上外中级口译第三版听力教程原文及讲解--ST 6

Sample test 6.

Part A. Spot dictation. Directions: In this part of the test you will hear a passage and read the same passage with blanks in it. Fill in each of the blanks with the words you have heard on the tape. Write your answer in the corresponding space in your answer booklet. Remember you will hear the passage only once.

The development of the space shuttle has dramatically reduced the cost of sending loads into space. The shuttle takes off from earth like a rocket and lands again like a huge aircraft. It can transport not only its own crew but also passengers and has a huge cargo hold which is capable of carrying large satellites or a space laboratory. Before the space shuttle was created, it was necessary to plan trips into space several years in advance. However, for the rest of the century, it should be possible to make space flights every week or so. Any scientist or engineer needing to travel into orbit was simply take the next shuttle flight, stay as long as necessary and then return at his or her convenience. It is difficult to imagine the immense opportunities created by the shuttle. One of the greatest advantages of having a reusable space vehicle is that it can take one load after another into orbit. Very large space stations could not be launched in their complete form directly from earth, but they could be built piece by piece in space. The space shuttle is likely to be used as a general work horse for the rest of the century, and the building of such stations in orbit should become common place. Once these huge orbiting space stations are completed, they are likely to become the platforms from which hundreds of robots space ships could be launched cheaply and easily to explore the solar system and to certain mining operations on the moon. The technology needed for this is already developed and available. And because of commercial and military pressures to develop space technology, it is likely the governments will be increasingly willing to start extensive programs of space engineering, exploration and research.

Part B. Listening comprehension.

1. Statements. Directions: In this part of the test you will hear several short statements. These statements will be spoken only once. And you will not find them written on the paper. So you must listen carefully. When you hear a statement read the answer choices and decide which one is closest in meaning to the statement you have heard. Then write the letter of the answer you have chosen in the corresponding space in your answer booklet. Now let’s begin with question number one.

1) After working at the same company for 45 years the chief accountant wasn’t too unhappy to be retiring in the coming August.

2) I can’t go to the concert tonight. You might ask Betty for a ride. And I think she is leaving around 7:30.

3) It’s stuffing here but I can’t open that window. I am afraid it’s the kind it doesn’t open. I need to go out for a while for fresh air.

4) This has been an unusually cool summer. I actually had to get out my wool sweaters in August, which I never did in the past.

5) I don’t really know what qualifications are needed for the job. But I think a degree in modern language or political science would be useful.

6) Business people spent a lot of time in meetings, and meetings come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from formal committee meetings to informal one on one meetings.

7) Crimes figures released today show that illegal drugs worth more than 500 million dollars