英语四级真题听力原文及标准答案
2023年12月英语四级听力真题原文(第1套)
2023年12月英语四级听力真题原文(第1套)News Report 1Have you noticed how similar you are to your friends?It may be because your brains operate in harmony with each other.We know that friends are more likely to be the same age, gender and ethnic background as each other.Now it seems their brains are alike, too.Researchers at the University of California scanned the brains of 42 classmates while they watched videos intended to provoke varying responses.Some people might find a romantic scene touching, for instance, while others would feel it was embarrassing.The activity of friends' brains was more similar than that of people who didn't know each other, particularly in regions involved in attention, emotion and language.This similarity was strong enough that it could be used to predict whether two people were already friends or not.The relationship probably goes two ways.We are drawn to people who think like us; we then influence their thoughts over time, which may push their brain activity into more closely resembling our own.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 1:What may be the reason that friends are similar to each other according to the recent research?Question 2:What does the news report say about the relationship between friends?News Report 2Two men who have been best friends for 60 years have just realized they are actually brothers.Ifs reported that Alan Robinson and Walter MacDonald met in the 6th grade at a school in Hawaii.They have been best friends ever since.Alan was given away for adoption soon after he was born, and Walter never knew his father.So recently, they made separate attempts on DNA matching websites to discover more about their ancestry.Walter was astonished to find that he matched with website user Robi 737. He knew immediately that this was his best friend Alan, whose friends call him Robi and flew 737 airplanes when he was a pilot.The pair were bom to the same mother 15 months apart.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 3: What did both Alan Robinson and Walter MacDonald attempt todo on DNA matching websites?Question 4: What did the news report say about Alan Robinson and Walter MacDonald?News Report 3Amid all the election drama, air pollution problems and disease outbreaks, five tourists' good work is being spread online.Yesterday two male and three female tourists were spotted walking the kilometer-long beach, picking up trash.One of the male tourists from Australia commented that although there was a lot of trash, nobody was doing anything.The beach was not as nice or beautiful as it should be.He felt so sad to see such a gorgeous place littered with so much trash. Thus, he and his friends decided to grab a few trash bags and clean it all up.A man passing by decided to video their good deed and put it on the internet.It was unclear where the rest of the group was from, but they were most likely traveling together.One local woman commented on being embarrassed that tourists were cleaning up their beach.Another mentioned that it was actually the natives who brought food and drinks then left trash all along the island.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 5: Why did one of the male tourists feel sad?Question 6: Who put the good deed video on the internet?Question 7: Why did one local woman say she was embarrass?Conversation 1Hello Benjamin, Dan and I will be going for a run along the canal Saturday morning. Would you like to join us?I'd love to, but I hurt my ankle last weekend playing football with work colleagues.Oh dear, is it serious?No, not at all. I landed badly during a fall and twisted it a little, but it's no big deal.It's just a little swollen and I should be fine for next Saturday if you still want to go for a jog then.I won't be here next Saturday. I'm going to the zoo.The zoo?Yeah. My little nephew turns six, and he loves the zoo, so the whole family is going.Oh, okay then. I haven't been to a zoo since I was a kid.They are nowhere near as popular as they used to be when we were children.I personally feel sorry for the poor animals stuck in cages, but there's no denying they are fun and educational for children.Do you know if Dan will be around next Saturday?Yeah, I think he will. Just send him a text message. He's always keen on physical activities.That's true. Dan is extremely fit and healthy. He goes to the gym most days, plus tennis two or three times a week.So, what have you been doing to stay busy while you've had that swollen ankle?I've been catching up on some reading. I was given three books over Christmas, and I'm only now getting around to reading them.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 8: Why can't the man go for a run Saturday morning?Question 9:Why is the woman's whole family going to the zoo next Saturday? Question 10: What do we learn about Dan from the man's description? Question 11: What has the man been doing since last weekend?Conversation 2Our guest on today's Book Talk is John Black, the author of the new bestseller, Retire Early.Thanks for having me on the show, Lisa.John, your book is getting a lot of attention, partly because you write that most people can retire by 40. Is that realistic?Definitely. When researching this book, I interviewed hundreds of people who retired by 40.Okay, but how much money does a person need to retire? I've read articles recommending one million dollars as a good figure for retirement. While most financial planners do give numbers, I don't think that's useful, as people are living in different areas with different costs of living, and have different needs and wants, which is why I suggest that people aim for financial independence.What do you mean by financial independence?Having investment income that's greater than monthly expenses.That sounds risky to me. What if an accident happens or you get ill and need medical treatment? Shouldn't people have extra cash for emergencies? Too many people spend their lives working on jobs they hate because they're afraid, so I counsel people to take risks. Retirement doesn't have to be permanent, and if people need to, they can go back to work.But it's not always easy to get back into the workforce after an extended absence.True, but if you keep current with your skills, you will be attracted to employers.Maybe, but how can anyone save enough to retire by 40 when most people can't retire at 60?Simple, by cutting housing, food, and transport expenses, and investing half your monthly income.That sounds impossible.I admit it's difficult, but it has worked for thousands.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 12: What do we learn about the man's book published recently? Question 13: What do the articles the woman read recommend?Question 14: What does the man say about retirement?Question 15: How does the man say his proposal about retirement can be carried out?Passage 1New research from America studies the role that the presence of individuals from different social or racial groups has in influencing consumers' food choices.This research found college students were more likely to choose healthy food in the presence of an observer of a different race, as opposed to an observer from their own race.The same was true when they were with someone from a different university, compared to someone from their own.Researchers say this was because participants anticipated more negative judgment from an outsider group.In contrast, they felt less judged by members of their own group.In one experiment, participants were offered the choice between candy and fruit as a snack.When in the presence of an unknown student from their own university, only 12 per cent of students selected the healthier option.However, this number was 31 per cent when in the presence of ae unknown student from another university.Other experiments showed similar results based on racial group.What's the reason for this pattern? The study found that people feel judged to a larger extent by members of other groups.Because of this, they strategically use healthy food choices to make a positive impression.There have been many attempts to help consumers make healthier choices, but consumers often struggle to maintain a healthy diet.This research finds that one way to promote a healthy diet could be to advertise the social benefits of healthy choices.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 16:What was the finding of the new research from America about consumers' food choices?Question 17: When did 31 per cent of students in the experiment select the healthier option?Question 18:How could a healthy diet be promoted according to the findingsof the new research?Passage 2For college students under pressure, a dog may be the best stress fighter around, according to the finding of a recent study."It's a really powerful finding," said Patricia Pendry, who led the study. "Universities are doing a lot of great work trying to help students succeed academically, especially those who may be at risk due to a history of mental health issues or academic and learning issues.This study shows that traditional stress management approaches aren’t as effective for this population compared with programs that focus on providing opportunities to interact with therapy dogs."The researchers measured executive functioning in the students involved in the study.Executive function is a term for the skills one needs to plan, organize, motivate, concentrate and memorize.These are skills students need to succeed in college.The researchers found that students who were most at risk had the most improvements in executive functioning after interacting with therapy dogs.These results remained when researchers followed up six weeks later. Many universities provide academic stress management programs and workshops.These are traditionally very similar to college classes.They often talk about ways to get more sleep, set goals, or manage stress or anxiety.Pendry acknowledges that these are really important topics and these workshops help typical students succeed.But they're less helpful for struggling students.Pendry believes those students may experience the programs as another lecture and feel even more stressed.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 19: What does the recent study led by Patricia Pendry aim to examine?Question 20: What did the new study measure in the participants? Question 21: What does Patricia Pendry think traditional stress management programs may do?Passage 3Taking risks in business does not mean going into business blindly and then expecting great results.On the contrary, taking risks in entrepreneurship involves careful planning and hard work.Nobody can really be sure if risks will be met with success, no matterhow calculated they may be.But this should not stop you from taking risks, as risks are necessary if you want your business to succeed.Some risks may not work out, but an optimistic risk-taker will always look at failure as an opportunity to learn.The willingness to experiment with new ideas is key to business growth. As the old saying goes, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."Failure will teach you how to think and plan strategically.But just remember that not all risks are good ones, and when you fail, learn it and move forward.Since most people tend to avoid risk, businesses that are brave enough to take risks already have a competitive advantage.They are the ones setting the standard with new ideas, fresh offers and bold inventions.Risktakers are best at adapting in difficult times.Simply put, when most individuals stay away risk, it means less competition for risk-takers.We don't know if you'll achieve what these risk-takers have achieved. But for as long as you want to stay safe, and for as long as you are content with where your business is right now, you will never find out. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 22:What do entrepreneurs have to do when taking risks according to the passage?Question 23: What does the passage say is key to business growth? Question 24: What are we advised to do when we fail?Question 25:What does it mean to risk-taking businesses when most people tend to avoid risk?。
2022年12月英语四级听力原文和答案(第一套)
2022年12月英语四级听力原文和答案(第一套)Part II Listening Comprehension第二部分:听力考试Section AA 节Directions: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report 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 centre.考试说明:在这一部分,你将听到三篇新闻报道。
每篇新闻的结尾,会有两到三个问题。
新闻和问题只读一遍。
听到问题后从A、B、C、D 四个选项中选出最佳答案。
然后在答题纸1 上相应的字母中间划上横线(涂满)。
News Report One新闻报道一(1)Operations at one of Australia's largest gold mines had to be temporarily suspended on Friday after a partial wall collapse at one of the mine's dams.周五,澳大利亚最大金矿之一的一座大坝发生部分围墙坍塌,该矿不得不暂停运营。
The wall collapsed at the Cadia Mine. Came just a few days after two earthquakes hit the area.卡迪亚矿区的墙壁倒塌了。
大学英语四级听力真题及答案
大学英语四级听力真题及答案到了大学以后,为了准备英语四级的考试,你平时是怎么练习真题里面的听力的呢?下面是店铺给大家带来大学英语4级考试听力真题及答案,供大家参阅!大学英语四级听力真题1Conversation One19.A. He finds it hard to afford the rent all by himself.B. He feels lonely living all by himself.C. He needs to find somebody to make theapartment more comfortable.D. He wants to get help with his courses from hisroommate.20.A. The carpet in the living room is soiled in several places.B. The carpet in the living room is worn out in several places.C. The toilet is clogged and the sink has a few leaks.D. The windows in the bathroom can keep out rain and snow.21.A. He used some cardboard to keep it shut.B. He applied some super glue to keep the hinges on tightly.C. He pushed a box against the door to keep it shut.D. He pushed a chair against the door to keep it shut.22.A. Find a job for the man.B. Split the rent.C. Help Dave fix up the house.D. Look for another place.大学英语四级听力真题原文1Conversation OneM: Hi, Shelley. Come on in.W: Uh, yeah, I stopped by to see if you were stilllooking for a roommate to share your house.M: Yep. I sure am. [19]Ever since I cut back on myworking hours to go to school, I've been reallystrapped for cash. Hey, let me show you around theplace. Uh, here's the living room.W: Oh. [20]It looks like you could use a new carpet... and those stains?M: Well. I've had a few problems with some former roommates. I know it needs to be cleaned,but I just don't have the money to do it right now.W: Oh. And what about the kitchen?M: Right this way. Look. It's completely furnished with all the latest appliances, except... [21]Well, the refrigerator door is broken... a little bit... and it won't shut all the way. It needsfixing, but don't worry. [21]I've pushed a box against it to keep it shut.W: Hmm. Great. Well, how about the bathroom? ... No, no. Don't tell me. The toilet is cloggedor the sink has a few leaks.M: No, those work fine. Well, there's another slight problem. The windows. I've put up a pieceof cardboard to keep out the rain and snow, and if it gets a little cold, you can always turn upthe heat.W: Hey, [22]I think I've seen enough. I can't believe you've survived under these conditions.M: So what do you think? You really can't beat a place like this for $450 a month. So it has itsproblems, but we can fix those.W: Uh, no, thank you. I think I've seen enough.大学英语四级听力真题答案解析1Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19. Why does the man need to share his apartment with a roommate?[A]解析:对话开始,女士就提出了对话主题:看男士是否还需要人合租。
2023年6月英语四级答案详细解析及听力原文和作文
On Excessive PackagingNowadays the phenomena of excessive packaging of goods are prevai ling in our society: clothes swathed in tissue paper, placed in cardboard b ox and finally wrapped in well-designed plastic bags, imported bottles of grape wine packed in wooden boxes, fruits put in hand-woven baskets, to name but a few.rg.nu panie.believ.tha.the.ca.attrac.customers.attentio.an.stimulat.the i.purchasin.desir.b.over-packagin.thei.goods.thu.gainin.mor.profits.O.th.o the.hand.quit..numbe.o.consumer.mistakenl.hol.tha.th.mor.delicat.th.pack ag.is.th.bette.th.qualit.wil.be.thu.encouragin.excessiv.packaging.In my point of view, excessive packaging has disastrous consequenc es, including the loss of precious resources, excessive consumption of wat er and energy, and unnecessary extraction of scarce land for landfill.T.solv.th.problem.it’w. panies.I.additio n.w.nee.t.rais.consumer’.awarenes.tha.excessiv.packagin.doesn’.equa.t. hig.qualit.an.advocat.packagin.recycling.【解析】本次作文旳话题是“过度包装”, 话题不停新, 考生应当都比较熟悉。
2024年7月英语四级真题及参考答案完整版
2024年7月英语四级真题及参考答案完整版(注意:本文根据所给题目进行了创作,请注意密切关注真实的英语四级考试信息)Introduction2024年7月英语四级考试是一次备受关注的重要考试。
本文将为大家呈现2024年7月英语四级真题及参考答案的完整版,旨在帮助考生了解考试内容和答题方法,为他们的备考提供指导。
Part I - 听力(Listening)第一节(共5小题)听下面5段对话,每段对话后有一个小题。
从题中所给的A、B、C 三个选项中选出最佳选项。
听完每段对话后,你都有10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。
每段对话仅读一遍。
1. W: Have you checked the weather forecast for tomorrow's picnic?M: Yes. It says the weather will be sunny with a high of 28 degrees Celsius.Q: What will the weather be like for tomorrow's picnic?[解析] 根据对话内容,女士问男士是否查看了明天野餐的天气预报。
男士回答说阳光明媚,温度为28摄氏度。
所以正确答案是 A) Sunny.2. M: Excuse me, where can I find the textbooks for the biology course?W: You can find them in the university bookstore on the ground floor.Q: Where does the conversation most probably take place?[解析] 根据对话内容,男士询问女士生物课程的教材放在哪里,女士回答说放在一楼的大学书店,故正确答案是 B) In a university bookstore.3. W: The new mall is opening tomorrow. Would you like to go shopping there with me?M: I'd love to, but I have a meeting in the afternoon. How about this weekend?Q: What does the man mean?[解析] 女士邀请男士一起去新开的购物中心逛街,男士表示很想去但是有一个下午的会议,问女士这周末如何。
2024四级试题及答案
2024四级试题及答案### 2024年大学英语四级考试试题及答案#### 一、听力部分听力理解(共25分)1. 短对话(共8分)- 问题1:What does the man suggest doing?- 答案:A. Visiting the museum.- 问题2:Why is the woman upset?- 答案:B. She missed the bus.2. 长对话(共10分)- 问题1:What is the main topic of the conversation?- 答案:C. Planning a trip to the countryside.- 问题2:What does the man think of the woman's idea?- 答案:D. He is not very enthusiastic about it.3. 短文理解(共7分)- 问题1:What is the speaker mainly talking about?- 答案:A. The importance of environmental protection.- 问题2:What is the speaker's suggestion for the audience? - 答案:B. To reduce the use of plastic bags.#### 二、阅读部分阅读理解(共20分)1. 快速阅读(共10分)- 问题1:What is the main idea of the passage?- 答案:A. The benefits of regular exercise.- 问题2:What does the author suggest to improve health? - 答案:B. Combining exercise with a healthy diet.2. 仔细阅读(共10分)- 问题1:According to the passage, what is the key to success?- 答案:C. Persistence and hard work.- 问题2:What does the author believe about failure?- 答案:D. It is a stepping stone to success.#### 三、写作部分作文(共15分)题目:The Impact of Technology on Education范文:In recent years, the integration of technology in education has been a topic of much debate. It is undeniable that technology has revolutionized the way we learn and teach. For instance, the use of online platforms and digital resources has made education more accessible and interactive. Students can now access a wealth of information at their fingertips, and teachers can employ various tools to enhance the learning experience.However, there are also concerns about the over-reliance ontechnology. Some argue that it may lead to a decrease in critical thinking skills as students may become too dependent on search engines and online summaries. Additionally, the digital divide can exacerbate educational inequalities, as not all students have equal access to technology.In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly brought about positive changes in education, it is crucial to strike a balance. Educators should use technology as a tool to complement traditional teaching methods, ensuring that students develop a well-rounded set of skills.#### 四、翻译部分汉译英(共20分)原文:随着经济的快速发展,人们的生活水平有了显著提高。
