the molten lava looks so beautiful, yet it‟s so destructive. And I couldn‟tbelieve how far the ash can travel. I‟m glad we don‟t have any volcanoes here!Q: What does the manthink the volcano is?Keys: 1.D 2.A 3. C 4.B5.CUint4II. BasicListening Practice1.ScriptM: Do you see yourself as a leaderor more of a team player?W: Well, it depends on thecircumstances. I usually enjoy working as part ofa team and helping everyonework together. But if the leadership is weak,I‟m not afraid to take over inorder to achieve the goal at hand.Q: What does the womanwant to be?2.ScriptW: Good morning, I havean appointment with Mr. Davies at 11o‟ clock. M: Yes, he left a message for yousaying he‟s terribly sorry but he‟s stuck in traffic and is running 15 minuteslate. Please take a seat and he‟ll be here as soon as possible. Would you liketea or coffee?Q: Where is theconversation probably taking place?3. ScriptW: You don‟t happy. Didyou get that promotion?M: No, they brought insome new guy. I‟m not going to hang around for much longer, I can‟t assure you.Q: Why is the manunhappy?4. ScriptW: Mr. Jones is a self-mademillionaire, and I‟m honored to have worked for him for the past thirty yearsas his accountant.M: He must be pleasedto have a loyal and faithful employee such as yourself.Q: What is true of thewoman?5. ScriptW: Jane, we‟re considering you forthe new office manager‟s position.We‟ve been very pleased with your work.M: Thank you very much.I‟ve always enjoyed working here, and I would welcome an opportunity for moreresponsibility.Q: Which of thefollowing is true?Keys: 1.C 2.B 3. A 4.B 5.DUint5II. BasicListening Practice1.ScriptW: Why do some people stay in onejob for life while others switch jobs from time to time?M: Some people want a fixedroutine so that they don‟t have to adapt tot new circumstances over and overagain, while others think variety is the spice of life.Q: According to thedialog, why do some people stick to one job for life?2.ScriptM: Kathleen, you‟ve been late forwork so many times lately that I have to warn you that any repetition willresult in your dismissal.W: I‟m sorry. I‟ll try my best toget here earlier in the future. Perhaps I could work later to make up the timeI‟ve lost.Q: What does the womansay?3. ScriptM: Mr. Brown, my time here hasbeen frustrating for me. I have a better opportunity with another firm, and I‟mtaking it.W: We won‟t be sorry to see youleave, Richard. You‟ve done your best to make everyone here as miserable as youare.Q: How does the womanfeel about the man‟s leaving?4. ScriptW: Mr. Armes, I wanted to tell youin person that at the end of this month I‟ll be leaving the company.M: Well, Sylvia, we are certainlygoing to miss you here, but I wish you the best of luck.Q: What does the womanwant?5. ScriptW: Time, I hate to tell you this,but we‟re caught in a budget crunch, and wemust lay you off. I‟m sorry.M: I understand. I‟ve enjoyed mytime here, and I‟m confident I can find something else.Q: What is the man‟sresponse?Keys: 1.B2.D3. A 4.C 5.DUint8II. BasicListening Practice1.ScriptM: Scentists claim theworld population has 99.5% of the same DNA.W: But this doesn‟ttell us there is no such thing as race.Q: What is true of theDNA of difference races?2.ScriptW: With the advent of the geneticmap we know where everything is, but do we know where to go with it?M: Your map seems todiffer largely from my geographical map!Q: What does the manimply?3.ScriptM: As you know, it has takenmillions of years of evolution and natural selection to get us where we aretoday.W: Yes, but now that we havegenetic engineering, we seem to have decided that we want to be God.Q: What does the womanimply?4.ScriptM: I think the research intocloning will lead us into dangers, filling us with false hopes of perfection.W: It‟s too late to turn back theclock. We‟ll just have to depend on common sense to solve uncommon problems.Q: What does the womanmean?5.ScriptW: In America, many prisoners are havingtheir cases reviewed, and some have even been freed through DNA testing.M: Except for the oneswhose death sentence has already been carried out. Q: What can we learnabout DNA testing from the dialog?Keys:1.B2.C3.D4.A5.C二.