分类目录大学英语四级

2018年12月英语四级第1套听力原文及题目

Section A
Direction: 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.

News Report 1
A device that weighs less than one kilogram is part of a mission that will allow scientists to deliver fourth generation or 4G mobile coverage to the moon in 2019. If successful, the tiny device will provide the moon with its first ever mobile phone network. The lunar network will support high-definition streaming of video and data between the moon and Earth. The network is part of Mission to the Moon. This is a project with the goal of landing the first privately paid for mission to the moon. The 4G mission is set to launch from Cape Canaveral in the United States on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in 2019. Mission to the Moon intends to establish and test the first elements of a communications network on the moon. The scientists working on the project opted to build a 4G, rather than a fifth generation or 5G network. This is because fifth generation networks are still in testing and trial phases. This means that a 5G network may not yet be stable enough to work on the moon’s surface.
Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 1: What are scientists planning to do?
Question 2: Why did scientists choose to set up a 4G network in their mission?

1.
A) Land a space vehicle on the moon in 2019.
B) Design a new generation of mobile phones.
C) Set up a mobile phone network on the moon.
D) Gather data from the moon with a tiny device.

2.
A) It is stable.
B) It is durable.
C) It is inexpensive.
D) It is sophisticated.

News Report 2
Firefighters responded to a fire Wednesday night at an abandoned mall in Hayward. The fire was reported at 9:26 p.m. at an old shopping center on Mission Avenue near Saint Mary’s church. Six fire engines, two trucks and two chiefs responded to the scene. Crews had the fire under control in about 45 minutes and managed to contain the fire to its point of origin. There were some people inside the building when the fire broke out, but there were no reports of any injuries. Fire investigators have responded to the scene but have not yet determined the cause of the fire. Firefighters will remain on the scene until later this morning to ensure that the fire doesn’t start up again. The shopping mall had not been in use since 2002. In 2014, City Hall developed a plan to knock down the building and replace it with affordable housing. However, the plan was dropped due to lack of funds.
Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 3: What does the news item say about the fire?
Question 4: What had City Hall planned to do?

3.
A) It lasted more than six hours.
B) No injuries were yet reported.
C) Nobody was in the building when it broke out.
D) It had burned for 45 minutes by the time firefighters arrived.

4.
A) Recruit and train more firefighters.
B) Pull down the deserted shopping mall.
C) Turn the shopping mall into an amusement park.
D) Find money to renovate the local neighborhood.

News Report 3
Potato chips in Japan are being sold for 6 times their normal price. This is after the country’s main manufacturer stopped sales due to a potato shortage. Storms and floods in its main potato-growing region last year caused the worst harvest in more than 3 decades. Local media reports suggest Calbee and its main rival Koike-Ya are halting almost 50 products. “We don’t know when we’ll be able to restart,” a company spokesman said. Snack lovers are panic buying, and many supermarket shelves are bare. Japanese laws limit the amount of imported potatoes that can be used in Japanese-made products. Japan says fear of disease is its main reason to block fresh imports. It still only allows potatoes from selected US states. This is only at certain times and on condition that they are processed at factories based near Japanese ports. But global warming has raised the possibility that domestic produce could be seriously affected by rare weather events more often.
Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 5: What problem is Japan facing?
Question 6: Why does Japan limit the import of potatoes?
Question 7: What might affect Japanese domestic produce?

5.
A) Shrinking potato farming.
B) Heavy reliance on import.
C) Widespread plant disease.
D) Insufficient potato supply.

6.
A) It intends to keep its traditional diet.
B) It wants to expand its own farming.
C) It is afraid of the spread of disease.
D) It is worried about unfair competition.

7.
A) Global warming.
B) Ever-rising prices.
C) Government regulation.
D) Diminishing investment.

Section B
Direction: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation 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.

Conversation 1
M: Mr. Brown’s lectures are so boring.
W: Yes, he is not a very exciting speaker. But the subject is interesting.
M: During every one of his lectures, I try to listen. I really ty, but after about ten minutes, my mind begins to wander and I lose concentration. But I see that you seen to be OK. How do you stay focused through the entire hour?
W: Well, what I do is keep my pen moving.
M: What do you mean?
W: It’s a method of active concentration I read about. One of the most effective ways to concentrate is to write things down. But it has to be done by hand, not typing on a keyboard. You see, writing by hand forces you to actually engage with what you are learning in a more physical way.
M: Do you review your notes afterwards then?
W: Sometimes, but that’s not important. My notes may or may not be useful. But the point is that by writing down what Mr. Brown says, I can follow his line of thinking more easily. In fact, sometimes I draw a little too.
M: You draw in class? And that helps you pay attention?
W: Yes, honesty, it works for me. I just draw little lines and nonsense really. It was also in that article I read. It can keep the mind active, prevent getting bored and help to concentrate. Again, the point is to listen hard while keeping the pen moving. If I’m at home and I need to study, what I do is read out loud. It has a similar effect to writing by hand. It helps memorize information in a physical way.
Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
Question 8: What does the man think of Mr. Brown’s lectures?
Question 9: What does the woman do during Mr. Brown’s lectures?
Question 10: Why does the woman draw in class?
Question 11: What does the woman say about reading out loud?

8.
A) Informative.
B) Inspiring.
C) Dull.
D) Shallow.

9.
A) She types on a keyboard.
B) She does recording.
C) She takes photos.
D) She takes notes.

10.
A) It keeps her mind active.
B) It makes her stay awake.
C) It enables her to think hard.
D) It helps her kill time.

11.
A) It enables her to improve her pronunciation.
B) It helps her better remember what she learns.
C) It turns out to be an enjoyable way of learning.
D) It proves to be far more effective than writing.

Conversation 2
M: And where is this?
W: These photos are from the Taj Mahal in India. We went there about ten years ago for our honeymoon.
M: Was it romantic?
W: Yeah, the Taj Mahal was a very romantic place. The guide told us there is a famous love story behind this building that all Indians learn in school. I think it was during the 1600s and the princess at that time died while giving birth to her 14th child. The emperor loved the princess so much and was so sad when she died that he ordered the palace to be built in her honor.
M: Wow, that sounds very romantic. It looks amazing.
W: Yes, it’s gorgeous. It’s also larger in real life than it looks in the photos. The building is very tall and there are gardens and a wall around it all. It’s all built in this white stone. And some walls of the building are decorated with jewels.
M: It must have been very crowded when you were there.
W: Yes, it’s a very famous tourist destination, so there are thousands of visitors every day.
M: Was the rest of India crowded?
W: Yes, very crowded in many cities. It was sometimes so crowded that it was difficult to walk along the streets, especially through busy markets. And there are so many cars. Traffic was terrible. But the people are friendly. The culture is amazing. And we had a great time.
M: What about the food?
W: Indian food is great. There are lots of different dishes to try, and every region has its own special food.
Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
Question 12: For what purpose did the woman go to India?
Question 13: Why was the Taj Mahal built?
Question 14: What does the woman say about the Taj Mahal?
Question 15: What is the woman’s impression of Indian cities?