2020年12月英语四级听力原文和答案(第一套)
2020年12月英语四级听力原文和答案(第一套)2020年12月英语四级听力原文(第一套)News report 1( 1 ) A poisonous fish which has a sting strong enough to kill a human is invading the Mediterranean, warn the scientist.The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has raised concerns after the poisonous fish was spotted in the waters around Turkey, Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean.Native to the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, the potentially deadly fish has poisonous barbs and an painful sting capable of killing people.Although fatalities are rare, the stings can cause extreme pain, and stop people breathing.The fish, also known as the Devil Firefish, is a highly invasive a species, ( 2 ) and environmentalists fear its arrival could endanger other types of marine life.After being spotted in the Med, a marine scientist says: "The fish is spreading, and that's a cause for concern.”Q1: What is reported in the news?A ) A deadly fish has been spotted in the Mediterranean waters.B ) Invasive species are driving away certain native species.C ) The Mediterranean is a natural habitat of Devil Firefish.D ) Many people have been attacked by Devil Firefish.Q2: What is the environmentalist concern about the spread of devil fire fish in the Mediterranean?A ) It could add to greenhouse emissions.B ) It could disrupt the food chains there.C ) It could pose a threat to other marine species.D ) It could badly pollute the surrounding waters.News Report 2(3-1)Almost half the center of Paris will be accessible only by foot or bicycle this Sunday to mark World-Car-Free Day. ( 4 ) This is in response to rising air pollution that made Paris the most polluted city in the world for a brief time. Mayor Ann Ethogo promoted the first World-Car-Free Day last year. Ethogo also has supported a Pairs-briefs-Day on the first Sunday of every month. Paris clears traffic from eight lanes of the main road. (3-2)About 400 miles of streets will be closed to cars. It is expected to bring significant reduction in pollution levels. Last year's Car-FreeDay showed a 40% drop in pollution levels in some parts of the city. According to an independent air pollution monitor, reports the guardian and sound levels dropped by 50% in the city center.Q3: What will happen on World-Car-Free-Day in Paris?A ) Cars will not be allowed to enter the city.B ) About half of its city center will be closed to cars.C ) Buses will be the only vehicles allowed on its streets.D ) Pedestrians will have free access to the city.Q4: What motivated the mayor of Paris to promote the first World-Car-Free Day in her city?A ) The rising air pollution in Paris.B ) The worsening global warming.C ) The ever-growing cost of petrol.D ) The unbearable traffic noise.News Report 3( 5 ) A Philippine fisherman was feeling down on his luck when a house fire forced him to clear out his possessions and change locations. Then, a good luck charm that he kept under his bed changed his life. The unidentified man fished out a giant pearl from the ocean when his anchor got stuck on the rock while sailing off a coastal island in the Philippines 10 years ago. ( 6 ) When he was forced to sell it, ( 7 ) the shocked tourist agent at Puerto Francesca told him that the 77-pound giant pearl that he had kept hidden in his run-down wooden house was the biggest pile in the world, which was valued at 76 million pounds. The pearl of Allah, which is currently on display in a New York Museum, only weighs 14 pounds. That is 5 times smaller than the pearl that the fisherman just handed in. The monstrous pearl, measured at 1 foot wide and 2.2 feet long, is going to be verified by local experts and international authorities before hopefully going on display to attract more tourists in the little town.Question 5. What happened to the Philippine fisherman one day?A ) Many of his possessions were stolen.B ) His house was burnt down in a fire.C ) His fishing boat got wrecked on a rock.D ) His good luck charm sank into the sea.Question 6. What was the fisherman forced to do?A ) Change his fishing locations.B ) Find a job in a travel agency.C ) Spend a few nights on a small island.D ) Sell the pearl he had kept for years.Question 7. What did the fisherman learn from the tourist agent?A ) A New York museum...B ) The largest pearl in the world...C ) His monstrous pearl was extremely valuable.D ) His pearl could be displayed in a museum.Conversation 1W: Mr. Smith, it's a pleasure meeting you.M: Nice to meet you,too. What can I do for you?W: Well, I'm here to show you what our firm can do for you. ( 8 )Astra Consultant has branches in over 50 countries, offering different business services. We are a global company with 75 years of history and our clients include some of the world's largest companies.M: Thank you, Mrs. Houston. I know Astro Consultant is a famous company, but you said you would show me what you could do for me. Well, what exactly can your firm do for my company?W: We advise businesses on all matters—from market analysis to legal issues. Anything of business like yours could need, our firm offers expert advice. Could I ask you, Mr. Smith, to tell me a little about your company and the challenges you face? That way, I could better respond as to how we can help you.M: OK, sure. ( 9 ) This is a family business started by my grandfather in 1950. We employed just over 100 people. We manufacture an export stone for buildings and other constructions. Our clients usually want a special kind of stone cut in a special design. That's what we do in our factory. ( 10 ) Our main challenge is that our national currency is rising and we're losing competitive advantage to stone producers in India.W: I see. that's very interesting. ( 11 ) I would suggest that you let us first conduct a financialanalysis of your company, together with an analysis of your competitors in India. That way we could offer the best advice on different ways forward for you.Q8. What do we learn about the woman's company?A ) It boast a fairly long history.B ) It produces construction materials.C ) It has 75 offices around the world.D ) It has over 50 business partners.Q9. What does the man say about his own company?A ) It has about 50 employees.B ) It was started by his father.C ) It has a family business.D ) It is over 100 years old.Q10. What is the main problem with the man's company?A ) Shortage of raw material supply.B ) Legal disputes in many countries.C ) Outdated product design.D ) Loss of competitive edge.Q11. What does the woman suggest doing to help the man’s company?A ) Conducting a financial analysis for it.B ) Providing training for its staff members.C ) Seeking new ways to increase its exports.D ) Introducing innovative marketing strategies.Conversation 2W: Wow, Congratulations, Simon. (12-1)The place looks absolutely amazing.M: Really? You think so?W: Of course,(12-2)I love it! It looks like you had a professional interior designer. But you didn't, did you?M: No. I did it all by myself—with a little help from my brother Greg. He's actually in the construction business, which was really helpful.W: (12-3)I honestly am impressed. I knew I could probably repaint the walls in my house over a weekend or something, but not a full renovation. Where did you get your ideas? I wouldn't know where to start.M: ( 13 ) Well, for a while now, I've been regularly buying home design magazines every now and then, and say the picture I liked. Believe it or not, I had a full notebook of magazine pages. Since my overall style was quite minimal, I thought and hoped the whole renovation wouldn't be too difficult. And sure enough, with Greg's help,it was very achievable.W: Was it very expensive? I imagine a project like this could be.M: ( 14 ) Actually, it was surprisingly affordable. I managed to sell a lot of my old furniture, and put that extra money towards the new material. Greg was also able to get some discount of materials from a recent project he was working on as well.W: Great. If you don't mind, I'd like to pick your brain a bit more. Jonathan and I are thinking of renovating our sitting room, not the whole house—not yet anyway. ( 15 ) And we'd love to get some inspiration from your experience. Are you free to come over for a coffee early next week?Question 12. What do we learn about the woman from the conversation?A ) She is a real expert at house decorations.B ) She is well informed about the design business.C ) She is attracted by the color of the sitting room.D ) She is really impressed by the man’s house.Question 13. Where did the man get his ideas for the project?A ) From his younger brother Greg.B ) From home design magazines.C ) From a construction businessman.D ) From a professional interior designer.Question 14. What did the man say about the project he recently completed?A ) The effort was worthwhile.B ) The style was fashionable.C ) The cost was affordable.D ) The effect was unexpected.Question 15. Why does the woman invite the man to her house next week?A ) She’d like him to talk with Jonathan about a new project.B ) She wants him to share his renovation experience with her.C ) She wants to discuss the house decoration budget with him.D ) She’d like to show him around her newly-renovated house.Passage 1( 16 ) Removing foreign objects from ears and noses costs England almost£3 million a year, a study suggests. Children were responsible for the vast majority of cases. 95% of objects removed from noses, and 85% from ears. Every year, an average of 1,218 nose,and 2,479 ear removals took place between 2010 and 2016. ( 17 ) According to England's hospital episodes statistics, children aged 1 to 4 were the most likely to need help from doctors for a foreign object in their nose. 5 to 9 -year-olds come to the hospital with something in their ears the most.Jewelry items accounted for up to 40% of cases in both the ears and noses of children. Paper and plastic toys for the items removed next most from noses. Cotton buds, and pencils were also found in years.( 18 ) According to the study, the occurrence of foreign objects in children is generally attributed to curiosity. Children have an impulse to explore their noses and ears. This results in the accidental entry of foreign objects. Any ear, nose and throat surgeon has many weird stories about wonderful objects found in the noses and ears of children and adults. Batteries can pose a particular danger. In all cases, prevention is better than cure. This is why many toys contain warnings about small parts. Recognizing problems early and seeking medical attention is important.Question16 What does England spend an annual£3 million on?A ) Providing routine care for small childrenB ) Paying hospital bills for emergency cases.C ) Doing research on ear, nose and throat diseases.D ) Removing objects from patients’ noses and ears.Question17 What do we learn from England's hospital episodes statistics?A ) Many children like to smell things they find or play with.B ) Many children like to put foreign objects in their mouth.C ) Five-to nine-year-olds are the most likely to put things in their ears.D ) Children aged one to four are often more curious than older children.Question18 What is generally believed to account for children putting things in their ears or noses?A ) They tend to act out of impulse.B ) They want to attract attentions.C ) They are unaware of the potential risks.D ) They are curious about these body parts.Passage 2( 21 ) Good morning. Today, I would like to talk to you about my charity Re-bicycle.But before that, let me introduce someone. This is Layla Rahimi. She was so scared when she first moved to new Zealand. Does she struggled to leave the house? I would spend days working up the courage to walk to the supermarket for basic supplies. ( 19 ) After a few months of being quite down and unhappy, she was invited to join a local bike club. At this time, Re-bicycle got involved and gave Layla a second-hand bicycle. Within weeks, her depression had begun to ease as she cycled. The bicycle totally changed her life, giving her hope and a true feeling of freedom. ( 20 ) To date, Re-bicycle has donated more than 200 bikes to those in need and is now expanding bike-riding lessons as a demand source. With a bike, new comers here can travel farther but for almost no cost. The 3 hours a day they used to spend walking to and from English language lessons has been reduced to just 1hour.( 21 ) Our bike riding lessons are so successful that we are urgently looking for more volunteers, learning to ride a bike is almost always more difficult for an adult. And this can take days and weeks rather than hours. So if any of you have some free time during the weekend, please come join us at Re-bicycle and make a difference in someone’s life.Question 19. What did Re-bicycle do to help Layla Rahimi?A ) It paid for her English lessons.B ) It gave her a used bicycle.C ) It delivered her daily necessities.D ) It provided her with physical therapy.Question 20. What is Re-bicycle doing to help those in need?A ) Expanding bike-riding lessons.B ) Asking local people for donations.C ) Providing free public transport.D ) Offering walking tours to visitors.Question 21. What do we learn from the passage about Re-bicycle?A ) It is a language school.B ) It is a charity organization.C ) It is a counseling center.D ) It is a sports club.Passage 3Thanks to the international space station, ( 22 ) we know quite a bit about the effects of low gravity on the human body, but NASA scientists want to learn more.To that end, they have been studying how other species deal with low gravity, specifically focusing on mice. The results are both interesting and humorous. The scientists first sent some mice and especially designed cage to the international space station.The cage allowed them to study the behavior of the mice remotely from earth, via video.As you’ll notice in the video, ( 23 ) the mice definitely seem uncomfortable at the beginning of the experiment.They move around clumsily, drifting within the small confines of the cage and do their best to figure out which way is up, but without success. However, it’s not long before the mice begin to catch on.They adapt remarkably well to their new environment, and even use the lack of gravity to their advantage as they push themselves around the cage. That’s when things really get wild. ( 24 ) The 11th day of the experiment shows the mice are not just dealing with the gravity change, but actually seem to be enjoying it. Several of the mice are observed running around the cage walls. The scientists wanted to see whether the mice would continue doing the same kinds of activities they were observed doing on earth.( 25 ) The study showed that the mice kept much of the routines intact, including cleaning themselves and eating when hungry.Question 22 : What do NASA scientists want to learn about?A ) How mice imitate human behavior in space.B ) How low gravity affects the human body.C ) How mice interact in a new environment.D ) How animals deal with lack of gravity.Question 23: What does the passage say about the mice at the beginning of the experiment?A ) They were not used to the low-gravity environment.B ) They found it difficult to figure out where they were.C )They found the space in the cage too small to stay in.D ) They were not sensitive to the changed environment.Question 24: What was observed about the mice on the 11th day of the experiment?A ) They tried everything possible to escape from the cage.B ) They continued to behave as they did in the beginning.C ) They already felt at home in the new environment.D ) They had found a lot more activities to engage in.Question 25: What did the scientists find about the mice from the experiment?A ) They repeated their activities every day.B ) They behaved as if they were on Earth.C ) They begin to eat less after some time.D ) They changed their routines in space.答案1-7 ACBABDC8-15 ACDADBCB16-25 DCDBABDDCB。
2023年12月四级真题听力和答案解析资料
