2017年12月英语四级第2套听力原文及题目

2017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
A New Jersey black bear that walks upright on its two back legs and has become a social media darling has reemerged and has been captured on video month after its last sighting. The bear named Pedals was spotted in a town of Oakrage, in a video posted to Facebook featuring the bear it appear to be in relatively good health and was moving quickly. “Pedals apparently hasn’t injured leg or pool that doesn’t allow it to walk comfortably on all fulls”, according to experts. Laurence Hajna spokesman of the state for the state department environmental protection said, “Officials expect the bear to make it through next winter.” The bear first gained fame after was sported the wondering around neighborhoods and was caught on videos that were posted on social media and showed on national television. Last year, supporters pushed for Pedals to be moved to a shelter. But New Jersey officials have said they won’t allow the bear to be captured and transferred to the facility. “The bear would do better in its natural habitat and the agency would step in if its condition deteriorated,” they said.
Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 1: What’s the probable reason the bear walks upright on its back legs?
Question 2: How is the bear first known for the public?

1.
A) It tries entertain its audience.
B) It tries to look into the distance.
C) It wants to catch people’s attention.
D) It has got one of its limbs injured.

2.
A) It was spotted by animal protection officials.
B) It was filmed by a local television reporter.
C) Its videos were posted on social media.
D) Its picture won a photography prize.

News Report 2
It is not your imagination. Traffic in the U.S. is actually getting worse. Americans drove more miles last year than any other year on record. The U.S. Department of Transportation says Americans drove nearly 3,150 billion miles last year. That’s about the same distance as 337 round trips from Earth to Pluto. The previous record was 3,003 billion miles in 2007 before the economic recession in high gas prices. The traffic increase comes at the same time as gas crisis drop significantly, the current average gas price in U.S. is 1.77$ per gallon. A year ago, it was 2.31$ per gallon, it was often much higher in recent years. A transportation expert told the report the job growth likely plays a part as well, along with some people driving longer distances to and from work. And so all this means more traffic jams on the road. The taxes A&M travel institute found rush-hour travellers spent extra 42 hours on the road lasts year because of travel delays. Now that is depressing.
Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 3: What new record did the American driver set last year?
Question 4: What is depressing according to the speaker?

3.
A) The distance travelled.
B) The incidence of road accidents.
C) The spending on gas.
D) The number of people travelling.

4.
A) Fewer people are commuting.
B) Gas consumption is soaring.
C) Job growth is slowing down.
D) Rush-hour traffic is worsening.

News Report 3
A 16-year-old asked a stranger at a grocery store to buy him and his mother some food in exchange for carrying the man’s groceries to his car. What happened next will pull at your heartstrings. A wonderful bond formed between the two, and within a couple of weeks, the stranger named White helped raise $190,000 on the website to support the Memphis teenager and his disabled mother. “When Chauncy approached me, it just pulled at my heart,” White said, “Here comes Chauncy, just trying to get food for him and his mom of the grace of other people”. “When I looked at him and saw what he was doing and what he was asking for, I said he was my hero”. “Chauncy is a top student who is doing his best to make it in a world with no money and very few resources,” White explained on the crowdfunding site. “He wants to work and help his mother financially”. “It’s so rare that we get an opportunity to affect so much change on one life,” White wrote. “I cannot thank you enough for caring about Chauncy. This is his big chance, and you’re making it possible”.
Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.
Question 5: What did the teenager Chauncy do at the grocery story to get some food?
Question 6: What did the stranger do for Chauncy?
Question 7: What do we learn about Chauncy?

5.
A) He told a stranger the sad story about himself.
B) He helped a stranger to carry groceries to his car.
C) He went up to a stranger and pulled at his sleeves.
D) He washed a stranger’s car in return for some food.

6.
A) He ordered a lot of food for his family.
B) He gave him a job at his own company.
C) He raised a large sum of money for him.
D) He offered him a scholarship for college.

7.
A) He works hard to support his family.
B) He is an excellent student at school.
C) He is very good at making up stories.
D) He has been disabled since boyhood.

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: That was my last week economic lecture of the week, and here is the weekend again.
W: What are you up to tonight? I was just wondering if we could try out the new restaurant on Charles Street, then go on to Queen Victoria for a drink.
M: Sorry, I’m heading home this weekend for my brother’s 18th birthday.
W: Oh, that’s great.
M: All of my relatives will be there, as well as my brother’s horrible friends, of course. Listen, why won’t you come along? Mom would be absolutely delightedly to see you again. She’s always asking after you.
W: Yes, I’d love to see her too.
M: So, please, do come. It would be great. And besides, with Jonathan’s wild game to contend with, I’d really welcome an ally.
W: That sounds tempting, but I won’t be ready till 5, as I’ve got my statistic seminar now. What time are you heading off?
M: Well, I’m going to leave right away. However, I can hang around for you if you like. It just means that I’ll need to change my ticket.
W: But wouldn’t that be too much trouble for you?
M: No, not at all. I’ll go to the station first, and see if I can get tickets for us on the 6:30 train. Then, you can join me there. I’ll text you when it’s done.
W: Brilliant. Are you absolutely positive if it’s Ok? I wouldn’t want to impose.
M: Don’t worry, you are most welcome to join our party, and as I always say “the more, the merrier”.
W: Look, I’d better go or I’ll be late. So, I’ll meet you down at the station around 6.
M: Fine, see you later.
Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
Question 8: What has the man just done?
Question 9: What is the man going to do this weekend?
Question 10: What does the man ask the woman to do?
Question 11: How will they go to the man’s home?