12.
A) To spend her honeymoon.
B) To try authentic Indian food.
C) To take photos of the Taj Mahal.
D) To trace the origin of a love story.

13.
A) In memory of a princess.
B) In honor of a great emperor.
C) To mark the death of an emperor of the 1600s.
D) To celebrate the birth of a princess’s 14th child.

14.
A) It looks older than expected.
B) It is built of wood and bricks.
C) It stores lots of priceless antiques.
D) It has walls decorated with jewels.

15.
A) Their streets are narrow.
B) They are mostly crowded.
C) Each one has a unique character.
D) Life can be tedious in some places.

Section C
Direction: 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.

Passage 1
A Pew Research Center survey of more than 1,000 Americans conducted in April, 2016, finds that Americans continue to express largely positive views about the current state of their local public libraries. For instance, around three quarters say that public libraries provide them with the resources they need. And 66% say the closing of their local public library would have a major impact on their community although notably, just 33% say this would have a major impact on them personally or on their family. A majority of Americans feel libraries are doing a good job of providing a safe place for people to hang out or spend time as well as opening up educational opportunities for people of all ages. And roughly half think that libraries contribute “a lot” to their communities in terms of helping spark creativity among young people and providing a trusted place for people to learn about new technologies. As in past Pew Research Center surveys of library use, the April 2016 survey also measured Americans’ usage of and engagement with libraries. Overall, 53% of Americans, age 16 and older, have had some interaction with a public library in the past year—either through an in-person visit or using a library website. Some 48% of adults specifically visited a library in the past 12 months, a modest increase from the 44% who said that in late 2015.
Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 16: What do most Americans say about local public libraries?
Question 17: How can local public libraries benefit young people?
Question 18: What does the 2016 survey show about adult library users?

16.
A) They help spread the latest technology.
B) They greatly enrich people’s leisure life.
C) They provide residents with the resources needed.
D) They allow free access to digital books and videos.

17.
A) By helping them find jobs.
B) By inspiring their creativity.
C) By keeping them off the streets.
D) By providing a place of relaxation.

18.
A) Their interaction with teenagers proved fruitful.
B) They used libraries less often than teenagers.
C) They tended to visit libraries regularly.
D) Their number increased modestly.

Passage 2
A Savannah cat is a cross breed between the domestic cat and a medium-sized wild African cat called the Serval. The unusual cross became popular among breeders at the end of the 1990s, and in 2001 the International Cat Association accepted it as a new registered breed. The Savannahs are tall and slim and can weigh up to 9.1 kilograms, making them one of the largest breeds of cats that people can own. They have a spotted coat similar to that of many types of wild cats and their ears are very large. They are also commonly compared to dogs in their loyalty, and can be trained to walk on a lead and to fetch. An often-noted characteristic of the Savannah is its jumping ability. They are known to jump on top of doors and high cabinets. Some can leap about 2.5 meters high from a standing position. Cats are typically known for being very inquisitive and so are the Savannahs. They often learn how to open doors and cupboards. Many Savannah cats do not fear water and will play with or even dive into water. Some owners even shower with their Savannah cats. Presenting a water bowl to a Savannah may also prove a challenge, as some will promptly begin to bat all the water out of the bowl until it is empty using their front paws.
Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 19: What do we learn about the Savannah cat?
Question 20: What is characteristic of Savannah cats?
Question 21: What do some people do with their Savannah cats?

19.
A) It is the cleverest cat in the world.
B) It is the largest cat in Africa.
C) It is an unusual cross breed.
D) It is a large-sized wild cat.

20.
A) They are as loyal as dogs.
B) They have unusually long tails.
C) They are fond of sleeping in cabinets.
D) They know how to please their owners.

21.
A) They shake their front paws.
B) They teach them to dive.
C) They shower with them.
D) They shout at them.

Passage 3
When children start school for the very first time, parents often feel a sense of excitement coupled with a touch of sadness at the end of an era. This is the start of a new adventure for children: playing and interacting with new friends, sharing, taking turns and settling into a new routine. But of course, this is not the start of your child’s education which in fact began at birth. Back then, you would have been your child’s most influential teachers. During this time at home, your child would have learned more than at any other period in their life. During your child’s first year in school, much time will be spent in learning to read and they need to know that this is fun and worthwhile. Your child will naturally copy you, so it is important that you are seen reading and enjoying books, newspapers and magazines rather than just absorbed in screens. Ultimately, an excellent education should be a close partnership between parents and teachers. A child’s year splits fairly neatly into thirds: a third at school, a third asleep and a third awake at home or on holiday. Irrespective of the quality of a school, a child’s home life is of key importance. It is the determining factor of their academic success. Your child may have started on a new journey but your work is far from finished.
Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 22: How do parents feel when their children start going to school?
Question 23: What does the passage say about children’s education?
Question 24: What should parents do for the success of their children’s education?
Question 25: What does the passage say is the key factor of children’s academic success?

22.
A) Anxious and depressed.
B) Contented and relieved.
C) Excited but somewhat sad.
D) Proud but a bit nervous.

23.
A) It is becoming parents biggest concern.
B) It is gaining increasing public attention.
C) It depends on their parents for success.
D) It starts the moment they are born.

24.
A) Set a good example for them to follow.
B) Read books and magazines to them.
C) Help them to learn by themselves.
D) Choose the right school for them.

25.
A) Their intelligence.
B) Their home life.
C) The effort they put in learning.
D) The quality of their school.

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2018年12月英语四级第2套听力原文及题目

Section A
Direction: 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.

News Report 1
Rescue crews pulled a man to safety after a collapse at a construction site in Brooklyn on Tuesday. The incident happened on the 400 block of Rutland Road just after 12:30 p.m. The Fire Department of New York says the vacant 100-year-old building being pulled down partially collapsed. A man described as a “non-worker civilian” was buried up to his waist in the basement. The man was collecting building materials when the first floor collapsed underneath him. He was trapped under a beam about 10 feet below the surface for nearly an hour and a half. The man was then taken to hospital. Officials said he is in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries. The building was reportedly purchased by a neighboring church in 2011. It was the site of a 2006 fire and has remained vacant ever since.
Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 1: What happened at a construction site in Brooklyn on Tuesday?
Question 2: What does the report say about the “non-worker civilian”?
Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.