12月大学英语四级听力真题及答案卷一【听力】卷一·真题:听力试题:Part Ⅱ Listening Comprehension (25minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report 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 centre.Questions 1 to 2 are based on the conversation you have just heard.1. A) It was dangerous to live in. C) He could no longer pay the rent.B) It was going to be renovated. D) He had sold it to the royal family.2. A) A strike. C) A forest fire.B) A storm. D) A terrorist attack.Questions 3 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.3. A) They lost contact with the emergency department.B) They were trapped in an underground elevator.C) They were injured by suddenly falling rocks.D) They sent calls for help via a portable radio.4. A) They tried hard to repair the elevator.B) They released the details of the accident.C) They sent supplies to keep the miners warm.D) They provided the miners with food and water.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the conversation you have just heard.5. A) Raise postage rates.B) Improve its services.C) Redesign delivery routes.D) Close some of its post offices.6. A) Shortening business hours.B) Closing offices on holidays.C) Stopping mail delivery on Saturdays.D) Computerizing mail sorting processes.7. A) Many post office staff will lose their jobs.B) Many people will begin to complain.C) Taxpayers will be very pleased.D) A lot of controversy will arise.听力原文短篇新闻2Section A - 2Rescue efforts were underway Thursday morning for 17 miners who were stuck in an elevator below ground at a Cargill rock salt mine near Lansing, New York, according to Marcia Lynch.Public information officer with Tompkins County’s emergency response department, emergency workers have made contact with the miners via a radio. And they all appear to be uninjured, said Jessica Verfuss, the emergency department’s assistant director.Crews have managed to provide heat packs and blankets to the miners so that they can keep warm during the rescue operation, Verfuss said. Details about what led to the workers’ being trapped in the elevator went immediately available. The mine, along New York’s Cayuga Lake, processes salt used for road treatment. It produces about 2 million tons of salt that is shipped to more than 1,500 places in the northeastern United States, the rock salt mine is one of three operated by Cargill with the other two in Louisiana and Ohio.Q3. What does the news report say about the salt miners?Q4.What did the rescue team do?短篇新闻3Section A - 3The U.S. Postal Service announced today that it is considering closing about 3,700 post offices over the next year because offalling revenues.Facing an $8.3 billion budget deficit this year, closing post officers is one of several proposals the Postal Service has put forth recently to cut costs. Last week, for example, Postmaster General Pat Donahoe announced plans to stop mail delivery on Saturdays, a move he says could save $3 billion annually.“We are losing revenue as we speak,” Donahoe said. “We do not want taxpayer money. We want to be self-sufficient. So like any other business you have to make choices.”Dean Granholm the vice president for delivery and post office operations said the first waves of closings would begin this fall. He estimated that about 3,000 postmasters, 500 station managers and between 500 and 1,000 postal clerks could lose their jobs.Q5.What is the U.S. Postal Service planning to do?Q6.What measure has been planned to save costs?Q7.What will happen when the proposed measure come into effect? Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation you will hear four questions. Boththe conversations and the question-s 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 centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) He will be kept from promotion.B) He will go through retraining.C) He will be given a warning.D) He will lose part of his pay.9. A) He is always on time.B) He is a trustworthy guy.C) He is an experienced press operator.D) He is on good terms with his workmates.10. A) She is a trade union representative.B) She is in charge of public relations.C) She is a senior manager of the shop.D) She is better at handling such matters.11. A) He is skilled and experienced.B) He is very close to the manager.C) He is always trying to stir up trouble.D) He is always complaining about low wages.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Open.B) Selfish.C) Friendly.D) Reserved.13. A) They stay quiet.B) They read a book.C) They talk about the weather.D) They chat with fellow passengers.14. A) She was always treated as a foreigner.B) She was eager to visit an English castle.C) She was never invited to a colleague’s home.D) She was unwilling to make friends with workmates.15. A) Houses are much more quiet.B) Houses provide more privacy.C) They want to have more space.D) They want a garden of their own.听力原文:长对话1&2Conversation 1A: Mrs. Hampton, we've got trouble in the press room this morning.B: Oh dear. What about?A: One of the press operators arrived an hour and a half late.B: But that's a straightforward affair. He will simply lose partof his pay. That's why we have a clock-in system.A: But the point is the man was clocked-in at 8 o'clock. We have John standing by the time clock, and he swears he saw nothing irregular.B: Is John reliable?A: Yes, he is. That's why we chose him for the job.B: Have you spoken to the man who was late?A: Not yet. I thought I'd have a word with you first. He's a difficult man, and I think there's been some trouble on the shop floor. I've got a feeling that trade union representative is behind this. The manager told me that Jack Green's been very active around the shop the last few days.B: Well, what do you want me to do?A: I was wondering if you'd see Smith, the man who was late, because you are so much better at handling things like this.B: Oh, alright. I'll see him. I must say I agree with you about there being bad feelings in the works. I've had the idea for sometime that Jack Green's been busy stirring things up in connectionwith the latest wage claim. He's always trying to make trouble. Well, I'll get the manager to send Smith up here.Q8. What will happen to the press operator who was late for the work according to the woman?Q9. What does the man say about John who stands by the time clock?Q10. Why does the man suggest the woman see the worker who was late?Q11. What does the woman say about Jack Green?Conversation 2A: Our topic today is about somethings that foreigners nearly always say when they visit Britain. It's 'Why are the British so cold?' And they're talking about the British personality – thefamous British 'reserve'. It means that we aren't very friendly, we aren't very open.B: So do you think it's true?A: It's a difficult one. So many people who visit Britain sayit's difficult to make friends with British people. They say we're cold, reserved, unfriendly...B: I think it's true. Look at Americans or Australians. They speak the same language, but they're much more open. And you see it when you travel, people - I mean strangers - speak to you on the street or on the train. British people seldom speak on the train. Or the bus. Not in London, anyway.A: 'Not in London'. That's it. Capital cities are full of tourists and are never very friendly. People are different in other parts of the country.B: Not completely. I met a woman once, an Italian. She's been working in Manchester for two years,and no one - not one of her colleagues - had ever invited her to their home. They were friendly to her at work, but nothing else. She couldn't believe it. She said that would never happen in Italy.A: You know what they say – 'an Englishman's home is his castle'. It’s really difficult to get inside.B: Yeah. It's about being private. You go home to your house and your garden and you close the door. It's your place.A: That's why the British don't like flats. They prefer to livein houses.B: That’s true.Q12. What do foreigners generally think of British people according to the woman?Q13. What may British people typically do one the train according to the man?Q14. What does the man say about the Italian woman working in Manchester?Q15. Why do British people prefer houses to flats?Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four 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 centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the conversation you have just heard.16. A) They don’t have much choice of jobs.B) They are likely to get much higher pay.C) They don’t have to go through job interviews.D) They will automatically be given hiring priority.17. A) Ask their professors for help.B) Look at school bulletin boards.C) Visit the school careers service.D) Go through campus newspapers.18. A) Helping students find the books and journals they need.B) Supervising study spaces to ensure a quiet atmosphere.C) Helping students arrange appointments with librarians.D) Providing students with information about the library.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19. A) It tastes better.B) It is easier to grow.C) It may be sold at a higher price.D) It can better survive extreme weathers.20. A) It is healthier than green tea.B) It can grow in drier soil.C) It will replace green tea one day.D) It is immune to various diseases.21. A) It has been well received by many tea drinkers.B) It does not bring the promised health benefits.C) It has made tea farmers’ life easier.D) It does not have a stable market.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.22. A) They need decorations to show their status.B) They prefer unique objects of high quality.C) They decorate their homes themselves.D) They care more about environment.23. A) They were proud of their creations.B) They could only try to create at night.C) They made great contributions to society.D) They focused on the quality of their products.24. A) Make wise choices.B) Identify fake crafts.C) Design handicrafts themselves.D) Learn the importance of creation.25. A) To boost the local economy.B) To attract foreign investments.C) To arouse public interest in crafts.D) To preserve the traditional culture.听力原文听力篇章:Passage OneIn college, time is scarce, and consequently, very precious. At the same time, expenses in college pile up surprisingly quickly. A part time job is a good way to balance costs while ensuring there is enough time left over for both academic subjects and after-class activities.If you are a college student looking for a part time job, the best place to start your job search is right on campus. There are tons of on-campus job opportunities, and as a student, you’ll automatically be given hiring priority. Plus, on-campus jobs eliminate commuting time, and could be a great way to connect with academic and professional resources at your university. Check withyour school’s career service or employment office for help to find a campus job. Of course, there are opportunities for part-time workoff-campus, too. If you spend a little time digging for the right part time jobs, you’ll save yourself time when you find a job that leaves you with enough time to get your school work done, too. If you are a college student looking for work but worry you won’t have enough time to devote to academic subjects, consider working as a study hall or a library monitor. Responsibilities generally include supervising study spaces to ensure that a quiet atmosphere is maintained. It’s a pretty easy job, but one with lots of downtime-which means you will have plenty of time to catch up on reading, do homework or study for an exam.Q16: What does the speaker say about college students applyingfor on-campus jobs?Q17: What can students do to find a campus job according to the speaker?Q18: What does the speaker say is a library monitor’s responsibility?Passage TwoAgricultural workers in green tea fields near Mt. Kenya are gathering the tea leaves. It is beautiful to see. The rows of tea bushes are straight. All appears to be well. But the farmers who planted the bushes are worried. Nelson Kibara is one of them. He has been growing tea in the Kerugoya area for 40 years.He says the prices this year have been so low that he has made almost no profit. He says he must grow different kinds of tea if he is to survive.Mr. Kibara and hundreds of other farmers have been removing some of their tea bushes and planting a new kind of tea developed by the Tea Research Foundation of Kenya. Its leaves are purple and brown. When the tea is boiled, the drink has a purple color. Medical researchers have studied the health benefits of the new tea. They say it is healthier than green tea and could be sold for a price that is three to four times higher than the price of green tea.But Mr. Kibara says he has not received a higher price for his purple tea crop.He says the market for the tea is unstable and he is often forced to sell his purple tea for the same price as green tea leaves. Hesays there are not enough buyers willing to pay more for the purple tea.Q19. Why have tea farmers in Kenya decided to grow purple tea?Q20. What do researchers say about purple tea?Q21. What does Mr. Kibara find about purple tea?Passage ThreeToday's consumers want beautiful handcrafted s to wear and tohave for their home environment. They prefer something unique andthey demand quality. Craftsmen today are meeting this demand. People and homes are showing great change as more and more uniquehandcrafted items become available. Handcrafts are big business. No long does a good craftsman have to work in a job he dislikes all day and then try to create at night. He has earned his professional status. He is now a respected member of society. Parts of the fun of being a craftsman is meeting other craftsmen. They love to sharetheir ideas and materials and help others find markets for their work. Craftsmen have helped educate consumers to make wise choices. They help them become aware of design and technique. They help them relate their choice to its intended use. They often involve consumers intrying the craft themselves. When a group of craftsmen expends to include more members, a small craft organization is formed. Such an organization does a lot in training workshops in special media, craft marketing techniques, craft fairs and sales, festivals, TV appearances and demonstrations. State art councils help sponsor local arts and crafts festivals which draw crowds of tourist consumers.This boosts the local economy considerably because tourists not only buy crafts, but they also use the restaurants and hotels and other services of the area.Q22. What does the speaker say about today's consumers?Q23. What does the speaker say about a good craftsman in the past?Q24. What do craftsmen help consumers do?Q25. Why do state art councilshelp sponsor local arts and crafts festivals?听力参照答案:Section A1. [A] It was dangerous to live in.2. [B] A storm3. [B] They were trapped in an underground elevator.4. [C] They sent supplies to keep the miners warm.5. [D] Close some of its post office.6. [C] Stopping mail delivery on Saturdays.7. [A] Many post office staff will lose their jobs. Section B8. [D] He will lose part of his pay.9. [B] He is a trustworthy guy.10.[D] She is better at handling such matters.11.[C] He is always trying to stir up trouble.12. [D] Reserved13. [A] They stay quiet14. [C] She was never invited to a colleague’s home.15. [B] Houses provide more privacySection C16. [D] They will automatically be given hiring priority.17. [C] Visit the school careers service.18. [B] Supervising study spaces to ensure a quiet atmosphere.19. [C] It may be sold at a higher price.20. [A] It is healthier than green tee.21. [D] It does not have a stable market.22. [B] They prefer unique s of high quality.23. [B] They could only try to create at night.24. [A] Make wise choices.25. [A] To boost the local economy.更多理解请加:群名称:英语四级冲刺资料共享群号:。
2023年12月英语四级真题听力原文(第2套)
2023年12月英语四级真题听力原文(第2套)News Report 1A police officer in the U.S. stopped a large SUV car that was going very slowly and drifting across lanes on a highway.He expected to find a driver who was either very drunk or having a medical emergency.Instead, the officer discovered a five-year-old boy sat on the edge of the driver's seat.His feet could barely reach the brake, and his head was only just high enough to see out of the windows.The child had taken the keys to the family car while his teenage sister was napping.He then drove three kilometers across town before getting on the highway.The boy later told confused officers that he was planning to travel to California and buy a Lamborghini sports car.Although he only had three dollars in his wallet, at least he was driving in the right direction.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.Question 1: Why did the police officer stop the SUV car?Question 2:What did the boy tell the police officers he was planning to do?News Report 2Mobile phones have changed the way we live, how we read, work, communicate, and shop.But we already know this.What we have not yet understood is the way the tiny machines in front of us are changing our skeletons, possibly altering not just the way we behave but even the very shape of our bodies.New scientific research at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, suggests that young people are developing extra pieces of bone at the backs of their heads.These pieces of bone are caused by the way people bend their heads when they use the phone.This shifts weight onto the muscles at the back of the head and causes the bone to grow in a way that is not normal.This process can be compared to the way the skin hardens in response to constant rubbing or pressure.The result is a piece of bone like a horn that sticks out from the head by the neck.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.Question 3:What does the report say we have not yet understood aboutmobile phones?Question 4: What happens to the skin when rubbed or pressed constantly?News Report 3A village is going to throw a birthday party for an orange cat named Wilbur, who has become famous for making a regular appearance at local shops.Wilbur has his own Internet pages as he approaches his 10th birthday on July, 7. Wilbur is both bold and friendly.He spends most of his time in shops and businesses around the village.He'll just take himself into any shop, anywhere.There was one time when the doctor's receptionist came back and he was sitting on her chair.Among his favorite haunts are a local hairdresser, two pubs, and the Nottingham Primary School.Lesley Harper, who runs one of the pubs, said the cat has been a big hit with their customers."He's been a regular visitor for most of this year," she told the Press Association."He's a very relaxed cat, happy for customers and villagers young and old to come in and say hello."She also said he is a cat of expensive tastes who likes his high priced cat food.Sarah Godfrey, who is organizing Wilbur's party, told the local newspaper, "Wilbur is part of our lives, as he is for everyone who lives in the village."Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.Question 5: What does the report say the village is going to do for the cat Wilbur?Question 6: What do we learn from the report about the cat?Question 7:What does the pub owner, Lesley Harpei, say about the cat?Conversation 1So, where do you want to go for lunch?I don't know. Do you have anything in mind?What about the Sandwich Place on Camden Street?Hmm... No, sorry. I don't feel like sandwiches today. It's a great place, but I think we go there too often.That's true. Remember that's where we saw Brigette Clark, the famous movie star.Of course. How could I ever forget? There were crowds of people around her asking for a photo with her.What about hamburgers, then? There's that American style diner on theway to the mall.I like that place. Their chips are great, but their service takes a long time. And I need to get back by 2:30 for a conference call.How about trying something new? We could try Mario's, the new Italian restaurant on the corner. It looks all right. Have you been there?No, I haven't, but I've noticed that it has great reviews on the Internet. It's supposed to be one of the best Italian's in town. I think Jeremy has been there and said it was amazing. I'm up for that.Cool. Have you asked Jeremy if he would like to come with us?I already have. He says he can't. He has brought his own lunch today, so he will stay in. I think his wife made him soup.Poor Jeremy. His wife is a terrible cook. He should throw that soup in the bin and join us.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Question 8:What are the speakers talking about in this conversation?Question 9: Where did the speakers see Brigette Clark, the famous movie star?Question 10: Why does the woman say she needs to get back by 2:30?Question 11: Why does the woman say Jeremy should throw his soup in the bin?Conversation 2Hi, there. How are you today? Do you have a reservation with us already?Good afternoon. Yes, we reserved our rooms yesterday morning on your website for three nights. The name's Patterson.Okay. Let me have a look. Yes, we have it here. You brought the whole family with you, I see.Yes, the two kids, my wife and I, and her parents too.Great. So we have a family room for you and your wife and the kids, and another double room for your parents-in-law.They are right next to each other on the ground floor, since you mentioned in your message that they have trouble with stairs.That's wonderful. My father-in-law has had terrible problems getting up and down stairs since his knee operation last April.I'm sorry to hear that. And if you need any help to find transportation for the whole family, we can definitely recommend someone for you.We were thinking of renting a car, but we will explore all the options available for sure.So, yes, that would be very helpful in comparing prices. We're also wondering what tours and day trips are available.We have bunches of brochures here. I would recommend getting out on a boat trip.The kids will love it and there are so many islands nearby to explore.There's also a great night market further into town that has all kinds of food and cool little shops selling souvenirs and local jewelry and clothing made by hand.That all sounds marvelous.Now, all I need is to photocopy your passports and then I can get you all checked in and show you to your rooms.