长对话(task1 填十个单词,task3 两篇选择或者判断10题)Unit 1 Task 1: Soft answers turn away wrath.Mary: Dam! You‟re spilled red wine on me. My new dress is ruined.John: I‟ m terrible sorry! What can I do to help? Here‟s some water to wash it off. Mary: Stop splashing water on me! Oh, this is so embarrassing! I‟m a mess.John: Well, you do look a little upset. Please don‟t blow up. Don‟t lose your cool. Mary: Hmm, you‟ve got the nerve talking like that! Who shouldn‟t fly off the handle?This dress cost a fortune.John:You look really cute when you‟re mad. I kid you not. Some people do look attractive when they are in a rage.Mary: This is very expensive dress. I saved for months to buy it, and now it‟s ruined.Look at this stain!John: Accidents do happen. Give me your dress, and I‟ll take it to the cleaners. Mary: Sure! You want me to take it off right here in public and give it to you? I don‟t even know you!John: This might be a really goof time to get acquainted. I‟m John Owen.Mary: Mmm, at least you‟re polite. I guess I really shouldn‟t have flared up. After all, it was an accident. I‟m Mary Harvey.John: Come on. I‟ll take you home. You can change your clothes, and I‟ll get the dress cleaned for you.Mary: Now you‟re talking. Thanks. You‟re a real gentleman.John: You‟d better believe it. I‟m glad to see that you‟ve cooled down. Feel look a bite to eat afterward? I‟m starving.Mary: Ok. You‟re pretty good. I‟m not nearly as mad. If you can get this stain out, I‟ll be very happy.John: I‟ll try my best. But if I can‟t get the stain out, please don‟t let your happiness turn to wrath.1.Which of the following would be the best title for the dialog?2.Why does the woman get angry?3.What does the man say to please the woman when she looks angry?4.Why does the woman say the man is a real gentleman?5.What is the man‟s final proposal?Keys: 1D 2.A 3.C 4.B 5.CUint1Task3: A View of HappinessDr. Smithhas proposed a reasonable, if perhaps somewhat oversimplifies, view ofhappiness. According to his theory, happiness might be described as a state ifbalance. And when human or certain animals achieve that balance, they rend toremain in that condition in order to repeat the happy feeling. Toillustrate this, we may study two magnets. When their positive and negativepoles meet, they are comfortably joined, and they remain there. In other words,they have attained a balance or state of happiness. If on the other hand, oneof the poles is reversed, and positive pole is presses against positive pole,there is resistance, instability, imbalance a state of unhappiness.Animalswith some degree of intelligence seem to find happiness in reinforcement. Oncethey have gained one or more of their goals such as food, and water, they learnto repeat the actions that led to satisfaction of those goals. This repetitionor reinforcement produces a state of balance or sense of happiness.Accordingto this theory, only animals with a significant capacity to learn should beable to experience happiness. But in truth learning can take place throughsurprisingly simple short-term action such as scratching an itch, followed bypleasure, followed by more scratching, and so on. Thus learning can occur withalmost no conscious thought.For humanbeings, blessed with the ability to reason, goals are not limited to theshort-term satisfaction of needs. Indeed, there is a strong link betweenhappiness and the fulfillment of long-term goals. Even if human strive forgoals that are more complex and longer-term than the animals‟goals, once thosegoals are gained, happiness is reinforced.1.Why doesthe speaker mention “magnets”?2.Accordingto the passage, what may animals do after they have got food?3.Which ofthe following is true according to the speaker?4.What doesthe speaker say is special about the goals of human beings?5.Which ofthe following best captures the main idea of the passage? Keys: 1D 2.C3. B 4.D 5.AUnit 2 Task 1: A Friendly StylistStylist: Morning, sir. This chair, please. What can I do for you?Nick: A simple haircut: short on the back and sides.Stylist: Very good. I can, of course, do something fashionable for only $60.Nick: 60 dollars! That‟s highway robbery—twice what I ordinarily pay.Stylist: Perhaps, sir. But your haircuts haven‟t been in harmony with your character.Your hair is at war with your soul.Nick: I‟ve never heard of such a thing.Stylist: If I may say, I‟m an expert at matching hairstyle to personalities. Believe me;you‟re suffering a “disjunction”.Nick: A disjunction? What the devil is a disjunction?Stylist: Your hair does not match you.Nick: This is utter nonsense. However, I‟d like to hear how you‟d solve this so-called