1.
A) A man was pulled to safety after a building collapse.
B) A beam about ten feet long collapsed to the ground.
C) A rescue worker got trapped in the basement.
D) A deserted 100-year-old building caught fire.

2.
A) He suffered a fatal injury in an accident.
B) He once served in a fire department.
C) He was collecting building materials.
D) He moved into his neighbor’s old house.

News Report 2
Millions of people are struggling to understand their paychecks or calculate money in shops, campaigners have said. Being bad at maths should no longer be seen as a “badge of honor” or down to genetics, according to National Numeracy, a new organization which aims to challenge the nation’s negative view of the subject. Chris Humphries, chairman of the group, said that poor maths skills can affect an individual’s life, leaving them at a higher risk of being excluded from school or out of work. “Figures from a government survey, published last year, show that 17 million adults in England have basic maths skills that are, at best, the same as an 11-year-old,” he said. Speaking at the lounge of National Numeracy, Mr. Humphries said, “That’s a scary figure, because what it means is they often can’t calculate or give change.” Mike Ellicock, chief executive of National Numeracy, said: “We want to challenge this ‘I can’t do maths’ attitude that is prevalent in the UK,” adding that it was vital that all primary school teachers understand key maths concepts, as young children who fail to learn the basics will suffer later on.
Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 3: What does the organization National Numeracy aim to do?
Question 4: What is vital according to the chief executive of National Numeracy?

3.
A) Improve the maths skills of high school teachers.
B) Change British people’s negative view of maths.
C) Help British people understand their paychecks.
D) Launch a campaign to promote maths teaching.

4.
A) Children take maths courses at an earlier age.
B) The public sees the value of maths in their life.
C) British people know how to do elementary calculations.
D) Primary school teachers understand basic maths concepts.

News Report 3
The Dutch king has revealed that for more than two decades, he has held down a part-time second job alongside his royal duties. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands said that he recently ended his role as a regular “guest pilot” after 21 years with the national airline’s fleet of now-outdated aircraft. As a guest flier, the king worked about twice a month, always as co-pilot. He will now retrain to fly the bigger Boeing 737s as the old planes are being phased out of service. The 50-year-old father of three and king to 17 million Dutch citizens calls flying a “hobby”. It lets him leave his royal duties on the ground and fully focus on something else. “You have an aircraft, passengers and crew. You have responsibility for them,” the king said. “You can’t take your problems from the ground into the skies. You can completely change focus and concentrate on something else. That, for me, is the most relaxing part of flying.” Willem-Alexander said he is rarely recognised by passengers. Very few people pay attention to him as he walks through the airport in his airline uniform and cap.
Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 5: What does the report say about the Dutch king?
Question 6: Why does the king say he likes flying?
Question 7: What does the king say about passengers at the airport?

5.
A) He owns a fleet of aircraft.
B) He is learning to be a pilot.
C) He regards his royal duties as a burden.
D) He held a part-time job for over 20 years.

6.
A) He can demonstrate his superior piloting skills.
B) He can change his focus of attention and relax.
C) He can show his difference from other royalty.
D) He can come into closer contact with his people.

7.
A) They enjoyed his company.
B) They liked him in his uniform.
C) They rarely recognised him.
D) They were surprised to see him.

Section B
Direction: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation 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.

Conversation 1
M: Morning, Miss Semenov. Welcome to our studio.
W: Thanks. My pleasure.
M: OK then. Let me start by asking you how old your company is.
W: My grandparents started the company in 1955.
M: Why did they decide to open a furniture plant in Bucharest?
W: At that time there was a construction boom. There was a great need for furniture and my grandparents saw a business opportunity. Their aim was to provide quality yet affordable wooden furniture. And this goal has never changed.
M: Do you still only work with wood?
W: That’s right. It’s what we know and what we do best. If we started trying different materials, our quality would probably suffer.
M: And all the wood is local?
W: Correct. A hundred percent of our raw material comes from Romania.
M: Could you please outline how the company has grown over time? What have been the main challenges and opportunities that you have faced?
W: Well, back in the 50s and 60s, Romania was a lot poorer than it is today. My grandfather and father did not have much capital, and our customers didn’t have much money either. So that limited growth. The big change was in 2007 when Romania joined the European Union. Suddenly, our market exploded in size and we could now sell our products all across the continent. There was also more financial investment. And, as a result, we went from having 20 employees to 200.
M: Which countries are your biggest market?
W: Besides Romania, our biggest market is Germany. There is strong demand there for our traditional style of furniture.
Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
Question 8: Why did Semenov’s grandparents start a furniture plant in Bucharest?
Question 9: What was Semenov’s grandfather trying to do?
Question 10: What does Semenov say about her company’s raw materials?
Question 11: Where does Semenov’s company sell their products?

8.
A) They were skilled carpenters themselves.
B) It didn’t need much capital to start with.
C) Wood supply was plentiful in Romania.
D) They saw a business opportunity there.

9.
A) Provide quality furniture at affordable prices.
B) Attract foreign investment to expand business.
C) Enlarge their company by hiring more workers.
D) Open some more branch companies in Germany.

10.
A) They are from her hometown.
B) They are imported from Germany.
C) They all come from Romania.
D) They come from all over the continent.

11.
A) All across Europe.
B) Throughout the world.
C) Mostly in Bucharest.
D) In Romania only.

Conversation 2
M: Have you heard about the new restaurant, the Pearl? Susan and I are going to try it out this weekend. We have a reservation on Saturday at 7 o’clock. I can call to add two more to the table if you’d like.
W: That sounds great We’d love to join you. You always seem to know the best places to go. Where do you hear about these things?
M: I have a habit of reading 614 Magazine. It has all the information on local events within the 614 column code area.
W: That was a clever name for the magazine then. Does it only focus on new restaurant openings?
M: They have other information too. Things like concerts, festivals and small shops. I think the restaurant information and reviews are the most exciting though. Each year they also sponsor a local event called Restaurant Week.
W: Restaurant Week? What’s that?
M: Oh, it’s wonderful. All the stylish restaurants participate. They have special set menus for the week, usually in spring, at a number of different price points. Susan and I go to at least three different places during the event. It’s a great opportunity to try some of the more expensive restaurants at a discounted price and try something new. That’s how we found the Pearl, actually.
W: Wow, that’s an event I would be interested in. When will it be happening this year?
M: You are in luck. Restaurant Week starts in just a few days, the first Sunday in May. Let’s make sure they set a double date during the event. Just let me know what type of food you would like to try.
W: Okay, I will.
Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
Question 12: What does the man invite the woman to do this weekend?
Question 13: What does the man say about 614 Magazine?
Question 14: What does the man usually do with Susan during Restaurant Week?
Question 15: Why does the man say the woman is in luck?