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Question 12: Who is the man talking to in the conversation?Question 13:What do we learn about the man's father-in-law from the conversation?Question 14: Why does the man say they will explore all the options available?Question 15: What does the woman suggest the man and his family do dose to the end of the conversation?Passage 1Artificial intelligence agents play ever more influential Wes in our lives.They do everything from suggesting new friends to recommending purchases.They're even beginning to drive our cars.Another role that they are expected to take over is negotiating on our behalf in commercial transactions or legal disputes.So, it's important to know whether using an artificial intelligence agent might affect how we negotiate.Research indicates that it does.In a new study, participants were told to imagine that they were negotiating for something important to them, like a house.Next, they were told either that they would negotiate for themselves, or they would program an artificial intelligence agent to negotiate for them.Participants then completed a survey indicating how tough, deceptive and pleasant or otherwise they wanted to be, or wanted their agent to be, in the negotiations.For example, participants could choose to be tough by making an opening demand far greater than what they'd be willing to accept.They could also choose to express sympathy with their opponent to appear pleasant.But they could also indicate that they -- or their agent -- would strategically express anger toward the opponent to gain advantage, or they could opt to convey dissatisfaction with the encounter so that the other party would think they were losing interest.These are both examples of deceptive strategies.Participants were more willing to employ deceptive strategies whenassigned an agent to negotiate on their behalf.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.Question 16:What does the passage say about artificial intelligence agents?Question 17: What does the new study want to find out about using an artificial intelligence agent?Question 18:What did participants tend to do when assigned an AI agent to negotiate on their behalf?Passage 2New research has studied the effects of a seven-week healthy cooking course.Academics measured the program's effect on cooking confidence and self-perceived mental health.Researchers also measured participants' overall satisfaction around cooking and diet-related behaviors.What were the findings? Course participants saw significant improvements in general health.They also reported improved mental health and subjective vitality immediately after the program.These benefits remained six months after the completion of the course.What caused these improvements?Researchers have previously found a link between eating more fruits and vegetables, and improved longer term mental health.This would imply that the participants in the current study may have felt better due to improved diet.However, the study showed participants mental health improved even if their reported diet did not change after completing the program.Also, the mental health benefits were equal among participants who were overweight or obese, and those in a healthy weight range.This suggests a link between cooking confidence and satisfaction around cooking, and mental health benefits.Who benefits most from learning to cook? Gender plays a part.At the start of the program, 77 per cent of female participants were confident about cooking, but just 23 per cent of males were confident.At the end of the program, cooking confidence and skills were equal across both counterparts.This change in confidence could lead to a gender balance in home cooking.This in turn could reduce consumption of unhealthy, high-calorie processed meals.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.Question 19: What do we learn about the benefits the participants gained from the healthy cooking course?Question 20: What do the new research findings suggest about mental health benefits?Question 21:What plays a role in determining who benefits most from learning to cook?Passage 3What is personal space?We often think of it as an invisible bubble of space surrounding us that others can't enter, without causing discomfort.Research shows, however, that we actually have bubbles of different sizes.Each of these bubbles applies to a different set of people.The smallest zone, called "intimate space", extends outward from our bodies 18 inches in every direction.Only family, pets and one's closest friends may enter it.A mere acquaintance entering our intimate space makes us uncomfortable.Next is the bubble called "personal space", extending from 1.5 feet to 4 feet away.Friends and acquaintances can comfortably occupy this zone, especially during informal conversations, but strangers are forbidden.Extending from 4 to 12 feet away from us is "social space".Here people feel comfortable conducting routine social interactions with new acquaintances or total strangers.Those are the average sizes of American's personal bubbles, anyway.It is important to keep in mind that personal space varies depending on culture and context.Furthermore, there are significant individual differences.As we all know, cultural or individual differences in personal bubble diameters are all too often the cause of discomfort.How did these personal bubbles arise?According to research, we begin to develop our individual sense of personal space around age 3 or 4.The sizes of our bubbles are fixed by our teens.These bubbles are constructed and monitored by the brain region involved in fear.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.Question 22: What does research show about our personal space?Question 23:What happens if a mere acquaintance enters our intimate space?Question 24: Where do people feel comfortable interacting with new acquaintances or strangers?Question 25: When are the sizes of our bubbles fixed?。
英语四级真题:2024年6月大学英语四级听力原文
英语四级真题:2024年6月大学英语四级听力原文大学英语四级听力考试是英语水平测试的重要组成部分,考查学生在英语听力方面的实际能力。
2024年6月的大学英语四级听力原文题目及内容如下:Part IDirections: In this part, you will hear 8 short conversations. At the end of each conversation, a question will be asked. Both the conversation and the question will be spoken twice. After each question, you will have 15 seconds to choose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D.1、M: The concert starts at 7:30. Let's hurry up. W: I'm sorry,I can't go with you. I have to finish this report first. Q: Why can't the woman go to the concert with the man? A. She is not interested in music. B. She has an important meeting to attend.C. She has to finish a report.D. She is sick and tired.2、M: Are you free this Sunday afternoon? W: Yes, why? M: Would you like to go watch a football match? W: Oh, no. I've never been interested in football. Q: What is the woman's attitude towards watching a football match? A. Positive. B. Negative.C. Neutral.D. Indifferent.3、M: What a nice watch! Is it new? W: Yes, my husband bought it for me last month. M: Oh, it's beautiful. But I've never seen him wear a watch. Q: What can we infer from the conversation?A. The man doesn't like watches.B. The woman doesn't know her husband well.C. The woman's husband doesn't wear a watch.D. The man is uninterested in watches.Part IIDirections: In this part, you will hear 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear some questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken twice. After each question, you will have 20 seconds to answer the question.4、M: Hi, Mary, how was your weekend? W: It was great! I went to the beach with my family and had a lot of fun in the sun. M: That sounds nice. What did you do there? W: We played beach volleyball, built sandcastles, and went for swimming in the sea. It was really relaxing and enjoyable. M: Sounds like you had a blast! What did you do on the last day? W: We went to a nice seafood restaurant and had some delicious meals. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful weekend. Q: What did the woman do on the last day of her weekend? A. She played beach volleyball.B. She built sandcastles.C. She went for swimming in the sea.D. She went to a seafood restaurant and had meals.41、M: Hi, Sarah, how was your trip to Europe? W: It was fantastic!I visited several countries and saw many beautiful景点. M: That's great. Which country did you like best? W: Well, I really loved Italy because of its famous art and culture. And I also enjoyed visiting France because of its delicious food and fashion industry. M: Sounds like you had an excellent time! Did you take any photos? W: Yes, I took many photos of the景点and the food. I'll show you some of them when we meet next time. Q: What does the woman say about her trip to Europe?。
全国英语四级考试听力真题、答案及原文()
2021 年全国英语四级考试听力真题、答案及原文〔12月〕听力试题Part III Listening Comprehension (30minutes)Section A注意:此局部试题请在答题卡 1 上作答。
11.A)He needs another week for the painting.B)The painting was completed just in time.C)The building won’ t open until next week.D)His artistic work has been wellreceived.12.A)Go camping. B) Decorate his house.C)Rent a tent. D) Organize a party.13.C)She will see Mr. Wright at lunch time.D)She failed to reach Mr. Wright.14.A)He is actually very hardworking.B)He has difficulty finishing his project.C)He needs to spend more time in the lab.D)He seldom tells the truth about himself.15.A)Rules restricting smoking.B)Ways to quit smoking.C)Smokers ’ health problems.D)Hazards of passive smoking.16.A)He is out of town all morning.B)He is tied up in family matters.C)He has been writing a report.D)He has got meetings to attend.17.C)He is not at home this weekend.D)He seldom invites people to his home.18.A)Take a break.B)Refuel his car.C)Ask the way.D)Have a cup of coffee.Questions19 to 21 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19.A)They are as good as historical films.B)They give youngsters a thrill.C)They have greatly improved.D)They are better than comics on film.20.A)The effects were very good.B)The acting was just so-so.C)The plot was too complicated.D)The characters were lifelike.21.A)They triumphed ultimately over evil inthe battle.B)They played the same role inWar of the Worlds.C)They are popular figures among youngpeople.D) They are two leading characters in thefilm.Questions22 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.22.A)It is scheduled on Thursday night.B)It is supposed to last nine weeks.C)It takes place once a week.D)It usually starts at six.23.A)To make good use of her spare time inthe evening.B)To meet the requirements of herin-service training.C)To improve her driving skills as quicklyas possible.D)To get some basic knowledge about carmaintenance.24.A)Participate in group discussions.B)Take turns to make presentations.C)Listen to the teacher explanation’s.D)Answer the teacher ’ squestions. 25.A)Most of them are female.B)Some have a part-time job.C)They plan to buy a new car.D)A few of them are old chaps.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear 3 shortpassages. At the end of each passage, you will hearsome questions. Both the passage and thequestions will be spoken only once. After you hear aquestion, you must choose the best answer fromthe four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意:此局部试题请在答题卡 1 上作答。
2020年12月大学英语四级考试真题听力文本(第2套)
2020年12月大学英语四级考试真题(二)Part ⅡListening ComprehensionNews Report One【听力原文】[1]A waiter has returned a check worth nearly 424,000 dollars to a retired social worker who lost it. The waiter found a bank envelop while cleaning off a table last Saturday at restaurant. He ran outside but the customer was gone. He opened the envelope and got a shock. After an unsuccessful search, the restaurant’s owner called the Daily News for help. The “relieved”customer was reunited with her check On Wednesday. It contained money from her apartment sale, already planned for the down payment on a new home. The customer did not tip the waiter after her meal. [2]Shetried to give him money later on, but he graciously declined. The waiter, who’s working his way through school, didn accept the customer’s apology and gratitude, and said it was happy to have helped her.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. What does the news report say about the waiter?2. What did the customer try to do when she got her check back?News Report Two【听力原文】[3]The village of Maref in Alaska voted on Tuesday to move to the state’s mainland. The move is due to global warming and rising sea levels. Most of the village’s 169 registered voters, took part in the town hall meeting. They decided in a vote of 89 to 78 to move from their land on Sarichef Island, near the Arctic Circle. Maref Council secretary Donna Barr said thevote was largely symbolic. [4]It will be costly financially to the community. “About 15 years ago, they estimated the cost at $180 million. [4]I would figure it’s much higher now,” Barr said, “we don’t see the move happening in our lifetime because of the funding.” The village’s roughly 650 residents have seen warming temperatures melt sea ice and permanently frozen land. This has resulted in houses falling into the water. At least 31 villages in Alaska face “immediate threats” due to climate change, the Government Accountability Office reported in 2009.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. What is Maref’s vote on Tuesday about?4. Why did Donna Barr say they wouldn’t see the plan carried out any time soon?News Report Three【听力原文】[5]A man in Halifax Canada wanted to find out if people are thankful for someone holding the door open for them. [7]The social experiment showed that 99 out of 100 people express gratitude. “I didn’t think we were going to get 99. I don’t know why, but I was pleasantly surprised because beyond just ‘thank you’—people got into conversation with us,”said Steve Foran, CEO of Gratitude at W ork. “What we know from research is that from grateful people come good things”, he said.[6]“A simple way to induce gratitude in people is opening doors and so we went to six places and open the doors for people.” For the experiment, Foran’s team went to a shopping center, a mall, two office buildings and a coffee shop. The door was held for 15 to 20 people at a time at each location. “We did have one that didn’t say thank you. We were not here to judge them because on any given day that could be me or you. I suspect that at the 100 people that were probably a bunch of them having a bad day. But grateful peoplemake pe ople grateful”, said Foran.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. What is the purpose of the social experiment?6. What did Steve Foran and his team do in the experiment?7. What do we learn from the experiment?Conversation One【听力原文】W: Raise Solar. Lisa’s speaking. How can I help?M: Hi, my name is Winston. [8]I wish to inquire about solar panel installations.W: Yes, what would you like to know?M: [9]Well, my neighbor installed panels on his roof about a year ago in order to power his hotwater. He tells me it has saved him over $500thus far. Does that sound about right to you? W: Well. I’m not familiar with your neighbor or his particular setup, but that amount is definitely possible. I can tell you that the average four-bedroom house may typically have a roof with fifty square meters of surface area. Four panels on one side of that roof could save a family of four around three hundred dollars a year.M: Ok. That sounds about right then. [9]My house is about the size you described, but my neighbor’s is bigger.I’m not sure how many panels he has up there, [9]but he does have a large family of six.W: Are you interested in installing some solar panels on your roof, sir?M: Yes. I’m considering it.W: If you wish to come into our office, we could show you the different solutions we offer.M: Ok. I might do that. But just quickly, [10]if you don’t mind, could you tell me approximatelyhow much a typical installation costs, like, say,four panels?W: Prices do vary depending on different factors, but as a rough estimate, it’s around $2,000.[11]But you know, a typical household willmake back that initial investment in about fiveyears.M: Ok. I see. Thank you.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. What is the man’s purpose for calling the woman?9. What do we learn about the man’s neighbor from the conversation?10. What is one of the man’s chief concerns?11. How long will it take a typical household to make back the initial investment?【答案】DConversation Two【听力原文】M: Good afternoon, Sorry to have kept you waiting. How can I help you?W: Oh, no problem. [12]I am interested in bookinga holiday to Australia and wonder if you couldtell me what deals do you have?M: Sure, are you only looking for flights or package holiday with everything included?W: When you say everything, what do you mean?M:Well,[12]a package holiday will include flights,hotels,meals,day trips to differentplaces of interest and the transport to and fromthe airport.W: [13]Yeah, that sounds pretty good. I am going with my family, so it will be nice to haveeverything taken care of. So what sorts of dealsdo you have for package holidays, then?M: All sorts, really. How long do you want to go for? And what days?W: [14]Two weeks around Christmas time will be great.M: Ok, let me check that for you. Here is one, fourteen nights in southeastern of Australia,five nights in Sydney and five nights inMelbourne. And then for the other four nights,you can choose from a list of trips to otherplaces nearby. You could visit Canberra, forexample, or the blue mountains. Or you couldgo for a drive down the Great Ocean Road.Also, if you’re interested in wine, you could goon a tour of the places where they grow grapesand make wineW: That sounds great. [15]It’s great we can c hoose some activities ourselves.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. Where is the conversation taking place?13. Why is the woman interested in package holidays?14. How long does the woman want to go for the holiday?15. What does the woman say she likes about the holiday package?Passage One【听力原文】[16]Tourists taking a holiday in the Indonesian island of Bali are facing a new $14 per person tax when they arrived on the holiday island from next year. But this is a green tax, which Bali governor Wayan Koster had been working on for months and which is designed to help clean up the island natural environment and with good reason, too. [17]Indonesia is drowning in plastics. Recycling is not one of the countries’ strong points. It’snot uncommon to be offered many more plastic bags than one could ever need when visiting the supermarkets and shopping malls. But slowly, things are starting to change for the better.Back in 2016, the medium-sized the city of Banjarmasin banned single-used plastic bags. The city of Bogor followed suit in 2018. A few months ago, [18]Koster announced the plan that would not only ban the single-used plastic bags from supermarkets and convenience stores but plastic bags and straws across the island. The regulation will come into full effect next month. “We received a fast and quick response for the Balinese people, not only positive responses for the Balinese, we received good responses from the central government, other local governments and even from overseas.” Koster told The Sydney Morning Herald this week during an interview. The governor is a determined environmentalist and he has more laws planned to protect the island’s water ways in particular and tosupport the introduction of electric vehicles too.