problem.Stylist: Your character is artistic, imaginative. But your hair is dull. I can correct that imbalance in seconds.Nick: Okay, let me see what can you do about the…uh…disjunction, as you call it. Stylist: We‟re going to use scissors to create peaks, which we‟ll keep in place with a liberal helping of gel….This tuft in the back we‟ll braid into a pigtail. Now, it‟s thenew you!Nick: I love it. It‟s just like me: imaginative and artistic. Now what are you doing?What‟s wrong? Don‟t you see harmony in my new hairstyle?Stylist:Something‟s preventing your hairstyle from being a true fashionable statement.Nick: For heaven‟s sake, tell me what‟s missing.Stylist: Streaks. By putting in a few yellow streaks in your hair, it will become a work of art. Streaking will cost you more, but…Nick: Do it. Forget the cost. But, by the way, what is the total getting to be? How much am I paying to avoid disjunction?Stylist: That‟s…$135. Sir? Sir, are you all right? Oh, he fainted.1.When the stylist mentions $60, what does the customer say?2.What does the stylist think about the customer‟s hairstyle?3.What will the stylist do with the customer‟s hair?4.What will streaking do to the man‟s hair according to the stylist?5.What is the passage mainly about?Keys: 1C.A 3.D4.B 5.AFor Reference:1.It means there is no match between you and your hair.2.That‟s…$135. Sir? Sir, are you all right? Oh, he fainted.Uint2Task3: A View of HappinessMen areturning to plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures to brighten up theirappearances at a faster rate than women, according to a survey released onWednesday.Men‟s useof fat injections to soften deep wrinkles leaped 47 percent last year from theprevious year. Women‟s use of the injections fell 36 percent, according to asurvey by the American Academy of Facial andPlastic Reconstructive Surgeons.Men‟s useof botox injections to eliminate frown lines rose 88 percent, while women‟sbotox use fell 8 percent.And forsmoothing skin, the use of laser resurfacing among men rose 13percent, thesurvey showed. Meanwhile, women‟s use of laser resurfacing dropped 38 percentduring the same time period.The numberof men getting nose jobs rose 47 percent, while the number of women doing sorose 5 percent.Typically,men and women visiting plastic surgeons for cosmetic reasons were age 40 to 59.The studysaid 44 percent of men and 57 percent of women tell their doctor that lookingyounger is the reason they are choosing cosmetic surgery.By about 18percent, men are more likely than women to say they want facial cosmeticsurgery for work-related reasons.The studywas conducted by written questionnaires from January 20 to March 3 among morethan 2,600 members of the association, who focus on treatment of the face,head, and neck.Bycomparison, in the previous year, women‟s use of botox rose 60 percent whilemen‟s fell 14 percent; women‟s use of laser resurfacing rose 13 percent whilemen‟s fell 19 percent; women‟s use of fat injections fell17 percent and men‟sfell 54 percent.1.What istrue of men and women‟s use of fat injections?2.While ofthe following is true of nose jobs?3.How muchgreater is the percentage of women choosing cosmetic surgeryto look youngerthan the percentage of men?4.What istrue of men and women using botox in the previous year?5.Which ofthe following would be the best title for the passage?Keys: 1C 2.C3. B 4.B 5.DUnit 3Task 1: Soft answers turn away wrath.Son:Hi, mom, what are we having for dinner tonight?Mom: I haven‟t started yet. Why, have you any requires?Son:How about tsunami for a change—I don‟t know what is, but I heard some Japanese people using the word on the bus the other day. Sounds like a food.Maybe it‟s similar to sushi.Mom: Nonsense. Tsunami comes from Japanese words meaning harbor and wave. If we had a tsunami, it would be the other way around, young man.Son: Why? What is it?Mom:I mean it may swallow you up. A tsunami is an enormous series of very powerful waves.Son: Could you surf on them? That could be cool.Mom: They‟re not cool. They are very destructive. When they pound the shore of populated areas, they cause tremendous damage. They destroy everything in their path.Son:What causes them?Mom: I think they are caused by some sort of shock, like an earthquake, volcano, or landside that starts a chain reaction in the ocean.Son: Do the waves get to big that they crush buildings?Mom: Easily. They