12.
A) Go to a concert with him and his girlfriend.
B) Try out a new restaurant together in town.
C) Go with him to choose a pearl for Susan.
D) Attend the opening of a local restaurant.

13.
A) It is sponsored by local restaurants.
B) It specializes in food advertizing.
C) It is especially popular with the young.
D) It provides information on local events.

14.
A) They design a special set of menus for themselves.
B) They treat themselves to various entertainments.
C) They go to eat at different stylish restaurants.
D) They participate in a variety of social events.

15.
A) More restaurants will join Restaurant Week.
B) This year’s Restaurant Week will start soon.
C) Bigger discounts will be offered this Restaurant Week.
D) More types of food will be served this Restaurant Week.

Section C
Direction: 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.

Passage 1
All parents know it is difficult to get children to eat their vegetables. Some of them offer rewards or treats for children finishing their share. But researchers have discovered that youngsters who are not praised for trying vegetables are more likely to eat them eventually. The study found that the best way to get children to eat food they do not like is simply to give them repeated exposure to it. Psychologists from Ghent University in Belgium studied 98 children. They gave them five kinds of vegetables to eat-mushrooms, peas, eggplants, carrots and cabbages. The taste tests revealed that carrots were the least-liked vegetable among youngsters. The children were then given a bowl of boiled carrots and told to choose how much to eat. After 8 minutes, they were asked to rate the dish as “delicious,” “just OK” or “disgusting.” The trial went on twice a week for a month, with a follow-up taste test after 8 weeks. Children were split into three groups, with one group asked to try the bowl of carrots repeatedly with no further encouragement. The other two groups were given rewards of a toy or verbal praise. After the trial, 81% of children who simply tried the carrots consistently liked them. This is in contrast to 68% for the group given a toy and 75% for the group given verbal praise.
Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 16: What is the best way to get children to eat vegetables according to a recent study?
Question 17: What did the researchers find about carrots?
Question 18: What does the result of this research show?

16.
A) Rewarding them for eating vegetables.
B) Exposing them to vegetables repeatedly.
C) Improving the taste of vegetable dishes for them.
D) Explaining the benefits of eating vegetables to them.

17.
A) They were disliked most by children.
B) They were considered most nutritious.
C) They were least used in Belgian cooking.
D) They were essential to children’s health.

18.
A) Vegetables differ in their nutritional value.
B) Children’s eating habits can be changed.
C) Parents watch closely what children eat.
D) Children’s choices of food vary greatly.

Passage 2
One thing about the moon many people don’t know is that it has a lot of garbage on its surface, leftover from human space exploration. But how much garbage exactly have humans left on the moon? It’s hard to be accurate, but the trash likely weighs more than 181,000 kilograms on Earth. Much of it was left by American astronauts who landed on the lunar surface between 1969 and 1972 during NASA’s Apollo missions. The other rubbish comes from missions that did not have human crews. These missions were conducted by various space exploring agencies, including those from the US, Russia, Japan, India, and Europe. Many of the older pieces are equipment sent to learn about the moon. The equipment stayed there after its missions ended. The moon is also home to lunar orbiters that mapped the moon before they crashed into its surface, adding to the garbage heap. The objects left by the Apollo astronauts included equipment that was no longer needed. Bringing back unneeded equipment would have used up precious resources such as fuel. But, as the saying goes, one person’s trash is another’s treasure. Researchers can study the garbage left on the moon to see how its materials weathered the radiation and vacuum of space over time. Moreover, some of the objects on the moon are still being used, including a laser-range reflector left by the Apollo 11 crew.
Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 19: What does the passage say may be unknown to many people?
Question 20: Why has a lot of equipment been left on the moon?
Question 21: What can researchers do with the garbage on the moon?

19.
A) Space exploration has serious consequences.
B) India has many space exploration programs.
C) There is quite a lot to learn about the moon.
D) A lot of garbage has been left on the moon.

20.
A) It is costly to bring back.
B) It is risky to destroy.
C) It is of no use on Earth.
D) It is damaged by radiation.

21.
A) Record details of space exploration.
B) Monitor the change of lunar weather.
C) Study the effect of radiation and vacuum on its materials.
D) Explore the possibility of human settlement on the moon.

Passage 3
In my line of work, I receive a lot of emails. I also send a lot of emails. Though social media and messaging apps have taken over some of the roles from email as a form of communication, email is likely to retain an important role for business communication in the future. Surprisingly, though, a lot of companies and organizations lack formal guidelines for emailing. As most of you will soon be entering the workforce, I would like to share with you my own rules for emailing. If someone sends you an email, reply to them acknowledging the email. A simple “thank you” let the sender know that their email has arrived safely, that it has not been lost among what could be 50 other emails that have arrived in your email inbox that day. It’s not necessary to reply to a mass email sent to numerous recipients. These emails are often informative rather than personalized correspondence requiring a response or action. But it’s common politeness to respond to a personal message, preferably within 24 hours of receiving it. It’s also important to use proper English. Just because emails are a quick form of communication, doesn’t mean emails, especially business emails, should be written using informal shortened forms of words. Think of an email as a letter. Spelling, grammar and punctuation should not be overlooked. And never use capitals to emphasize a word or words in an email. It’s the same as yelling.
Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 22: What does the passage say about email?
Question 23: What should one do upon receiving a personalized email?
Question 24: What does the passage say about a mass email?
Question 25: What should one do when writing a business email?

22.
A) It is likely to remain a means of business communication.
B) It is likely to be a competitor of various messaging apps.
C) It will gradually be replaced by social media.
D) It will have to be governed by specific rules.

23.
A) Save the message in their file.
B) Make a timely response.
C) Examine the information carefully.
D) See if any action needs to be taken.

24.
A) It is to be passed on.
B) It is mostly junk.
C) It requires no reply.
D) It causes no concern.

25.
A) Make it as short as possible.
B) Use simple and clear language.
C) Adopt an informal style of writing.
D) Avoid using capitals for emphasis.

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2017年06月英语四级第1套听力原文及题目

Section A
Direction: 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.