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. What will tourists have to do when they visit Indonesia’s Bali Island?17. What does the passage say about Indonesia?18. What is the new plan governor Koster recently announced?Passage Two【听力原文】[19]An endangered species of whale is experiencinga small baby boom of the coast America. The north Atlantic right whale is one of the rarest species on the planet, numbering only about 411. But the Center for Coastal Studies said Friday that it’s aerial survey team spotted a mom with two babies in Cape Cod Bay a day earlier. That brings the number seen in nearby waters alone this year to 3. That’s big news because the whalepopulation has been falling and no baby whales were seen last year. In all, seven baby whales have been spotted so far this year. [20]The whale population has become endangered due to commercial whaling activities in recent years. This is because they are sometimes hunted for their meat or their skin. Over-hunting could lead to the disappearance of the whale population, possibly causing major problems to the global food chain. [21]The whales give birth off the southeast coast of America in the winter and travel to feeding grounds of the northeast coast in the early spring. Northeast coast is a critically important source of food. The animals often feed close to shore. This provides watchers on land with unbeatable views of one of the rarest of marine mammals. It’s illegal to get within 1,500 feet of the animals without federal research permit, so well watchers are discouraged from tempting to get to the whales.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. What do we learn from the passage about the North Atlantic right whale?20. What has caused the decline of the whale population in recent years?21. What do the whales travel to the northeast coast of America in the early spring?Passage Three【听力原文】An average person consumes 144 pints of milk a year, but 40% of that is poured on to cereal and 60% of those people are children. But what was once advertised as nutrition is becoming unpopular. [22]Americans drinks 37% less milk than they did in the 1970s. And in the UK, dairy consumption overall has fallen by a third in the past 20 years. [23]Milk is increasingly being described in a negative light. A recent blog suggested:“M aybe people are drinking less milk because it is poisonous to many of us.”[24]Lactose is the sugar found in milk and dairy products. It needs a series of complex proteins to break it down. Without enough of these proteins, the lactose is broken down by bacteria in the human body. This can cause physical pain and produce gas in the stomach. However, after we have finished breast and formula feeding, most of us don’t continue producing the complex proteins in our bodies, which are necessary to break down the lactose. Despite the problems in degisting milk, it does provide many benefits. [25]Milk is nutritious—it contains vitamins A and D as well as protein and isn’t full of calories. You can test yourself by drinking a large glass of milk. If you get sick in your stomach within the next 24 hours, you are lacking the proteins to digest milk.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. What does the passage say about Americans?23. How do Americans and British think of milk nowadays?24. Why does drinking milk cause pain in some people?25. What does the passage say is a benefit of milk?。
全网最全——英语四级真题听力原文及答案解析
英语四级真题听力原文及答案解析(完整版)Section ANews Report OneThe note inside the bottle said, "Return to 419 Ocean Street and receive a reward of $150 from Richard and Tina Pierce, owners of the beach Comber motel.The motel was owned by the Paula Pierce in 1960. Her father had written the notes as a joke and had thrown it into the Atlantic Ocean. Buffington flew to New Hampshire to deliver that message to Pola Pierce. She held up to her father's promise giving Buffington that reward. But the biggest reward is the message in a bottle finding its way back home.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.News Report TwoMillions of bees have died in South Carolina during aerial insect spraying operations that were carried out to combat the Zika virus. The insects spraying over the weekend left more than 2 million bees dead on the spot in Dorchester county South Carolina, where four travel-related cases of Zika disease have been confirmed in the area. Most of the deaths came from Flower Town Bee farm, a company in Somerville that sells bees and honey products. Juanita Stanley who owns the company said the farm looks like it's been destroyed. The farm lost about 2.5 million bees. Dorchester county officials apologized for the accidental mass killing of bees. Dorchester County is aware that some beekeepers in the area that was sprayed on Sunday lost their bee colonies. County manager Jason Ward said in a statement. “I'm not pleased that so many bees were killed.”Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.News Report ThreeQuestions 5 and 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.Section BConversation OneM: I think it’s about how climate change affects everyday life. I wonder how they make it entertaining.M:There’s a Spanish dance festival.W: Oh, I love dance. That sounds really interesting.M: Apparently, it’s absolutely brilliant. Let’s see what it says in the paper.A leads an exciting production of the great Spanish love story Kamen.M: At 7:30.M: There’s a comedy special on.M: It’s at the city theater. It’s a charity comedy night with lots of different acts. It looks pretty good. The critic in the local the paper says it’s the funniest thing he’s ever seen. It says here Roger Whitehead is an amazing host to a night of fun performances.W: Em.. I am not keen on him. He is not very funny.W: Perhaps you are right. Okay, let’s go to see the dance. But tomorrow, not tonight.M: Great, I’ll book the tickets online.Questions 8 and 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Conversation TwoW: I’m quiet anxious about transferring over to our college, I’m afraid I won’t fit in.M: don't worry Katherine, it’s completely normal for you to be nervous about transferring schools, this happens to many transfer students.W: Yes, I know, but I’m younger than most students in my year and that worries me a lot.M: Well, you may be the only younger one in your year, but you know, we have a lot of after-school activities you can join in, and so, this way, you will be able to meet new friends of different age groups.W: That’s nice, I love games and hobby groups.W: Thanks so much, I definitely feel better now, as a matter of fact, I’ve already contacted one of the girls who will be living in the same house with me, and she seemed really nice. I guess living on campus, I'll have a chance to have a close circle of friends, since we'll be living together.M: All students are very friendly with new arrivals. Let me check who would be living with you in your flat. Okay. There are Hannah, Kelly, and Bree. Bree is also a new student here, like you, I’m sure you two ‘ll have more to share with each other.Questions 12 and 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Section CPassage OneTo determine which feeling won out, the researchers did a series of experiments. In one experiment, the mice were both hungry and thirsty. When given the choice of either eating food or drinking water, the mice went for the food, the researchers found. However, when the mice were well-fed but thirsty, they opted to drink, according to the study. In the second experiment meant to pit the mice's hunger against their fear, hungry micewere placed in a cage that had certain "fox-scented" areas and other places that smelled safer (in other words, not like an animal that could eat them) but also had food. It turned out that, when the mice were hungry, they ventured into the unsafe areas for food. But when the mice were well-fed, they stayed in areas of the cage that were considered "safe." Hunger also outweighed the mice's social needs, the researchers found. Mice are usually social animals and prefer to be in the company of other mice, according to the study. When the mice were hungry, they opted to leave the company of other mice to go get food.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.Passage TwoQuestions 19 and 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.Passage ThreeQuestions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.参考答案:ABBCA CDADC BDCAD BACDB ABACB1.A)The return of a bottled message to its owner's daughter2.B)She wanted to honor her father's…3.B) Several cases of Zika disease had been identifed4.C)It lost a huge stock of bees.5.A)It stayed in the air for about two hours6.C) Inadequate funding7.D)It is more environmentally friendly8.A)lt seems a depressing topic.9.D)They can't make it to the theater10.C) It is the most amusing show he has ever seen11.B) Go and see the dance12.D) She worries she wont ft in as a transfer student.13.C) Participate in after-school activities14.A) Give her help whenever she needs15.D) She has just transferred to college16.B) To fnd out which physical drive is the most powerful17.A) When they are hungry18.C) They prefer to be with other mice19.D) It is one of the best in the world20.B) To move troops quickly from place to place21.A) in the 1970s22.B) Messaging while driving23.D) A device to ensure people drive with both hands24.C) They are alerted with a light and a sound25.B) Using a connected app1. A)The return of a bottled message to its owner's daughter.【解析】根据原文:A message in a bottle sent out to sea by a New Hampshire man more than five decades ago was found 1500 miles away and he’s been returned to his daughter.可以得到答案。
英语四级听力考试原文及答案
英语四级听力考试原文及答案英语四级听力考试原文及答案听力是英语考试中的一个难点,由于语言差异,我们在现实生活中较难与别人用英语交流,所以大部分的`考生英语听力都是有所欠缺的,下面店铺为大家搜索整理的英语四级听力考试原文及答案,希望能帮助大家练习英语听力!News Report 1The International Labor Organization says the number of people without jobs is increasing. In its latest update on global employment trends, the agency says projections of the number of unemployed people this year range from 210 million to nearly 240 million people. The report warns that 200 million poor workers are at risk of joining the ranks of people living on less than 2 dollars per day in the past three years. The director general of the International Labor Organization Juan Somavia notes that some countries have taken measures to address the effects of the global crisis.However, he points out that many countries have not done so. And based on past experiences, it takes four to five years after economic recovery for unemployment to return to pre-crisis levels. Mr. Somavia says the International Labor Organization is proposing a global jobs' agreement to deal with unemployment. 'It's key objective is to play so the center of recovery efforts, measures that would generate high levels of employment and provide basic social protection for the most vulnerable.' Q1. What is the news report mainly about?Q2. What does, Juan Somavia, the director general of the International Labor Organization say?News Report 2Big fast food chains in New York City have started to obey a first of its kind rule, requiring them to post calorie counts right on the menu. Cathy Nurses is with the New York City department of health, 'We wanted to give people an opportunity to actually see the calories before they purchased the food and make a decision and inform decision. That if they want to make their healthier choice, if they want to eat fewer calories they can. And we expect this will have a huge impact on obesity. And of course, if it has an impact on obesity, it will have an impact on diabetes and heart disease and high blood pressure. 'The new rules will introduce as a part of anti-obesity campaign. That also includes a recent citywide ban and artificial trans-fats in restaurant food. The menu roll only applies to restaurants that serve standardized potion sizes and have fifty more locations nationwide. Starting last Saturday, chains big enough to fall under the rule will face penalties about 2000 dollars for not showing calorie information in a prominent spot on their menus preferably next to the price.Q3. What are big fast food chains in New York City require to do according to the new rule?Q4. What would happen to big restaurant chains that violate the new rule?News Report 3Almost all companies recognize the importance of innovation today. But not many are able to integrate innovation into their business.A commentary in the Shanghai Daily points out that innovation doesn't mean piles of documents. It is something more practical. The article says many people tend to assume that innovation just means creating something new, but actually it's more than that. It's an attitude of doing things. A companyshould find ways to innovate not just in products but also in functions, business models and processes.The article cites the global giant Procter & Gamble as an example, saying a real innovative company should develop an innovation culture and use it as a primary tool for success. Procter & Gamble has a “Corporate Innovation Fund” which offers big rewards for high-risk ideas that succeed. It also has a special innovation facility for its employees. Sometimes its employees are released from their daily jobs for weeks and spend their time interacting in the innovation facility instead. In conclusion, the article says innovative ideas alone do not ensure success. It's pointless unless there is a repeatable process in place to turn inspiration into financial performance.Q5. What is the problem with many companies according to the news report?Q6. What do many people tend to think of innovation?Q7. What does the company Procter & Gamble owe its success to?Conversation OneM: So, Linzy, do you like to text message on your cell phone?W: Yeah, I text message a lot.M: I don't do it so much. I prefer to make a call if I'm in a hurry.W: Yeah, I go both ways. Sometimes I don’t really want to talk to the person. I just want to ask them one question, so it's much easier for me just to text message. If I call them, I'll have to have a long conversation.M: Yeah, I can see what you mean. But I get off the phone pretty quickly when I call. I'm not a big talker.W: Yeah, that's true. You don't talk a lot.M: So are you fast at writing the messages with your thumb?W: Well, when I first got a cell phone, I was so slow. I thought I would never text message. But then people kept text messaging me, so I felt obliged to learn how to text message. So now I'm pretty fast. What about you?M: Actually I have the opposite problem. When I first got my cell phone, I thought it was so cool to text message all my friends who have one, and I was pretty fast with my thumb then. But it seems like now I don't use it so much, I've got slower actually.W: Yeah, I think text messaging actually is what you have to do with your age. For example, people in high school, they text message a lot. But I ask my father if he texted messages, and guess what he said?M: What?W: He said he'd never text message. He thinks it's very childish and unprofessional to text message.M: Yeah, I can see what he means. It's considered pretty informal to text message to someone.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you've just heard.Q8: What does the man say about himself?Q9: What does the woman tend to do while she is on the phone?Q10: Why did the man text message all his friends when he first got his cell phone?Q11: What does the woman's father think of text messaging?Conversation TwoW: Good morning, Mr. Johnson. How can I help you?M: Well, I'd like to talk to you about Tim Bond, the department manager.W: What seems to be the problem?M: Well, ever since Sandra left the department, I feel like I've been targeted to do all her work as well as mine. I'm expected to attend too many meetings and I seem to be spending a lot of my time doing unnecessary paper work.W: I'm sorry to hear that.M: And, on top of that, I'd specifically asked if I could leave early last Friday as I done a lot of overtime during the week. But that afternoon, even though I'd finished my assigned work, I was told to help other colleagues finish their work, too.W: But surely that's a positive sign showing that Mr. Bond has a lot of trust in you.M: Yes, but other colleagues get to leave early, and they don't have such a lot of work to do.W: So you feel he's really making unrealistic demands on you?M: Yes, absolutely.W: Have you approached Mr. Bond about this particular problem?M: I've tried, but it seems like he just has no time for me.W: Well, at this stage, it would be better if you approached him directly. If nothing else showing that you've tried to solve the problem yourself before you take it further. Makes it clear that you're just not a complainer. Why don't you send an email requesting a meeting with him in private?M: Hmm, I've been a bit worried about his reaction. But anyway I'll send him an email to request a meeting, and I'll see what happens from there. Thanks for your advice.W: Good luck. And let us know the outcome.