can be dozens of meters high. They toss cars and houses around as though they were children‟s toys.Son: Can you see them coming?Mom: You can see them at quite a distance. But there‟s not much you can do. In the open ocean they move at up to 800km per hour, but when it reaches the shore, the system slows down and the waves get bigger.Son:How big?Mom: They can reach 30 meters. Big enough to finish you off in one gulp.6.What the son think a tsunami is?7.What does Mom imply by saying, “If we had a tsunami, it would be the other wayaround”?8.What does the son think surfing on tsunami waves would be like?9.Which of the following is NOT mentioned as the cause of a tsunami?10.How high can tsunami waves reach?Keys: 1B 2.C 3.A 4.D 5.CFor Reference1. In the open ocean they move at up to 800km per hour, but when it reaches the shore,the system slows down and the waves get bigger.2. They can reach 30 meters. Big enough to finish you off in one gulp.Unit3Task3: A BlizzardA blizzardis a sever weather condition characterized by low temperatures and strongwinds, greater than 15 miles per hour, bearing a great amount of snow.Because thefactors for classifying winter storms are complex, there are many differentdefinitions of what a blizzard truly is. But it is generally agreed that inorder to be classified as a blizzard, as opposed to merely a winter storm, theweather must meet several conditions. The storm must decrease visibility to aquarter of a mile for three hours running. Include snow or ice asprecipitation, and have wind speed of at least 32 miles per hour, which meansForce 7 or more on the Wind Scale. Anotherstandard, according to Environment Canada, is that the winter storm must havewinds of 40 kilometers per hour or mi=ore, plenty of snow, visibility less than1 kilometer, a temperature of less than -25 degrees Celsius, and all of theseconditions must last for 4 hours or more, before the storm can properly becalled a blizzard.When allthese conditions continue after snow has stopped falling, the storm is referredt o as a ground blizzard.Anextensive form of blizzard is a whiteout, when the downdrafts, together withsnowfall, become so sever that it is impossible to distinguish the ground fromthe air. People caught in a whiteout can quickly become disoriented, losingtheir sense of up and down as well as their sense of direction. Severe blizzardcan also occur along with arctic cyclones.1.What is thepassage mainly about?2.Which ofthe following is true of a blizzard according to the first standard?3.Which ofthe following is true of a blizzard according to the secondstandard?4.What is aground blizzard?5.Which ofthe following is in the order of increasing force?Keys: 1A 2.B3.C 4.D 5.CUnit 4Task 1: You’re fired!Joan: Come in, come in. Have a seat. Ah…uh…I want you to know this is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you.Carl: Yes, ma‟am. But I‟m not quite sure what you‟re talking about.Joan: You‟re fired. That‟s what I‟m talking about.Carl: I find that surprising, Miss Jackson. After all, I sold twenty-five percent more of our products than any other salesperson.Joan: Look, I‟m not here to argue. You‟re fired. Understand?Carl: I understand perfectly. I just wonder what‟s going to happen to the contract I‟ve been arranging. It would be a shame to lose it; it could mean a lot of our company. And I‟m the only one who knows the details.Joan: No one is indispensable. Just clear out your desk, and that‟s the end of it. Do I make myself clear, Mr. Westlake?Carl: Crystal clear—apart from one small detail.Joan: And what, pray tell, is that detail?Carl: I‟m not Mr. Westlake. I‟m Carl Smith.Joan: Well then, that‟s a different kettle of fish, Mr. Smith. I know you‟ve bee n working late almost every night and coming in on Saturdays to get work done.The company is very happy with your progress.Carl: That‟s good to know. I was beginning to think that I wasn‟t appreciated. Joan: You‟re doing well. We have approved your first salary increase.Carl: That‟s great! Thank you! I‟ll certainly try to live up to the trust you have demonstrated in me with this raise in pay.11.Why is the man surprised at the being fired?12.What is the second reason mentioned of the man to object to his being fired?13.What mistake did the woman make?14.What do you know about the man‟s work performance?15.What does the man finally get?Keys: 1C 2.B 3.D 4.A 5.AFor Reference1.I