News Report 1
One of Google’s self-driving cars crashed into a bus in California last month. There were no injuries. It is not the first time one of Google’s famed self-driving cars has been involved in a crash, but it may be the first time it has caused one. On February 14th the self-driving car, travelling at 2mph (3km/h), pulled out in front of a public bus going 15mph (24km/h). The man in the Google vehicle reported that he assumed the bus would slow down to let the car out, and so he did not switch to the manual mode. In a statement, Google said: “We clearly bear some responsibility, because if our car hadn’t moved, there wouldn’t have been a crash.” That said, “our test driver believed the bus was going to slow or stop to allow us to merge into the traffic, and that there would be sufficient space to do that.” The company’s self-driving cars have done well over a million miles across various states in the US, and until now have only reported minor accidents.
Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 1: According to Google, what was the cause of the accident?
Question 2: How have Google’s self-driving cars performed so far?

1.
A) The man in the car was absent-minded.
B) The test driver made a wrong judgement.
C) The self-driving system was faulty.
D) The car was moving at a fast speed.

2.
A) They have done better than conventional cars.
B) They have caused several severe crashes.
C) They have posed a threat to other drivers.
D) They have generally done quite well.

News Report 2
Thousands of bees left a town after landing on the back of a car when their queen got stuck in its boot. Tom Moses who works at a nearby national park, noticed a “brown patch” on the back of the car after the owner parked it to do some shopping. When he looked closer, he realized it was a huge group of bees. Moses said: “I have never seen that many bees in one spot. It was very unusual. They were very close together and there was a lot of noise and movements. It was interesting to see such a strange sight. But there were a lot of people around and I was a bit worried about the bees and the people stopping to look. I thought that someone might do something stupid.” Moses called two local bees specialists who helped removed the bees by attracting them into a box. Moses spent three hours looking after the bees and was stung five times. He said, “My stings are a bit painful but I am pleased that all worked out and I could help. People need to realize that bees are valuable and they should be looked after.”
Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 3: What do we learn about Tom Moses?
Question 4: What do we know about the bees on the back of the car?

3.
A) He works at a national park.
B) He is a queen been specialist.
C) He removed the beyond from the boot.
D) He drove the bees away from his car.

4.
A) They were looking after the queen.
B) They were making a lot of noise.
C) They were looking for a new box to live in.
D) They were dancing in a unique way.

News Report 3
A new species of snake has been discovered on a remote island in the Bahamas. Scientists identified 20 of the one meter-long snakes during two trips to the Caribbean islands. The second trip was made in October last year. One of the creatures made a dramatic appearance by moving on to the head of the team leader as he slept. The snake has been named silver boa because it is metallic colored and the first specimen found was climbing a silver palm tree. The team was led by Dr. Graham Reynolds, from Harvard University, the scientist confirmed the snake was a previously unknown species after conducting a genetic analysis of tissue samples. Commenting on the find, snake expert Robert Henderson from the Museum of Natural History said: “Worldwide new species of frogs are being discovered and described quite regularly. New species of snakes, however, are much rarer.”
Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 5: What is the news report mainly about?
Question 6: What do we learn about the scientific team leader?
Question 7: How did the newly discovered creature get its name?

5.
A) The discovery of a new species of snake.
B) The second trip to a small remote island.
C) The finding of 2 new species of frog.
D) The latest test on rare animal species.

6.
A) A poisonous snake attacked him on his field trip.
B) He discovered a rare fog on a deserted.
C) A snake crawled onto his head in his sleep.
D) He fell from a tall palm tree by accident.

7.
A) From its genes.
B) From its length.
C) From its origin.
D) From its colour.

Section B
Direction: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation 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.

Conversation 1
W: Did you enjoy your stay with us, Mr. Brown?
M: Yes, very much. I had a wonderful time here. Now I’m going to the airport. My flight leaves in less than 2 hours. So, could you tell me, what’s the quickest way to get there?
W: Well, we can call a taxi for you. We also have a free airport shuttle service.
M: That sounds great, but will the shuttle get me to the airport in time?
W: Yes, it should. The next shuttle leaves in 15 minutes. And it takes some 25 minutes to get to the airport.
M: Fantastic! I’ll just wait in the lobby. Will you please let me know when it’s leaving?
W: Of course, sir.
M: Now I would like to settle my mini-bar bill. How much is that?
W: Let’s see. It comes to $37.50. How would you like to pay for it?
M: I’ll pay with my credit card. Thanks. But I’ll need a receipt, so I can charge it to my company.
W: Absolutely! Here you are, sir. If you like, I can leave your bags with the porter. And he can load them onto the shuttle for you when it arrives.
M: That would be great. Thank you.
W: Would you like to leave a comment on our web page when you have time?
M: Sure. I had a really good stay here, and I’d like to recommend your hotel to my friends and colleagues.
W: That’s very kind of you. Thank you again for staying at Sheraton Hotel.
Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
Question 8: Why does the man ask about the quickest way to the airport?
Question 9: How is the man going to pay his bill?
Question 10: What did the man ask the woman to do?
Question 11: What favor does the woman ask of the man?

8.
A) The security check takes time.
B) He has to check a lot of luggage.
C) His flight is leaving in less than 2 hours.
D) The airport is a long way from the hotel.

9.
A) In cash.
B) By credit card.
C) With a traveler’s check.
D) With his smart phone.

10.
A) Give him a receipt.
B) Confirm his flight.
C) Look after his luggage.
D) Find a porter for him.

11.
A) Signing up for membership of S Hotel.
B) Staying in the same hotel next time he comes.
C) Loading her luggage onto the airport shuttle.
D) Posting a comment on the hotel’s webpage.

Conversation 2
M: You know, Ben’s given up making those terrible faces he used to make. The other day, he came home from school almost in tears. His teacher said if he went on like that, his face would get stuck when the winds changed.
W: And he believed her?
M: Yeah, he’s only a little boy. Don’t you remember all those things we used to believe when we were little? I remember my aunt Mary used to say if you swallow a cherrystone, a tree would grow out of your mouth. And I’m still terrified today, sort of subconsciously. You know, if I swallow one by mistake…
W: Yeah, I suppose you’re right. The one that used to get me was that swans could break your leg when they blow of the wing.
M: They can, can’t they? I always thought they could.
W: No, they are not that strong. But there’s another one even more terrifying. That is, if you put a post stamp on upside down, you will go to prison.
M: No, never heard of that. But my grandmother was a terror for that kind of thing. For example, she would say, you will get a spot on your tongue if you tell a lie. If you eat stale bread, your hair will curl. And here’s one more. We went on a camping trip once in Italy, and my wife spent the whole time worrying about bats getting into her hair. She said her grandmother reckoned you had to shave your head to get it out. My wife was really terrified.
W: Silly, isn’t it? But that’s how some parents try to keep their kids from doing the wrong thing or getting into trouble.
Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
Question 12: What does the man say about Ben?
Question 13: What did aunt Marry used to do when the man was a child?
Question 14: What does the woman believe swans could do?
Question 15: What did the grandmother of the man’s wife say?

