1998年6月大学英语四级(CET-4)真题听力原文

听力原文

Section A

1.

W: I often mistake Jim for Bob. Can you tell them apart?

M: No, they look so much alike that they even confused their mother sometimes when

they were young.

Q: What is the most probable relationship between Jim and Bob?

2.

W: I'm thinking of going to Austin for a visit. Do you think it's worth seeing?

M: Well, I wish I had been there.

Q: What do we learn from the conversation?

3.

M: It's so hot today. I simply can't work. I wish there were a fan in this room.

W: So do I. I'll fall asleep if I stay here any longer.

Q: What are they complaining about?

4.

M: Excuse me, I have a ticket for the 6 o'clock flight to New York. But I'm afraid

I can't make it. Is there a seat available for tomorrow morning?

W: Let me see. I'm sorry. All the morning flights have been booked up. The earliest

we can get for you is the two o'clock flight in the afternoon.

Q: What does the conversation tell us?

5.

W: Jack，I can't find Volumn Ten. Could you check for me who borrowed it? M: Here it is, on the upper shelf, next to Volumn Two.

Q: Why can't the woman find the book?

6.

M: Have you a table for four?

W: Certainly, Sir. A corner table or would you rather be near the window? Q: What is the man doing?

7.

W: It's been very cold in the past two days.

M: We haven't seen the worst of it yet. More snow is forecast next week accompanied

by strong winds.

Q: What will the weather be like?

8.

W: I'd like to buy a copy of Professor Frankling's book on sea shells.

M: I'm sorry. Ms. That book has been out of print for some time now. Q: What does the man say about the book?

9.

M: Did Henry paint the whole house himself?

W: He had it painted, because he doesn't like climbing ladders.

Q: What do we learn from the conversation?

10.

W: Look at that big field of cotton. And there's a farm with some beautiful houses.

M: You really get to know the country when you go by train, don't you? Q: Where did the conversation most probably take place?

Section B

Passage One

Sam had worked 30 years for the same company and now he had to retire. As a sign of gratitude, the company held a dinner in his honor. “Sam”announced his boss ,“ It is my great honour to present this gift to you on behalf of the company. ” Sam walked down to the front of the table and accepted the gift with pride. It was a gold watch and on it was written “To faithful Sam for 30 years of service.” Sam wept. “I am at a loss for words.” At home, Sam, s wife looked at the gold watch critically.“For this you worked 30 years? A cheap gold-plated watch?”“It's the thought dear.”answered Sam.“The important thing is that I am not working any more.” His wife held the gold watch to her ear and said: “Neither is your watch.”

Questions 11 to 13 are based on the passage you have just heard.

11. What did the company do to honor Sam?

12. How did Sam feel when he saw what was written on the watch?

13. What can we infer from the story?

Passage Two

Religious and private schools receive little or no support from public taxes in the United States. As a result, they are more expensive to attend. The religious schools in America are usually run by churches. Therefore they tend to be less expensive than private schools. When there is free education available to all children in the United States, why do people spend money on private schools? Amer icans offer a great variety of reasons for doing so. Some parents send their children to private schools because the classes there are usually smaller. In their opinion the public schools in their area are not of high enough quality to meet their needs. Private schools in the United States range widely in size and quality, and they offer all kinds of programmes to meet the needs of certain students.