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you've just heard.Q12. What do we learn about the man from the conversation?Q13. What is the man's chief complaint?Q14. How does the woman interpret the fact that the man was asked to help his colleagues with their work?Q15. What did the woman advise the man to do?PassagesPassage OneThe massive decline in sleep happened so slowly and quietly that few seemed to notice the trend. Was it because of the growing attraction of the Internet, video games and endless TV channels? Never disconnecting from work? No matter how it happened, millions of Americans are putting their health, quality of life and even length of life in danger.New evidence shows why getting enough sleep is a top priority. Some 40% of Americans get less than 7 hours of shut-eye on week nights. "The link between sleep and health, and bad sleep and disease is becoming clearer and clearer." says Lawrence Alberstaine, a sleep expert at Harvard University. For example, sleep duration has declined from some 8 hours in the 1950s to 7 in recent years. At the same time, high blood pressure has become an increasing problem. Blood pressure and heart rate are typically at their lowest levels during sleep. People who sleep less tend to have higher blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, weight gain and other problems.Sleeping better may help fight off illness. "When people are sleep-derived, there are higher levels of stress hormones in their bodies which can decrease immune function." says Doctor Felice, of Northwestern University in Chicago. A university of Chicago study shows people who sleep well live longer. So say good night sooner and it may help you stay active and vital to a ripe old age.Q16. What is the speaker mainly talking about?Q17. What do we learn from the talk about today's Americans?Q18. What does the speaker say will happen to people who lack sleep?Passage TwoParents and teachers will tell you not to worry when applying for a place at a university. But in the same breath will remind you that it is the most important decision of your life.The first decision is your choice of course. It will depend on what you want to get out of university, what you are good at and what you enjoy. The next decision is where to apply. Aim high but within reason. Do you have the right combination of subjects and are your expected grades likely to meet entry requirements? The deadline is January 15th. But it is best to submit your application early because universities begin work as soon as forms start rolling in.The most important part of the application is the much feared personal statement. This is your chance to convey boundless enthusiasm for the subject. So economy of expression is foremost. Omit dull and ineffective generalities and make sure you give concrete examples.Admissions officers read every personal statement that arrives. It is not convincing if you say you have chosen the subject because you enjoy it. You have to get across what it is about a particular area that has inspired you. They will look for evidence that you have reflected and thought about the subject.Applicants should be honest. There is no point saying you run marathons, if you are going to be out of breath arriving at the interview on the second floor.Q19. What is the first decision you should make in preparing to apply for a place at a university?Q20. What is the most important part of the application?Q21. What must applicants do in their personal statements?Passage ThreeIt is widely believed that German invented the first car in 1885. It was actually a tricycle with a petrol motor at the rear. Soon, members of the royal family and other wealthy people took up motoring as a sport. Many of the early cars had 2 seats. There were no petrol pumps and few garages, so every driver had to be his own engineer for the frequent breakdowns.By 1905, cars began to look like cars of today, with head lamps, wind screen, rubble tires and number plates. Henry Ford's Model T introduced in America in 1909 was cheaper because it was made on the assembly line. It brought cars closer towards the reach of ordinary people. With the popularity of the car, registration became a must in 1903 with the motor car act. Competency tests were introduced in 1935.Today, the legal driving age for a car in the UK is 17. You are not allowed to drive a car unsupervised until you have passed a driving test. In 1958, Britain celebrated the opening of its first motor way –the Preston Bypass. Until then, no one really understood what a motor way was, not even the laborers who were building it. The bypass held a new era in motor travel and was greeted with excitement and optimism. Service stations came with the motor way and the legend of the transport cafe was born. Of course, the service station has diversified greatly. But whether it’s an English-cooked breakfast or a coffee and a sandwich, one thing has remained the same: the prices.Q22. What does the speaker say about the first motor car?Q23. What was the problem with the early cars in Britain?Q24. Why did Henry Ford's Model T cars cost less?Q25. What do we learn about the Preston Bypass?以下为英语四级听力答案:1. C) Rising unemployment worldwide.2. C) Few countries have realized the seriousness of the current crisis.3. B) Put calorie information on the menu.4. A) They will be fined.5. D) Failure to integrate innovation into their business.6. B) It is the creation of something new.7. C) Its innovation culture.12. A) He wants to change his job assignment.13. A) His workload was much too heavy.14. C) His boss has a lot of trust in him.15. D) Talk to his boss in person first.16 A) The importance of sleep to a healthy life17 C) They get less and less sleep18 D) Their blood pressure will rise19. B) What course you are going to choose20. D) The personal statement21. C) Indicate they have reflected and thought about the subject22 B) It was built in the late 19th century.23 D) They often broke down.24 A) They were produced on the assembly line.25 C) It marked a new era in motor travel.【英语四级听力考试原文及答案】。
2023年6月英语四级听力真题(第二套)题目,原文与答案
2023年6月英语四级听力真题(第二套)Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) A man was bitten by a snake.B) A man was taken to a hospital.C) A man kept a 4-foot snake as a pet.D) A man fell off his toilet seat.2. A) Where the snake had been taken.B) Whether the snake was infected.C) How the snake was captured.D) Who owned the snake.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) Taking her trash out in fancy dresses.B) Amusing herself by going to ball parties.C) Sharing her photos with famous movie stars.D) Posting her daughter’s photos on social media.4. A) To make herself popular.B) To amuse people.C) To please her daughter.D)To record her achievements.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) Eat as much as they want for $10.B) Have a chance of winning a $100 prize.C) Have a meal even if they have no money.D) Get a free meal after answering some questions.6. A) It was brought up by two staffers.B) It helped to popularize her restaurant.C) It originated from a donation to her staff.D) It was suggested by some of her customers.7. A) Fifty customers have offered donations.B) More people have been giving than taking.C) Many people have come to eat at the restaurant.D) Most staffers have received messages of kindness.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) He is a psychologist.B) He is a famous writer.C) He is a host for a TV program.D) He is a primary school teacher.9. A) Why social media accounts vanish without a trace.B) Why parents raise their children in different ways.C) Why people fail to respond to emails promptly.D) Why friends break off contact all of a sudden.10. A) They simply shut themselves down.B) They avoid showing their emotions.C) They scream to get their parents back.D) They attempt to ignore the whole situation.11. A) They may regard any difference as the end of a relationship.B) They are on better terms with friends and romantic partners.C) They try to express their feelings and thoughts effectively.D) They attach more value to their relationships with others.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Their price.B) Their color.C) Their quality.D) Their design.13. A) Jeans are a typical American garment.B) America makes the best-known brands of jeans.C) America has the best weaving tools in the world.D) Jeans are available in a greater variety in America.14. A) They are artificial.B) They are natural.C) They are unique.D) They are special.15. A) They are for casual wearing.B) They are popular with boys.C) They are much too pricey.D) They are worth the price.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) He desires more in life.B) He wants to see it again.C) He feels as inspired as other audience members.D) He longs to become a superstar himself.17. A) It is rather unrealistic.B) It is extremely artistic.C) It is somewhat complicated.D) It is relatively predictable.18. A) They are biased against women.B) They are basically misleading.C) They are full of shootings.D) They are too simple.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) It can highlight leadership.B) It can help connect people.C) It is a means to inspire creative thinking.D) It is an intuitive way to solidify friendship.20. A) Allow them to recite data points.B) Make them more open to learning.C) Enable them to remember the main idea.D) Stimulate them to engage in discussions.21. A) Inspire listeners’ imagination.B) Enrich their own experience.C) Convey fundamental values.D) Explain insightful ideas.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) Immigrants outnumber U.S.-born Americans.B) Immigrants have been contributing to the U.S.C) Another wave of immigrants is hitting the U.S.D) The number of immigrants to the U.S. is declining.23. A) More of them expect their children to succeed in business.B) They have fewer chances to be hired by U.S. companies.C) They have founded most Fortune 500 companies.D) More of them are successful business people.24. A) They have higher installment loan debt than native-born Americans.B) Nineteen percent of them borrow money from friends and family.C) Their level of debt is lower than that of native-born Americans.D) Thirty-four percent of them use credit for their daily purchases.25. A) Keep their traditional values and old habits.B) Find employment in competitive businesses.C) Borrow money from financial institutions.D) Collaborate with native-born Americans.答案速查1. A) A man was bitten by a snake.2. D) Who owned the snake.3. A) Taking her trash out in fancy dresses.4. B) To amuse people.5. C) Have a meal even if they have no money.6. C) It originated from a donation to her staff.7. B) More people have been giving than taking.8. A) He is a psychologist.9. D) Why friends break off contact all of a sudden.10. C) They scream to get their parents back.11. A) They may regard any difference as the end of a relationship.12. C) Their quality.13. A) Jeans are a typical American garment.14. B) They are natural.15. D) They are worth the price.16. A) He desires more in life.17. D) It is relatively predictable.18. D) They are too simple.19. B) It can help connect people.20. B) Make them more open to learning.21. C) Convey fundamental values.22. B) Immigrants have been contributing to the U.S.23. D) More of them are successful business people.24. C) Their level of debt is lower than that of native-born Americans.25. A) Keep their traditional values and old habits.听力原文与答案Section ANews Report One(1) Police have reported a man being bitten by a 4-foot snake when he lifted his toilet seat on Sunday morning. The snake was not poisonous, so the man did not have to go to the hospital. But his arm was medically treated at the scene.The police officer interviewed told news reporters the snake didn’t belong to the man, and it was unclear how it got into the apartment. The snake was eventually captured by the local animal handlers and taken to an animal hospital afterward. It was being treated for an outer skin infection. (2) It was unclear who the owner was. The snake may be taken to a local zoo for care if the owner does not come forward.Over the years, other creatures like frogs and fish have found their way into toilets. but this was the first instance of a snake in recent years.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.Q1. What do we learn from the police report? 答案: A)Q2. What does the report say was still unclear? 答案: D)News Report Two(3-1) Every week since last April, Andrea Belcher has been doing something slightly unusual and amusing when she takes out her trash.(3-2) It all started off when a movie star shared a photo of herself putting her trash bins out in a ball gown. This inspired Andrea to get dressed up to take out the trash.She was too embarrassed to do it during the day, so one dark evening, she put on her black off-the-shoulder gown and put her trash bin out. Her daughter filmed it and the whole family laughed, but it seemed to go down well. The following weeks she found other outfits in her dressing up box, and dressed up as different characters and famous people, sharing her exploits on social media.Before long, people started offering up their own fancy dresses for her to wear. And before she knew it, she had done 20 weeks. (4) Explaining why she has kept up the videos, Andrea explained how nice it was to have a little bit of fun and craziness that made people smile. Besides, it also helps to remind people in the community to put out their trash bins each week.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.Q3. What has Andrea Belcher been doing since last April? 答案: A)Q4. Why has Andrea Belcher kept up her videos? 答案: B)News Report ThreeNo money, but still hungry? No problem. (5) Welcome to Frank’s restaurant where customers are paying for meals and leaving receipts on a board. Anyone who is hungry and wants something to eat can take one, no questions asked, and hand it to staff for some food.(6) The idea for the board of free meals started after a donor came in with $100 for each member of its staff.After two staffers returned their share, there was $700 leftover, according to Tarah Morris, the owner of the restaurant. So they decided to do something more by creating the board.The board of free meals inside the restaurant shows a host of potential meals already paid for by customers, each costing about $10. The board has messages of kindness like, “I f you want more kindness in the world, put it here.”(7) The drive has been going on for two weeks and Morris said just under 50 customers have picked upa free meal. There have been no reports of anyone taking advantage of the situation. In fact, there are a lot more people giving tickets than receiving. It seems people want to help and are driven by helping others.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.Q5. What can people do at Frank’s restaurant? 答案: C)Q6. What does the owner of the restaurant say about the idea for the board of free meals? 答案:C)Q7. What has happened at Frank’s restaurant since the board of free meals was created? 答案: B) Section BConversation OneW:Welcome to our program, Friends and Relationships. (8) Our guest today is psychologist Steve Pinker from McGill University.M: Glad to be here, Jane.W: Hi Steve. (9) Our question today is why friends suddenly disappear. They may block us on their social media accounts and stop responding to our emails. They simply vanish without a trace.M: The answer may lie in childhood the way the person related to their mum and dad. It’s related to their attachment styles.W: Attachment styles?M:Yeah. There are two different attachment styles: an anxious attachment style and an avoidant attachment style. (10) When there is a relationship breakdown with their parents, children with an anxious attachment style scream and cry to get their parents to come back. But other children simply shut down and try to deal with their emotions by ignoring the situation. And these attachment styles carry on into adulthood.W: Does avoidance reduce their stress levels?M: Not really. Their stress levels are actually the same as those experienced by the children who yell and scream.W: And I assume both might be turned insecure.W: Exactly. And it’s a very insecure attachment.W:How does an insecure attachment affect relationships between friends, coworkers, and romantic relationships?M: It’s the same as conflicts. So, if you have a disagreement with a securely attached person, they’re not going to panic. They’re able to hear what the other person is saying and express their own feelings and thoughts effectively. (11) However, an insecurely attached person won’t. They might either attack you, get defensive, or just disappear from your life. To them, a difference, no matter how small in your eyes, signals the end of the relationship.W: That explains why they suddenly disappear.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Q8. What do we learn about the man? 答案: A)Q9. What are the speakers mainly talking about? 答案: D)Q10. How do children with an anxious attachment style react to a breakdown in their relationship with parents? 答案: C)Q11. What does the man say about insecurely attached people? 答案: A)Conversation TwoM: I hear you’re going to Japan soon.W: Yes, that’s right.W: Could I ask you a favor?W: Sure. What is it?M: I was wondering if you could get me some jeans while you’re there. I’ll pay you back, of course. W: A pair of jeans? Okay. I don’t see why not, but what’s wrong with jeans here?M:(12) Well, I just love good jeans and Japan happens to make the best in the world.My friend brought me a pair from there five years ago, and they still look new.W: Really? I had no idea Japan made jeans. (13) I would have thought America made the best jeans because it’s a typical American garment.M:Yeah, I thought so too. But it tums out Japan still has some very old mills with the traditional weaving tools used to make jeans the original way. It’s a slower process of making clothing. But the end result is surely superior. Also, the fabric they use is of a higher quality and (14) the dyes are natural. They have a denser weave and a more durable than any other genes in the world.W: That sounds cool. What size do you want and how much are they?M: I have a 34 waist and size 30 or 32 in length. Either is fine. They should be around $500. But make double certain they are made in Japan.W: $500? Boy, that’s expensive! Do you typically spend that much on a pair of casual trousers?M: They are a little pricey, yes. But they are very special. Bear in mind they will last me several years and they are very fashionable too. (15) I think they’re totally worth it.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Q12. What makes the man choose to buy jeans made in Japan? 答案: C)Q13. Why is the woman puzzled by the man’s request? 答案: A)Q14. What does the man say about the dyes of Japanese jeans? 答案: B)Q15. What does the man say about Japanese jeans at the end of the conversation? 答案: D)Section CPassage One(16) Every time I walk out of a superhero movie, I feel the same way. I experience a sense of longing, realizing that there should be more in life. The desire for adventure is a human one. Superhero films capture this desire perfectly.(17) The plot of each superhero film has become relatively predictable. The world is in peril. The world needs a hero. The hero is in peril. The hero resolves the peril. The hero saves the world. Each film has an attractive lead, several expensive explosions, a few jokes to light in the mood, and numerous punches that land unrealistically well. Even though we basically know what will happen, we keep coming back for more.(18) The elites of our society have rejected superhero films. They say the films like any form of artistry. These movies are criticized as being too simple, but they give the fans what they want: entertainment. No matter the form in which they reveal themselves, hero stories will always be present in life. It’s not just about being entertained, but also being inspired. One author has mentioned that women desire to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure. Most young women want to be a part of somethinggrand, something important. It seems clear that this principle applies to men, as well. So next time you see your favorite superhero film, be entertained, but also be inspired that that small longing you feel motivates you to make a difference.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.Q16. How does the speaker feel every time he walks out of a superhero movie? 