12.
A) He is the only boy in his family.
B) He becomes tearful in wind.
C) He has stopped making terrible faces.
D) He is his teacher’s favorite student.

13.
A) Tell him to play in her backyard.
B) Do something funny to amuse him.
C) Give him some cherry stones to play with.
D) Warn him of danger by making up a story.

14.
A) They could break people’s legs.
B) They could sometimes terrify adults.
C) They could fly against a strong wind.
D) They could knock people unconscious.

15.
A) One would get a spot on their tongues if they told a lie deliberately.
B) One would have to shave their head to remove a bat in their hair.
C) One would go to prison if they put a stamp on upside down.
D) One would have curly hair if they ate too much stale bread.

Section C
Direction: 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.

Passage 1
If I could go back in history and live when I liked, I wouldn’t go back very far. In fact, I’d like to relive a period I’ve already lived—the 1960s. I was in my twenties, and everything was being renewed. People were coming out of a formal and almost Victorian attitude, and you really felt anything was possible. Meeting people was the thing, and you went to coffee bars where you met friends and spent the evening. The cinema, the theater, all that was every exciting with new things coming out. In fact, we seemed to be out, all the time! I don’t really remember working—of course, I was a student—or sitting around at home very much. That just wasn’t where the scene was, even eating! It was the first time, ordinary people started going out to eat. We were beginning to be adventurous about food, but we were more interested in meeting people than in eating or drinking. And dress, yes, that was the revolution. I mean, girls went around in really short skirts, and wore flowers in their hair. And men were in jeans, and could wear their hair long too. It was a wonderful period. It was like living in an age you could never have imagined, and that never has come back. We didn’t have much money, but it didn’t matter. And there was plenty of opportunity to do whatever you felt like doing.
Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 16: Why does the speaker say he would like to relive the 1960s?
Question 17: What does the speaker say was the most popular thing to do at that time?
Question 18: What do we learn about the speaker?

16.
A) Everything seemed to be changing.
B) People were formal and disciplined.
C) People were excited to go travelling overseas.
D) Things from the Victorian era came back alive.

17.
A) Watching TV at home.
B) Meeting people.
C) Drinking coffee.
D) Trying new foods.

18.
A) He was interested in stylish dresses.
B) He was able to take a lot of money.
C) He was a young student in the 1960s.
D) He was a man full of imagination.

Passage 2
Dogs, man’s best friends, have a clear strategy for dealing with angry owners—they look away. New research shows that dogs limit their eye contact with angry humans. The scientists suggest this may be an attempt to calm humans down. This behavior may have evolved as dogs gradually learned they could benefit from avoiding conflicts with humans. To conduct the tests, the University of Helsinki researchers trained 31 dogs to rest in front of a video screen. Facial photos of dogs and humans were displayed on the screen for 1.5 seconds. They showed threatening, pleasant and neutral expressions. Nearby cameras tracked the dogs’ eye movements. Dogs in the study looked most at the eyes of humans and other dogs to sense their emotions. When dogs looked at expressions of angry dogs, their eyes rested more on the mouth, perhaps to interpret the threatening expressions. And when looking at angry humans, they tended to turn away their gaze. Dogs may have learned to detect threat signs from humans and respond by trying to make peace, according to researcher Sanni Somppi. Avoiding conflicts may have helped dogs develop better bonds with humans. The researchers also note that dogs scan faces as a whole to sense how people are feeling, instead of focusing on a given feature. They suggest this indicates that dogs aren’t sensing emotions from a single feature, but piecing together information from all facial features just as humans do.
Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 19: What do dogs do when they are faced with angry humans?
Question 20: What does a dog do when it sees the expressions of angry dogs?
Question 21: How does a dog sense people’s feelings?

19.
A) They avoid looking at them.
B) They run away immediately.
C) They show anger on their faces.
D) They make threatening sounds.

20.
A) It turns to its owner for help.
B) It turns away to avoid conflict.
C) It looks away and gets angry, too.
D) It focuses its eyes on their mouths.

21.
A) By observing their facial features carefully.
B) By focusing on a particular body movement.
C) By taking in their facial expressions as a whole.
D) By interpreting different emotions in different ways.

Passage 3
Winter in many places is very cold. There is lots of snow around, and the ground freezes, which can make life difficult for animals. People in cold places live in warm houses and have learned to adapt. What do animals do? There are three main ways that animals survive the cold in winter: sleep, adapt or migrate. Some animals, such as bears, frogs and snakes, sleep all winter. They sleep very deeply and need little or no food. While sleeping, their body temperature drops, and their heart beat slows down. To prepare for this before winter, these animals eat extra food to become fat, which gives them the energy they need while they sleep. Other animals adapt. For example, by staying active in winter. It is often hard for them to find food. So some animals, such as mice, collect extra food before winter, and hide it. When winter comes, they return to their hiding places to eat the food. Some animals grow thicker fur, or live in tree holes or underground to stay warm. Some birds migrate by flying to a warmer place for the winter, where they can find more food. Some fly very long distances, including one kind of bird that flies from the remote north of the world, all the way to the distant south. Some birds fly in groups for safety, while others fly alone.
Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 22: What does the speaker say about animals in winter?
Question 23: What do we learn about animals that sleep through winter?
Question 24: How do animals like mice adapt to the severe winter?
Question 25: Why do some birds fly in groups when migrating, according to the speaker?

22.
A) They have to look for food and shelter underground.
B) They take little notice of the changes in temperature.
C) They resort to different means to survive the bitter cold.
D) They have difficulty adapting to the changed environment.

23.
A) They have their weight reduced to minimum.
B) They consume the energy stored before the long sleep.
C) They can maintain their heart beat at the normal rate.
D) They can keep their body temperature warm and stable.

24.
A) By staying in hiding places and eating very little.
B) By seeking food and shelter in people’s houses.
C) By growing thicker hair to stay warm.
D) By storing enough food beforehand.

25.
A) To stay safe.
B) To save energy.
C) To keep company.
D) To protect the young.

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2017年06月英语四级第2套听力原文及题目

Section A
Direction: 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.