want you to know this is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you.2. That‟s great! Thank you! I‟ll certainly try to live up to the trust you havedemonstrated in me with this raise in pay.Uint4Task3: The Role of Job DescriptionsPeople whodon‟t understand what their employers expect them to do may be headed for oneof the most common and yet most avoidable career traps. If your boss doesn‟t takethe time to explain properly what you are expectedto do in your position. Thenkeep asking questions until you know precisely what it is. Don‟t limit yourquestions to matter of everyday routine. Lee Colby, a management consultantbased in Minneapolis,offers his advice. He says you can ask more significant questions like, “Whatare our departmwnt‟s goals? How does my work fit in with the overall objectiveof the company?”That methodhelped Lisa James, an assistant manager at an electronics company. When Jameswas transferred to a new department seven years ago, she found herself not onlyworking for the manager of quality control, but assisting three other managers.Because the job was both demanding and ill-defined, James had to put inten-hour days as well as take work home. To clarify what was expected of herand what she hoped to get from her job in terms of career department, shedrafted a list of goals in collaboration with her principal boss. The listproved so well though out that her boss used it as the basis for her annualperformance reviews. Shortly afterwards, she was given a raise for herefficient work.If yourboss is vague about what your goals should be, try this technique suggested byAtkin Simon, director of a Boston-based management-consulting firm: Read yourposition description, which most large firms provide, and identify the two orthree most important tasks it mentions. Then meet with your boss, point out thetasks you‟ve chosen and ask if they accurately reflect what your boss considersimportant.1.If yourboss does not describe your job responsibility clearly, what canyou do?2.What kindof questions can you ask about your job?3.When Jameswas transferred to a new department, how many managersdid she have to workfor?4.With whomdid James draft a list of goals?5.How was herlist of goals received?Keys: 1B 2.D3.D 4.A 5.CUnit 5Task 1: How to Avoid BankruptcyManager: Adam! Have you any suggestions about how we can avoid bankruptcy? Adam:Downsizing would certainly reduce our operating costs. You know, make us lean and mean, the way you have to be in today‟s market.Manager: Where do you suggest we start making these staff cuts?Adam:The logical place to start would be in administration. They usually overstaffed.Manager: That‟s not going to go over very well with our employees. Some of them have been with the company for years.Adam:It‟s painful process, but there‟s no choice. They‟ll just have to get used to the idea.Manager: We can give them a fairly decent severance package when they‟re fired.Adam:I know. And I think that if we computerize the office, we could reduce office staff by about 20 percent just by eliminating a lot of paperwork. Manager: OK. If we lay off 20 percent of the administrative staff, will that be enough to get the company back on its feet?Adam:Unfortunately not. We‟ll also need to make some cuts in the service department.Manager: How can we do that and maintain the level of service that we offer our passengers?Adam: Well, we‟ll have to retrain the service staff and streamline our operations, so we won‟t need as many people to run things smoothly.Manager: Well, this is serious, but I really don‟t think we have any other choice. If we keep losing money like this, we‟ll have to shut everything down.16.What is the dialog mainly concerned with?17.What does the man mean by “make us lean and mean”?18.What is the difficulty in cutting the administrative staff?19.What will happen as a result of firing the administrators?20.What does the man think will happen after they cut 20 percent of theadministrators?Keys: 1B 2.D 3.A 4.C 5.CFor Reference1. He suggests retaining the service staff and streaming their operations, so they won‟tneed as many people to run things smoothly.2. That is a serious step, but she thinks they haven‟t any other choice. If they keeplosing money, they will have to shut everything down.Uint5Task3: Layoffs can be predicted.In somecases companies inform their employees in advance that layoffs are