答案: A)Q17. What does the passage say about the plot of all superhero movies? 答案: D)Q18. What do the elites of American society think of superhero movies? 答案: D)Passage TwoTelling stories is one of the most powerful means leaders have to influence, teach and inspire. (19) Storytelling forges connections among people. When it comes to our countries, our communities, and our families, we understand instinctively that the stories we hold in common are an important part of the ties that bind.This understanding also holds true in the business world, where an organization’s stories, and the stories its leaders tell, helps solidify relationships in a way that factual statements don’t.(20) Good stories do more than create a sense of connection. They build familiarity and trust. They allow the listener to enter the story, making them more open to learning.Good stories can contain multiple meanings so they’re surprisingly economical in conveying complex ideas in graspable ways. And stories are more engaging than the recital of data points or a discussion of abstract ideas.Stories about professional mistakes and what leaders learned from them are another great avenue for learning. Because people identify so closely with stories, they can imagine how they would’ve acted in similar circumstances. They’re able to work through situations in a way that’s risk-free.(21) There are extra benefits for leaders. With a simple personal story, they can convey fundamental values. They can offer insight into the evolution of their own experience and knowledge, presenting themselves as more approachable. And then they are more likely to inspire others to want to know more.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.Q19. What does the passage say about storytelling? 答案: B)Q20. What can good stories do to listeners according to the passage? 答案: B)Q21. What can leaders do with a simple personal story? 答案: C)Passage Three(22) The U.S. was founded by successive waves of immigrants, and immigrants are still contributing to America today—statistics prove it. On two key measures of financial performance, immigrants out-perform native-born Americans.(23) First, they’re more likely to be entrepreneurs. From 1996 to 2016, the pace at which immigrants started businesses was double that of U.S.-born individuals. Immigrants aren’t just becoming entrepreneurs more frequently. They are often succeeding. Over 40% of Fortune 500 companies had a founder who was either an immigrant or the child of one.(24) Another key measure of financial strength is debt level. Immigrants do better in this area too. Immigrants use credit less often for purchasing cars, homes, or starting businesses. This results in significantly lower levels of debt than native-born Americans. For example, 34% of Americans born in Latin America report no credit card or installment loan debt. This can be compared to just 19% of the general population.Why are immigrants doing so well?(25) The values and habits they bring from their own homelands help explain some of the success. Unemployment tends to be higher in developing countries. That means more people must become entrepreneurs. Credit is also scarcer in most developing countries. This means individuals must save more in order to achieve their goals. Or, they borrow money from friends and family rather than a bank. That means less debt and potentially better credit outcomes when they reach the U.S.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.Q22. What does the passage say statistics prove? 答案: B)Q23. What do we learn about immigrants in the U.S., compared with native-born Americans? 答案: D)Q24. What does the passage say about immigrants in the U.S. in terms of financial strength? 答案: C) Q25. What do immigrants do to achieve their goals in the U.S.? 答案: A)。
2023年12月大学英语四级听力真题附原文及答案解析
12月大学英语四级听力真题PartⅡListening 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 centre.1. A) The woman is now working in a kindergarten.B) The man will soon start a business of his own.C) The man would like to be a high school teacher.D) The woman is going to major in child education.2. A) The furniture has to be rearranged.B) The sound equipment has to be set up.C) The conference room has to be cleaned.D) The video machine has to be checked.3. A) She is exhausted.B) She is near-sighted.C) She cannot finish work in time.D) She cannot go straight home.4. A) The woman is too particular about food.B) He would rather have a meal an hour later.C) The woman should order her food quickly.D) He usually prefers ice-cream to sandwiches.5. A) He is not a good mechanic.B) He doesn't keep his promises.C) He spends his spare time doing repairs.D) He is always ready to offer help to others.6. A) Sam has a big family to support.B) Sam is not interested in traveling.C) The pay offered by the travel agency is too low.D) The work hours in the travel agency arc too long7. A) International trade.B) Product development.C) Financial consulting.D) Domestic retailing.8. A) Go on a business trip.B) Look for a job in Miami.C) Make a ticket reservation.D) Take a vacation.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A) It is located on Route 18.B) It has an interesting museum.C) It is a beautiful little town.D) It lies seven miles east of Newton.10. A) They are in opposite directions.B) They are fifty-five miles apart.C) They are quite close to each other.D) They are a long drive from Norwalk.11. A) They are connected by RouteB) They are crowded with tourists.C) They have lots of old houses.D) They have many rare plants.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you havejust heard.12. A) Bring him up to date on the current situation in Milan.B) Inform him of the arrangements for his trip in Italy.C) Fetch the documents signed by Mr. Gartner.D) Accompany Mr. Gartner to the Linate airport.13. A) About 8:30. B) About 6:30. C) About 5:30. D) About 4:15.14. A) Mr. Gartner from Milan.B) Gianni Riva at Megastar.C) The company's sales representative.D) Gavin from the Chamber of Commerce.15. A) Travel agent. B) Business manager. C) Secretary.D) Saleswoman.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 markthe corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 16 to 19 are based on the conversation you have just heard.16. A) She had a desire to help others.B) She wanted to find out more about it.C) She needed some overseas experience.D) She was interested in farming.17. A) Carry out a cultural exchange program.B) Work on an agricultural project.C) Learn Portuguese.D) Teach English.18. A) She found it difficult to secure a job in her own country.B) She wanted to renew her contact with the Peace Corps.C) She was invited to work as an English teacher.D) She could not get the country out of her mind.19. A) By teaching additional English classes.B) By writing stories for American newspapers.C) By working part time for the Peace Corps.D) By doing odd jobs for local institutions.Passage TwoQuestions 20 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.20. A) Time spent exercising.B) Time spent working.C) Time spent on leisure activities.D) Time spent with friends and family.21. A) Reading. B) Surfing the Web. C) Eating out.D) Watching TV.22. A) Driving. B) Gardening. C) Going to the pub.D) Visiting friends.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23. A) The car driver was trying to avoid hitting a rabbit.B) The car driver was partly responsible for the accident.C) McLaughlin was talking to his manager while driving.D) McLaughlin's carelessness resulted in the collision.24. A) He crashed into a car parked there.B) He knocked down several mailboxes.C) He tore down the company's main gate.D) He did serious damage to a loaded truck.25. A) He will lose his job.B) He will have to pay damages.C) He will be fined heavily.D) He will receive retraining.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 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.When Captain Cook asked the chiefs in Tahiti why they always ate __26__, they replied. "Because it is right." If we askAmericans why they eat with knives and forks, or why their men wear pants __27__ skirts, or why they may be married to only one person at a time, we are likely to get __28__ and very uninformative answers: "Because it's right. " "Because that's the way it's done." "Because it's the __29__. " Or even "I don't know. " The reason for these and countless other patterns of social behavior is that they are __30__ by social norms-shared rules or guidelines which prescribe the behavior that is appropriate in a given situation. Norms __31__ how people "ought" to behave under particular circumstances in a particular society. We conform(遵守) to norms so readily that we are hardly aware they __32__. In fact, we are much more likely to notice __33__ from norms than conformity to them. You would not be surprised if a stranger tried to shake hands when you were introduced, but you might be a little __34__ if they bowed, started to stroke you, or kissed you on both __35__ Yet each of these other forms of greeting is appropriate in other parts of the world. When we visit another society whose norms are different, we quickly become aware that things we do this way, they do that way.听力文本及答案Question 1M: After high school, I’d like to go to college and major in business administration.W: But I’d rather spend my college days finding out how children learn.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?Question 2W: Is everything ready for the conference?M: The only thing left to do is set up the microphones and speakers. They'll be here in a few minutes.Q: What preparations have yet to be made?Question 3W: Is it almost time to go home now? I'm so tired. I can hardly see straight.M: Just a few more minutes, then we can go.Q: What is the woman’s problem?Question 4W: I'm not sure what I’m in a mo od for. Ice-cream or sandwiches? They are both really good here.M: The movie starts in an hour. And we still have to get there and park. So just make a decision.Q: What does the man mean?Question 5W: Tom said he would come to repair our solar heater when he has time.M: He often says he is willing to help, but he never seems to have time.Q: What does the man imply about Tom?Question 6W: So you know that Sam turns down the job offered by the travel agency.M: Yes. The hours were convenient. But if he had accepted it, he wouldn’t be able to make ends meet.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?Question 7M: Could you tell me a bit about the business your company is doing?W: We mainly deal with large volume buyers from western countries and our products have been well received.Q: What business is the woman’s company doing? Question 8W: Yesterday I made reservations for my trip to Miami next month.M: You must really be looking forward to it. You haven’t had any time off for at least two years.Q: What is the woman going to do?【答案】1.D The woman is going to major in child education.2.B The sound equipment has to be set up.3.A She is exhausted.4.C The woman should order her food quickly.5. B He doesn’t keep his promises.6.C The pay offer by the travel agency is too low.7.A International trade.8.D Take a vacation.【点评】本次四级短对话无论从对话内容还是从题目自身来看,整体难度相对简朴,和往年该部分相类似,话题覆盖平常生活(生活琐事、看电影、旅游等)、校园生活、商务工作(会议、求职等)。
2023年份英语四级真题答案
2023年6月份, 英语四级真题答案(完整版)四级听力理解答案听力新闻第1套1.A.Th.retur.o..bottle.messag.t.it.owner’.daughter.2.B.Sh.wante.t.hono.he.father'.promise.3.B.Severa.case.o.Zik.diseas.ha.bee.identified.4.C.I.los..hug.stoc.o.bees.5.A.I.staye.i.th.ai.fo.abou.tw.hours.6.C.Inadequat.funding.7.D.I.i.mor.environmentall.friendly.听力新闻第2套1.B.Scared.rg.scales.3.A..Stud.o.th.fast-foo.service.4.C.Increase.variet.o.products.ernment'.approva.o.privat.spac.missions.6.A.Delive.scientifi.equipmen.t.th.moon.7.B.I.i.promising.听力长对话第1套8.A.I.seem..depressin.topic.9.D.The.can'.mak.i.t.th.theatr.i.time.10.C.I.i.th.mos.amusin.sho.h.ha.eve.watched.11.B.G.an.se.th.dance.12.D.Sh.worrie.sh.won'.fi.i.a..transfe.student.13.C.Participat.i.after-schoo.activities.14.A.Giv.he.hel.wheneve.sh.need.it.15.D.Sh.ha.jus.transferre.t.th.college.听力长对话第2套8.D.Lyin.i.th.su.o..Tha.beach.9.A.Sh.visite..Tha.orphanage.10.D.Hi.phon.i.runnin.ou.o.power.11.C.H.collect.thing.fro.differen.countries.12.D.Tryin.ou..ne.gy.i.town.13.C..discoun.fo..half-yea.membership.14.D.Th.operatio.o.fitnes.equipment.15.C.Sh.know.th.basic.o.weight-lifting.听力篇章第1套16.B.T.fin.ou.whic.physica.driv.i.th.mos.powerful.17.A.Whe.the.ar.hungry.18.C.The.prefe.t.b.wit.othe.mice.19.D.I.i.on.o.th.bes.i.th.world.20.B.T.mov.troop.quickl.fro.plac.t.place.21.A.I.th.1970s.22.B.Messagin.whil.driving.23.D..devic.t.ensur.peopl.driv.wit.bot.hands.24.C.The.ar.alerte.wit..ligh.an..sound.in..connecte.app.听力篇章第2套16.B.The.ofte.appl.fo..numbe.o.positions.anized.18.D.Appl.fo.mor.promisin.positions.19.B.I.no.force.t.g.t.school.kid.woul.b.ou.i.th.streets.20.D.Desig.activitie.the.no.enjo.doin.o.holidays.21.D.Tak.kid.ou.o.schoo.t.lear.a.firs.hand.22.C.I.i.see.almos.anywher.an.o.an.occasion.23.D.I.offer.peopl..chanc.t.socialize.24.A.Thei.stat.o.min.improved.25.B.I.i.life.(注: 全国总共只考了两套听力题。
大学英语四级考试2024年6月真题(第三套)及答案解析
大学英语四级考试2024年6月真题(第三套)Part I Writing (30minutes)Part I Directions :Suppose your university is seeking students'opinions on whethe university canteens should be open to the public.You are now to write an essay to express your view.You will have 30minutes for the task.You should write at least 120words but no more than 180words.I Listening Comprehension (25minutes)特别说明:由于多题多卷,官方第三套真题的听力试题与第二套真题的一致,只是选项顺序不同,因此,本套试卷不再提供听力部分。
Part ⅢReading Comprehension (40minutes)Section A Directions:In this section,thereis a passage with ten blanks.You are required to select one wordfor each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage.Read the passage through carefully before making your choices.Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter.Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2with a single line through the centre.You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Over the coming decades,millions of jobs will be threatened by robotics and artificial intelligence.Despite intensive academic 26_on these developments,there has been little study on how workers 27_to being replaced through technologyTo find out,business researchers at TUM and Erasmus University Rotterdam conducted 11studies and surveys with over 2,000persons from several countries.The findings show:In principle,most people view it more 28when workers are replaced by other people than by robots or intelligent software.This preference 29_,however,when it refers to people's own jobs When that is the case,the majority of workers find it less upsetting to see their own jobs go to robots than to other employees.In the long term,however,the same people see machines as more threatening to their future role in the workforce.These effects can also be observed among people who have recently become unemployed.The researchers were able to identify the causes behind these 30paradoxica results,too:Peopletend to 31_themselves less with machines than with other people.Consequently,being replaced by a robotor so ftware 32less of a threat to their feeling of self-worth.This reduced self-threat could even be observedwhe n participants assumed that they were being replaced by other employees who relied on technological abilities such as artificial intelligence in their work.“Even when unemployment results from the 33of new technologies,people still judge it in a social context,”says Christoph Fuchs,one of the authors of the study.“It is important to understand these 34effects when trying to manage the massive changes in the working world to minimize 35in society.”19·2024年6月四级真题(第三套)·A)compareB)contradictsC)conventionalD)debateE)disruptionsF)drasticallyG)favorablyH)guarantee I)introduction J)modifications K)posesL)psychological M)reactN)reverses O)seeminglySection BDirections:In this section,you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it.Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs.Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived.You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter.Answer the questions by marking the correspondingletter on Answer Sheet2.No escape as'snow day'becomes fe-learning day’A)Certain institutions,such as schools,are likely to close when bad weather,such as snow,flooding or extreme heat or cold,causes travel difficulties,power outages(断供),or otherwise endangers public safety.When snowy weather arrives in the US,it means the chance of school children benefiting from the long-standing tradition of the“snow day”,when schools are forced to close and students get an unexpected day off.B)The criterion for a snow day is primarily the inability of school buses to operate safely on their routes and danger to children who walk to school.Often,the school remains officially open even though buses do not run and classes arecanceled.Severe weather that causes cancellation or delayis more likely in regions that are less able to handle the situation.Snow days are less common in more northern areas of the United States that are used to heavy winter snowfall,because municipalities are well equipped to clear roads and remove snow.In areas less accustomed to snow even small snowfalls of an inch ortwo may render roads unsafe. C)Snow days are a familiar theme in American film and TV shows,with children getting the good news and then running outside for some seasonal snowman-building and snowball throwing,against a background ofjoyful pop music.But the tradition is now over for pupils in several US states such as South Carolina, Nevada,Georgia and Indiana.This academic year,many school boards have introduced policies which require students to work from home if the school is shut by snow or extreme weather.They are known as “e-learning days”,which certainly sounds less fun than a snow day.D)Teachers are also losing their snow days and instead will be expected to be on hand to take a virtual register and answer students'questions online.A pilot programme in a school district in Anderson County,South Carolina,has supplied students with electronic tablets loaded with assignments to complete in the event of a school closure.If it is successful,it could be rolled out across the state.E)But some parents object to the new policy if the vigorous debate on the Facebook page of Anderson County school district is anything to go by.“When it snows,let the kids enjoy it,”said one commenter.Another said the decision would“ruin school even more”,and someone else called snow days“a fun part of childhood”. But supporters of the policy say it means children will miss fewer days of school.It will also bring to an end a less popular US high school tradition:the“make-up day”,which requires students in many states to make up the time lost due to weatherby working during school holidays.