News Report 1
Automakers and tech companies are working hard to offer the first true self-driving car, but 75% of drivers say they wouldn’t feel safe in such a vehicle. Still, 60% of drivers would like to get some kind of self-driving feature, such as automatic braking or self-parking, the next time they buy a new car. The attitudes are published in a new AAA (Triple A) survey of 1,800 drivers. Advocates of self-driving cars argue they would be safer than cars driven by humans because they wouldn’t get distracted or drive when tired. But those surveyed by AAA say they trust their own driving skills. Many feel the technology is too new and unproven. John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of automotive engineering and repair, said tests suggest drivers may be overestimating their own abilities. He also believes they will be more likely to trust self-driving cars as they become more familiar with features such as automatic braking or parking. He estimated that the “comfort level” will increase considerably in five to ten years.
Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 1: What is the finding of the AAA survey?
Question 2: What does John Nielsen say about self-driving cars?

1.
A) The majority of drivers prefer to drive and park themselves.
B) Human drivers become easily distracted or tired while driving.
C) Most drivers feel uncertain about the safety of self-driving cars.
D) Most drivers have test driven cars with automatic braking features.

2.
A) Their drivers would feel safe after getting used to the automatic devices.
B) They would be unpopular with drivers who only trust their own skills.
C) Their increased comfort levels have boosted their sales.
D) They are not actually as safe as automakers advertise.

News Report 2
One dog has been killed and multiple dogs have been injured by a snowmobile driver in what appears to be an intentional attack on competitors in the Iditarod Race in Alaska. Aliy Zirkle was the first to report an attack. A snowmobile driver had repeatedly attempted to harm her and her team, and one of Zirkle’ s dogs had received a non-life-threatening injury. Zirkle reported the attack when she arrived in Nulato, Alaska, in the early hours of the morning. Then Jeff King, a four-time champion, reported a similar attack. His team was hit by a snowmobile driver, injuring several dogs and killing a 3-year-old male dog. Reporter Zachariah Hughes says that neither King nor Zirkle was injured. Although this incident very much alters the race of the two participants competing for a win, both are going to continue on their way toward the finishing line. Alaska State Troopers released a statement saying they’ve arrested Arnold Demoski. He faces a trial on several charges.
Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 3: What is the news report mainly about?
Question 4: What do we learn about Jeff King?

3.
A) Thefts of snowmobile dogs in Alaska.
B) A series of injuries to snowmobile drivers.
C) Attacks on some Iditarod Race competitors.
D) A serious accident in the Alaska sports event.

4.
A) He stayed behind to look after his injured dogs.
B) He has won the Alaska Iditarod Race four times.
C) He received a minor injury in the Iditarod Race.
D) He has quit the competition in Alaska for good.

News Report 3
A tour boat turned over off the coast of Nicaragua, killing at least 13 people and leaving more passengers missing, officials said. The boat was carrying 32 people—25 Costa Ricans, four Americans and three Nicaraguans. The 13 dead were all Costa Rican, the foreign ministry said. The boat, traveling between Nicaragua’s Big Com Island and Little Com Island, turned over Saturday near the larger island. Some passengers remain missing, the Costa Rican foreign ministry said, but did not specify how many. A local radio said an unspecified number of people were rescued, including the tour boat’s owner, Hilario Blandon. Nicaraguan naval authorities had banned sea travel in the area because of bad weather and strong winds, but the tour boat proceeded anyway. Blandon, the boat’s owner, has been arrested by Nicaraguan authorities, the state-run news agency said. Both he and a crew member, are being investigated for unintentional murder and exposing people to danger, according to police.
Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 5: What happened to the tour boat sailing off the Nicaraguan coast?
Question 6: How many people was the boat carrying?
Question 7: What do we know about the owner of the boat?

5.
A) It sank into the sea due to overloading.
B) It ran into Nicaragua’s Big Corn Island.
C) It disappeared between two large islands.
D) It turned over because of strong winds.

6.
A) 13.
B) 25.
C) 30.
D) 32.

7.
A) He has helped with the rescue effort.
B) He is being investigated by the police.
C) He was drowned with the passengers.
D) He is among those people missing.

Section B
Direction: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation 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.

Conversation 1
M: Hi, Susan! You’re looking very smart today.
W: I always look smart, James. Actually I’m on my way to a job interview.
M: What job? Oh, you mean for the summer holidays?
W: Yeah, there is only two weeks to go. I’ve got a second interview with that big foreign accountancy firm in the city center. You know the one.
M: That’s fantastic!
W: The work is just helping out with the data input, you know, but the pay isn’t too bad. It might suit you too. I know they have released two temporary positions available. And I don’t think they have anyone else yet.
M: Um, if they take you on, tell them you know a friend who’d be really good too. I really need the money and the experience will look good on my resume. Maybe we’ll be working together, the dream team.
W: OK, we’ll do. If the boss likes me, I’ll mention it. It will be good to have someone around who I know. I’ll phone you afterwards. But perhaps you should put in an application anyway.
M: Thanks, Susan. That’s great! Listen, do you want a lift to the city? I have my dad’s car today and nothing else to do this morning.
W: Sure. Thanks, James.
M: Let’s go then. The car is over there.
W: By the way, how is your knowledge of accountancy? The interviewer may ask you about it.
M: No problem. I think I can survive. I might just have to review a few accountancy terms. Maybe you can give me a practicing interview first.
W: Of course. Let’s go then. Don’t want to be late!
Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
Question 8: Where will Susan probably get a job?
Question 9: What will Susan’s future job involve?
Question 10: Why does James want the job in that company?
Question 11: What does James say he will have to do to prepare for the interview?

8.
A) At a shopping centre.
B) At a community college.
C) At an accountancy firm.
D) At an IT company.

9.
A) Helping out with data input.
B) Arranging interviews.
C) Sorting application forms.
D) Making phone calls.

10.
A) He enjoys using computers.
B) He needs the money badly.
C) He wants to work in the city centre.
D) He has relevant working experience.

11.
A) Purchase some business suits.
B) Learn some computer language.
C) Improve his programming skills.
D) Review some accountancy terms.