coming. Inother cases, they come without warning: You arrive on time for work on aFriday, but you are told not to come next week. Ouch!In eithercase, you may be able to sense some bad signs in advance. Maybe the company hastried very hard to avoid layoffs; maybe it has been preparing for the worst forquite some time. If you think about the bad omens carefully, you might know asmuch or more than some of the employees in managerial positions with managementresponsibilities. Forexample, if you work in sales, you might know that quotas have not been met. Ifyou work in field engineering, you might notice far fewer customerinstallations. If your company‟s competitors, suppliers or customers are layingoff employees, it‟s likely your company will too, especially if economicconditions are affecting your industry. Check the layoff statistics from theU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Search the Net and your local newspaper toofor articles concerning layoffs in your industry.Do thingslike bad sales always mean that layoffs are coming to your company? Notnecessarily. Companies have seasonal and economic sales。

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Reason and Emotion
Script
Emotion is sometimes regarded as the opposite of reason; s is suggested by phrase such as” appeal to emotions rather than reason” and “don’t let your emotions take over”. Emotional reactions sometimes produce consequences or thoughts which people may later regret or disagree with; but during an emotional state, they could not control their actions. Thus, it is generally believed that one of the most distinctive facts about human beings is a contradiction between emotion and reason.
However, recent empirical studies do not suggest there is a clear distinction between reason and emotion. Indeed, anger or fear can often be thought of as an instinctive response to observed fact. The human mind possesses many possible reactions to the external world. Those reactions can lie on a continuum, with some of them involving the extreme of pure intellectual logic, which is often called “cold”, and others involving the extremes of pure emotion not related to logical agreement, which is called “the heat of passion”. The relation logic and emotion merits careful study. Passion, emotion, or feeling can reinforce an argument, event one based primarily on reason. This is especially true in religion or ideology, which frequently demands an all-or-nothing rejection or acceptance. In such areas of thought, human beings have to adopt a comprehensive view partly backed by empirical argument and partly by feeling and passion. Moreover, several researchers have suggested that typically there is no “pure” decision or thought; that is, no thought is based “purely”” on intellectual logic or “purely” on emotion—most decisions are founded on a mixture of both.
A Blizzard
Script
A blizzard is a sever weather condition characterized by low temperatures and strong winds, greater than 15
miles per hour, bearing a great amount of snow.
Because the factors for classifying winter storms are complex, there are many different definitions of what a blizzard truly is. But it is generally agreed that in order to be classified as a blizzard, as opposed to merely a winter storm, the weather must meet several conditions. The storm must decrease visibility to a quarter of a mile for three hours running. Include snow or ice as precipitation, and have wind speed of at least 32 miles per hour, which means Force 7 or more on the Wind Scale.
Another standard, according to Environment Canada, is that the winter storm must have winds of 40 kilometers per hour or mi=ore, plenty of snow, visibility less than 1 kilometer, a temperature of less than -25 degrees Celsius, and all of these conditions must last for 4 hours or more, before the storm can properly be called a blizzard. When all these conditions continue after snow has stopped falling, the storm is referred to as a ground blizzard. An extensive form of blizzard is a whiteout, when the downdrafts, together with snowfall, become so sever that it is impossible to distinguish the ground from the air. People caught in a whiteout can quickly become disoriented, losing their sense of up and down as well as their sense of direction. Severe blizzard can also occur along with arctic cyclones.。

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