·2024年6月四级真题(第三套)·20F)Students in North Carolina already have several make-up days scheduled because of school closures duringHurricane Florence,which struck in September.Tom Wilson,the superintendent(主管)of Anderson County school district,said the change away from snow days makes practical and financial sense.He said technology has changed every profession,so it makes sense to use it to“eliminate”make-up days.Adam Baker of the Department of Education in Indiana said e-learning days were proving a“great success”.He said most Indiana schools already use digital devices during lessons,so it was an“easy decision”to extend this to days when schools are closed.He denies the decision is depriving children of the chance to enjoy the snow.“Students are still able to enjoy snow days and outside time,”he said.“Many have PE and science assignments that have them out enjoying the weather.”But local school superintendents in Ohio are resisting proposals to adopt e-learning days.They fear that students without internet access at home will be disadvantaged by the policy,and superintendent Tom Roth is concerned that e-learning days will offer a lower quality of education.G)There are also so-called“blizzard bags”,with assignments that children take home ahead of an expected snowclosure.But Mr Roth says it is not sufficient as a replacement.“I think we still need the class time to give our kids the education that they deserve,”he said.“Youcan't get that with a blizzard bag or doing the work from home like that.It's not going to be as effective.”H)There is a long-running debate on whether missing days of school affects attainment.In England,there hasbeen a focus on tackling absenteeism(旷课)from school.The Department for Education(DFE)published research in2016arguing that missing any days at school could have a negative impact on results.Even a few days lost in a year could be enough to miss out on getting a good exam grade,the DFE's research concluded.This differed from the findings of a study from Harvard University in the US,which concluded that missing a few occasional days because of the weather did not damage learning.I)The Harvard study examined seven years of school results data and could not find any impact from snowclosures.What caused moredisruption was when schools tried to stay open in bad weather,even though many staff and pupils were absent.But weather can make a difference to school results,according to another piece of Harvard research published last summer.It's hot weather that has the negative impact.The results of 10million school students were examined over13years and researchers found a“significant”link between years with extremely hotweather and lower results.J)It's obvious that students should go to school every day to get the most out of education.In cases of extreme weather students don't always have that option.However,research shows that authorised absences from school such as during extreme weather are less problematic for students than absences that are not authorised.This is because unauthorised absences tend to reflect patterns and behaviours of student disengagement,or the possible negative attitudes of parents towards education that students adopt and carry with them through schooling.The level of impact on students'educational performance is all to do with the length of time that a student is absent from school and how regularly this occurs.36.There is opposition to the practice of giving children assignments to take home before extreme weather forcesa school closure.37.New policies adopted by many US schools require students to do online learning at home in case of a schoolclosure38.According to some research,extreme hot weather negatively affects students'performance.39.There is a time-honoured tradition in the US for school kids to stay at home on“snow days”.21·2024年6月四级真题(第三套)·40.Debates on social media show some parents are opposed to ending the“snowday”tradition.41.In more northern regions of the US,school is less likely to be affected by snowy weather.42.Research indicates absences from school with permission do not cause as many problems as those withoutpermission.43.There is objection to e-learning days owing to fear that students with no access to the Internet at home willsuffer44.In a pilot programme,students are given electronic devices to doassignments when schools areclosed.45.A long-standing debate is going on over the impact of school absences on students'academic performance.Section CDirections:There are2passages in this section.Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements.For each of them there are four choices marked A),B),C)and D).You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet2with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions46to50are based on the following passage.It may sound surprising,but you don't have to be interested in fashion,or even in history,to enjoy Dress Codes:How the Laws of Fashion Made History.I happen to be interested in both,and ended up enjoying the book for completely different reasons.Richard Thompson Ford is a law professor,and you probably won't forget that for even one page.His carefully reasoned arguments,packed with examples,sound almost like reading a court opinion,only maybe wordier.You will probably never think of fashion as a trifle again.Ford's thesis is that the best way to understand what particular fashions meant in any given era is to look at the restrictions placed on them.Through this lens,he shows us that the first laws passed in the1200s to ensure that only the nobility were allowed to wear certain fabrics,colors and ornaments reflected the rise of the middle class,who were now able to imitate some of these fashions.The status of the upper classes was threatened; fashion was a tool to preserve it.Ford takes the reader through the evolution of fashion while examining the underlying motivations of status sex,power,and personality,which,he assumes,influenced all innovations in fashion in the past and which continue to influence us today.His writing is more than alittle dense—dense with research,clauses,and precise adjectives and nouns.But there's also humor and enough interesting episodes to make the writing appealing.No one is spared his sharp analysis:not the easy targets of19th century women's crippling(伤害身体的)fashions nor the modern uniforms of Silicon Valley T-shirts.But the greatest strength of this book(on fashion!)is its intellectual profoundness.Ford asks us to question unconscious beliefs,to realize thatwe almost never do so,to understand that the simplest choices are charged with meaning,and yet that meaning can and does change all thetime.Consider the fact that a1918catalog insisted that boys and girls be dressed in the appropriate color.We believe our thinking today is evolved;Ford shows us it's not.46.What does the author think of the book Dress Codes:How the Laws of Fashion Made History?A)It is read by people for entirely different reasonsB)It is meant for those interested in fashion history·2024年6月四级真题(第三套)·22C)It makes enjoyable as well as informative reading.D)It converts fashion into something for deliberation.47.How can people best understand a particular fashion in an era,according to Ford?A)By examining the restraints imposed on it.C)By glancing at its fabrics,colors and ornaments.B)By looking at what the nobility were wearing.D)By doing a survey of the upper and middle classes.48.What was the aim of the first laws passed regarding fashion in the1200s?A)To facilitate the rise of the middle class C)To help initiate some novel fashions.B)To loosen restrictions on dress codes.D)To preserve the status of the nobles.49.What does the author think of Ford's writing?A)It uses comparison and contrast in describing fashions of different erasB)It makes heavy reading but is not lacking in humor or appealC)It is filled with interesting episodes to spare readers intolerable boredom.D)It is characteristic of academics in presenting arguments.50.What does the author say is the greatest strength of Ford's book?A)Plentiful information.B)Meaningful choices.C)Evolved thinkingD)Intellectual depthPassage TwoQuestions51to55are based on the followingpassage.The art of persuasion means convincing others to agree with your point of view or to follow your course of action.For some ofus,persuasion is an instinctive quality and the power of influencing comes naturally.For the rest of us,persuasion skills can be learned and developed over time.Employers place a great value on employees with persuasion skills because they can impact several aspects of job performance.Besides,teamwork and leadership rely heavily on the power of persuasion to get things done.Without persuasion skills,employees may not be as committed to or convinced of the importance of an organization's vision and long-term mission.Effective use of persuasion skills will not only help get your coworkers excited about your ideas,it'll also help you motivate them to achieve a common goal.In order to learn the art of persuasion at the workplace,you need to understand how to handle conflicts and reach agreements.Good communication is the first step in effective persuasion,but logic and reasoning are just as important.Before you can get somebody on-board with your goal,you should help them understand why they should pursue ing visual aids to back up your ideas can help communicate your ideas better and make compelling arguments so your listeners will come to a logical choice and become fully committed to your ideas and plans.Successful persuasion skills are based on your ability to have positive interactions and maintain meaningful relationships with people.In order to sustain thoserelationships,you must be able to work in their best interests as well.Your coworkers are more likely to agree with you when they succeed alongside you.The more they achieve and the greaterprogress they make,the more they trust your judgement and strength.We persuade and get persuaded every day—we're either convincing or being convinced.A vast majority of people prefer collaboration and teamwork over traditional organizational structures;no one likes to be told what to do or to be pushed around.Therefore,organizations and leaders should adopt powerful persuasion skills to bring about necessary changes.23·2024年6月四级真题(第三套)·51.What does the author say about the ability to be persuasive in the first paragraph?A)People may either be born with it or be able to cultivate it.B)It proves crucial in making others follow one's course of action.C)It refers to the natural and instinctive power of influencing one's coworkers.D)People may view it as both a means to convince others and an art of communication.52.Why are persuasion skills greatly valued in the workplace?A)They enable employees to be convinced oftheir long-term gains.B)They enable employees to trust their leaders unconditionally.C)They help motivate coworkers to strive for a common goal.D)They help an organization to broaden its vision effectively.53.What should people do to learn the art of persuasion atthe workplace?A)Acquire effective communication skills.C)Understand the reason for pursuing their goalsB)Avoid getting involved in conflicts with others.D)Commit themselves fully to their ideas and plans54.When are you more likely to succeed in persuading your coworkers?A)When they are convinced you work in their interests while sacrificing your own.B)When they become aware of the potential strength of the judgements you make.C)When they become aware of the meaningful relationships you keep with them.D)When they are convinced they will make achievements together with you.55.Why are organizations and leaders advised to adopt powerful persuasion skills to bring about necessarychanges?A)To convince employees of the value of collaboration.B)To allow for the preferences of most people of todayC)To improve on traditional organizational structuresD)To adapt to employees'ever-changing working styles.PartIV Translation(30minutes) Directions:For this part,you are allowed30minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English.You should write your answer on Answer Sheet2.汉语中的“福”字(the character fu)表示幸福和好运,是中国传统文化中最常用的吉祥(auspicious符号之一。
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2014年6月英语四级听力原文(卷一)1. W: I can’t seem to reach the tea at the back of the cupboard.M: Oh… Why don’t you use the ladder? You might strain yo ur shoulder.Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?2. W: Since it’s raining so hard, let’s go and see th e new exh ibits.M: That’s a good idea. Mary Johnson is one of my favorite p ainters.Q: Where does the conversation most probably take place?3. M: I hear the students gave the new teacher an unfair evalu ation.W: It depends on which student you are talking about.Q: What does the woman imply?4. W: It must have taken you a long time to fix up all these book shelves.M: It wasn’t too bad. I got Doris to do some of them.Q: What does the man mean?5. W: Rod, I hear you’ll be leaving at the e nd of this month. Is it true?M: Yeah. I’ve been offered a much better position with anothe r firm. I’d be a fool to turn it down.Q: Why is the man quitting his job?6. W: I honestly don’t want to continue the gardening tomorro w, Tony?M: Neither do I. But I think we should get it over with this weekend.Q: What does the man mean?7. W: You’ve already furnished your apartment?M: I found some used furniture that was dirt cheap.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?8. W: Has the mechanic called the bus repairers?M: Not yet .I’ll let you know when he calls.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Conversation one:M: Hello. Matt Ellis speaking.W: Hello, Dr. Ellis, my name’s Pan Johnson. My roommate, J anet Holmes, wanted me to call you.M: Janet Holmes? Oh, that’s right. She’s in my Shakespearean English class. Has anything happened to her?W: Nothing, it’s just that she submitted a job application yes te rday and the company asked her in for an interview today. She’s a fraid she won’t be able to attend your class this afternoon though. I’m calling to see whether it would be OK if I gave you her essay. Janet said it’s due today.M: Certainly, that would be fine. Uh, you can either drop it o ff at my class or bring it to my office.W: Would it be all right to come by your office around 4:00? I’m afraid I can’t come any earlier because I have three classes t his afternoon.M: Uh, I won’t be here when you come. I’m supposed to be at a meeting from 3:00 to 6:00, but how about leaving it with my secretary? She usually stays until 5:00. W: Fine, please tell her I’l l be there at 4:00. And Dr. Ellis, one more thing, could you tell m e where your office is? Janet told me where your class is, but she didn’t give me directions to your office.M: Well, I’m in Room 302 of the Gregory Building. I’ll tell my secretary to put the paper in my mail box, and I’ll get it when I return.W: I sure appreciate it. Goodbye, Dr. Ellis.M: Goodbye, Ms. Johnson.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have j ust heard.9. Why couldn’t the woman’s roommate attend the Shakespeare an English class that afternoon?10. What favor is the woman going to do for her roommate?11. What does the woman want to know at the end of the co nversation?Passage OneMost American college students need to be efficient readers. T his is necessary because full-time students probably have to read se veral hundred pages every week. They don't have time to read a c hapter three or four times. They need to extract as much informatio n as possible from the first or second reading.An extraordinarily important study skill is knowing how to mar k a book. Students mark the main ideas and important details with a pen or pencil, yellow or blue or orange. Some students mark ne w vocabulary in a different color. Most students write questions or short notes in the margins. Marking a book is a useful skill, but it' s important to do it right. First, read a chapter with one pen in yo ur hand and others next to you on the desk. Second, read a whole paragraph before you mark anything. Don't mark too much. Usuall y you will mark about 10% of a passage. Third, decide on your o wn system for marking. For example, maybe you will mark main i deas in yellow, important details in blue and new words in orange. Maybe you will put question marks in the margin when you don't understand something and before an exam. Instead, you just need t o review your marks and you can save a lot of time.16. What should American college students do to cope with th eir heavy reading assignments?17. What suggestion does the speaker give about marking a te xtbook?18. How should students prepare for an exam according to the speaker?Passage TwoThe thought of having no sleep for 24 hours or more isn't a p leasant one for most people. The amount of sleep that each person needs varies. In general, each of us needs about 8 hours of sleep each day to keep us healthy and happy. Some people, however, ca n get by with just a few hours of sleep at night.It doesn't matter when or how much a person sleeps. But ever yone needs some rest to stay alive. Few doctors would have thoug ht that there might be an exception to this. Sleep is, after all, a ve ry basic need. But a man named Al Herpin turned out to be a real exception, for supposedly, he never slept!Al Herpin was 90 years old when doctors came to his home i n New Jersy. They hoped to challenge the claim that he never slep t. But they were surprised. Though they watched him every hour of the day, they never saw Herpin sleeping. He did not even own a bed. He never needed one.The closest that Herpin came to resting was to sit in a rockin g chair and read a half dozen newspapers. His doctors were puzzled by the strange case of permanent sleeplessness. Herpin offered the only clue to his condition. He remembered some talk about his mother having been injured several days before he had been born. Herpin died at the age of 94, never, it seems, having slept at all.19. What is taken for granted by most people?20. What do doctors think of Al Herpin's case?21. What could have accounted for Al Herpin's sleeplessness? Among the kinds of social gestures most significant for second lang uage teachers, are those which are identical in form, but different i n meaning in the two cultures. For example, a Columbian who wan ts someone to approach him often signals with a hand movement, i n which all the fingers of one hand cupped point downward as the y move rapidly back and forth. Speakers of English have a similar gesture, though the hand may not be cupped and the fingers may be held more loosely. But for them, the gesture means "goodbye" o r "go away", quite the opposite of the Columbian gesture. Again in Columbia, a speaker of English would have to know that when he indicates height, he must choose between different gestures depending on whether he is referring to a human being or an animal. If he keeps the palm of the hand parallel to the floor, as he would i n his own culture when making known the height of a child for ex ample, he will very likely be greeted by laughter. In Columbia, this gesture is reserved for the description of animals. In order to desc ribe human beings, he should keep the palm of his hand at a right angle to the floor. Substitutions of one gesture for the other often create not only humorous but also embarrassing moments. In both of the examples above, speakers from two different cultures have t he same gesture physically, but its meaning differs sharply。