Conversation 2
W: There is new data out today that confirms that many Americans are not good at math. And when it comes to everyday technology skills, we are did last compared to other developed countries. Here is Gabriele Emanuel of National Public Radio.
M: Let’s start with the bad news that Americans are terrible at technology skills, using email, naming a file on the computer, using the link on a webpage or just texting someone.
W: No country scored below the U.S.?
M: Only one country, Poland performed as poorly as we did. Who came out the first? Japan did the best and then Finland. If you look at data about reading and math, you’ll notice something interesting. Younger adults who went to college or graduate school were doing pretty well. In literacy, they were actually doing better than the peers in any other countries.
W: So that’s a bit of good news!
M: But when you look at Americans who have a high school diploma, they look a lot like other countries’ high school dropouts. We have a lot of work to do. That’s especially true when it comes to math. You go to the store and there is a sale. Buy one, get the second one, half off. You decide to buy two, how much do you pay?
W: You mean high school graduates cannot do this task in general?
M: You are right. What does that tell us about our education system? Well, it tells us that we need to think about the preparedness of our students as they are leaving high school.
W: Right. And schools, employers, in fact, we all need to do something about it. Thank you, Gabriel.
Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
Question 12: What does the man say about Americans?
Question 13: Who performed the best in technology skills according to the man?
Question 14: In what aspect did American college students perform well?
Question 15: What do we learn from the conversation about American high school education?

12.
A) They are keen on high technology.
B) They are poor at technology skills.
C) They often listen to National Public Radio.
D) They feel superior in science and technology.

13.
A) Japanese.
B) Germans.
C) Poles.
D) Americans.

14.
A) Emailing.
B) Texting.
C) Science.
D) Literacy.

15.
A) It is undergoing a drastic reform.
B) It lays emphasis on creative thinking.
C) It has much room for improvement.
D) It prioritizes training of practical skills.

Section C
Direction: 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.

Passage 1
Wild carrots probably evolved with the other flowering plants, about 360 million years ago. Like apples, carrots are native to Central Asia. That’s why horses, which also come from Central Asia, like both apples and carrots so much. With wild carrots, the roots are white, small and skinny, so we have to pick a lot of wild carrots to get enough to eat. Doctors used carrot seeds and roots as medicine, on the theory that foods that taste bad must be good for you. Around 800 AD, people in Central Asia, managed to develop a new kind of carrot-a purple carrot that attracted more interest from international traders. Then in the late 1500s, food scientists in the Netherlands cultivated large, straight, sweet, red carrots like the ones we eat today, but people still mostly fed carrots to horses,donkeys and pigs, and didn’t eat them themselves. In the 1600, people in China used carrots as medicine, but they also ate carrots boiled in soup. The red color was popular for Chinese New Year celebrations. But carrots got their biggest boost during the two World Wars when food shortages force people to eat them and governments told everyone how healthy carrots were. Today, cooler countries grow most of the world’s carrots. Machines do most of the planting and picking. And carrots are easy to store and ship, so they are cheap almost everywhere.
Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 16: What do we learn from the talk about wild carrots?
Question 17: What does the speaker say about carrots in the late 1500s?
Question 18: Why did people turn to carrots for food during the two world wars?

16.
A) They have small roots.
B) They grow white flowers.
C) They taste like apples.
D) They come from Central Africa.

17.
A) They turned from white to purple in color.
B) They became popular on the world market.
C) They became an important food for humans.
D) They began to look like modern-day carrots.

18.
A) They were found quite nutritious.
B) There were serious food shortages.
C) People discovered their medicinal value.
D) Farm machines helped lower their prices.

Passage 2
Catherine loved Facebook. With Facebook she could stay connected with her family no matter how far away they were. She could see their photos and read their status updates. With Facebook she could keep her relatives up to date on what she was doing. Another thing Catherine loved about Facebook was that she didn’t have to think about time zones when updating family. Whenever she called her parents or other relatives, she always had to think about the time difference so that she wouldn’t wake someone up or call when she knew they were in church. Facebook was so convenient. When Catherine joined Facebook, some of her classmates at high school started to add her as a friend. At first, this didn’t bother her. She loved learning about the success of people she knew when she was just a teenager. She loved finding out people were getting married, having babies and traveling. Soon, however, Catherine found herself comparing herself with the people she was reading about on Facebook. It began to make her feel bad that some people seemed to be doing so much better than she was. She was also spending a lot of time on Facebook. It took a lot of time and energy to keep up with everyone’s status updates. Catherine started to think. She looked at the list of over 500 friends she had on Facebook and realized some of them were not really friends at all.
Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 19: What was one particular convenience Catherine loved about Facebook?
Question 20: How did Catherine feel when her classmates added her as a Facebook friend?
Question 21: What made Catherine feel bad about herself later on?

19.
A) She could update her family any time she liked.
B) She could call up her family whenever she liked
C) She could locate her friends wherever they were.
D) She could download as many pictures as she liked.

20.
A) She liked to inform her friends about her success.
B) She enjoyed reading her friends’ status updates.
C) She felt quite popular among them.
D) She felt she was a teenager again.

21.
A) She could barely respond to all her 500 Facebook friends.
B) She spent more time updating her friends than her family.
C) She could barely balance Facebook updates and her work.
D) She didn’t seem to be doing as well as her Facebook friends.

Passage 3
Do you know where a mule comes from? It is the child of a donkey and a horse. Mules have strong muscles like horses, but they eat less, can work longer, and are gentler, like donkeys. George Washington was the first person in the United States to own mules. He had heard that mules made good farm animals and he contacted the US ambassador in Spain to ask about them. In 1785, King Charles III of Spain sent Washington a male donkey as a gift. That male donkey became the father of the mule industry in the US. Every April, Maury County holds a Mule Day celebration. Held in Columbia, Tennessee, Mule Day had its beginning as “Breeder’s Day” in the 1840s. Farmers and farm animal breeders would bring their animals to market every April to show, buy, and trade. This was an important business before the days of tractors, when many families made a living from farming and mules were used as work animals. Eventually, tractors began to replace mules, making them less in demand. A parade was added to Mule Day in 1934 to attract more people. Over the years other activities have been added and today more than 200,000 people show up each year to watch and participate. If you visit the Mule Day celebrations, you might see mule-driving contests, square dances, horse shows, or even tree-cutting competitions.
Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 22: What does the speaker say about mules?
Question 23: What do we learn about the donkey which is said to be the father of the U.S. mule industry?
Question 24: What did farmers usually do on Mule Day in the 1840s?
Question 25: What made mules less in demand in America?

22.
A) They have strong muscles.
B) They live a longer life than horses.
C) They eat much less in winter.
D) They can work longer than donkeys.

23.
A) It was a pet of a Spanish king.
B) It was bought by George Washington.
C) It was brought over from Spain.
D) It was donated by a U.S. Ambassador.

24.
A) They met and exchanged ideas on animal breeding.
B) They participated in a mule-driving competition.
C) They showed and traded animals in the market.
D) They fed mules with the best food they could find.

25.
A) The wider use of horses.
B) The arrival of tractors.
C) A shrinking animal trade.
D) A growing donkey population.

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