8.
A) Attended an economics lecture.
B) Taken a walk on Charles Street.
C) Had a drink at Queen Victoria.
D) Had dinner at a new restaurant.

9.
A) Treat a college friend to dinner.
B) Make preparations for a seminar.
C) Attend his brothers birthday party.
D) Visit some of his high school friends.

10.
A) Gather statistics for his lecture.
B) Throw a surprise birthday party.
C) Meet with Jonathan’s friends on the weekend.
D) Join him in his brother’s birthday celebration.

11.
A) By car.
B) By train.
C) By taxi.
D) By bus.

Conversation 2
M: Hi, Jane. How’s everything going?
W: So far so good. I’ve just finished my last exam.
M: Good. The term is coming to an end. Do you think we should take a holiday overseas to relax and have fun? I’ve saved my tips from my waiter job these past few months, and I should have enough by July.
W: Yes, that’s a wonderful idea. I’ve got a little put aside for a rainy day, but I might need to earn a little more before we go. By the way, what is it like working in the restaurant?
M: Well, it’s really tough, as working a 10-hour shift is like hell. I’m not sure if it’ll suit you. But it’s pretty cool if your boss is all right. Do you think we should invite some others to come along?
W: Yes, we could ask Tom and Tracy if they are interested. I haven’t been abroad for a long while. And it would be great to go somewhere by the sea. I can’t wait, and if Tom goes, we could go sailing. He has a lot experience with boats, and it’ll work out a lot cheaper to hire one if there’s more of us to share the cost.
M: So, that’s the plan. We’ll save as much as we can, and go sailing next July. Let’s say, Spain, or anywhere cheap would be fine.
W: Ok. But first we’d better contact Tom and Tracy, and see if they are up for it. If not, it’ll be back to the drawing board.
Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
Question 12: What does the man think of doing?
Question 13: What has the man been doing for the past few months?
Question 14: What does the woman say she needs to do before departure?
Question 15: Why does the woman want to invite Tom?

12.
A) Taking a vacation abroad.
B) Reviewing for his last exam.
C) Saving enough money for a rainy day.
D) Finding a better way to earn money.

13.
A) Preparing for his final exams.
B) Negotiating with his boss for a raise.
C) Working part time as a waiter.
D) Helping the woman with her courses.

14.
A) Finish her term paper.
B) Save enough money.
C) Learn a little bit of Spanish.
D) Ask her parent’s permission.

15.
A) He has rich sailing experience.
B) He speaks Spanish fluently.
C) He is also eager to go to Spain.
D) He is easy to get along with.

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
Most people know Marie Curie was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize and the first person to win it twice. However, few people know that she was also the mother of a Nobel Prize winner. Irene Currie was born on September 12th, 1897. At the age of ten, Irene’s talents and interests in mathematics were apparent. Irene entered Sorbonne University in October 1914 to prepare for a degree in mathematics and physics. When World War I began, she left Sorbonne University to help her mother who was using x-ray facilities to help save the lives of wounded soldiers. Irene continued this work by developing x-ray facilities for military hospitals in France and Belgium. After the war, she received a military medal for her work. In 1918, Irene became her mother’s assistant at the Curie Institute. In December 1924, Frederic Joliot visited the institute and met Marie Curie. Frederic became one of her assistants, and Irene taught him the techniques required to work with radioactivity. Irene and Frederic soon fell in love and got married on October 29th, 1926. Their daughter was born in 1927 and their son in 1932. Like her mother, Irene combined family with career. Like her mother, Irene was awarded a Nobel Prize, along with her husband Frederic in 1935, for producing new radioactive elements. Unfortunately, also like her mother, she developed blood cancer because of her exposure to radiation. Irene Joliot Curie died on March 17th, 1956.
Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 16: What does the speaker say about Marie Curie’s daughter?
Question 17: For what was Irene Curie awarded a military medal?
Question 18: In what way were Marie and Irene similar?

16.
A) She went to the same university as her mother.
B) She worked as a nurse in the First World War.
C) She won the Nobel Prize two times.
D) She was also a Nobel Prize winner.

17.
A) She fought bravely in a series of military operations.
B) She developed X-ray facilities for military hospitals.
C) She helped to set up several military hospitals.
D) She made donations to save wounded soldiers.

18.
A) Both died of blood cancer.
B) Both fought in World War I.
C) Both won military medals.
D) Both married their assistants.

Passage 2
Have you ever heard of the Vikings? They were sea travelers from Norway. More than 1,000 years ago, they made three important geographical discoveries. The Vikings’ first major discovery occurred in the 9th century. A man called Naddodd was on his way from Norway to the Faroe Islands, north of England, when his ship was caught in a storm. The storm blew the ship west for several days. When the weather cleared, Naddodd found himself on the coast of a new land. Later, Viking travelers named it Iceland. In 982, a Viking called Eric the Red, sailed west in search of new land. 500 miles west of Iceland, he and his men reached an icy rocky massive land. They sailed around it until they reached the western side. Here, they found some green areas, so they named the island Greenland. Then, in 1001, the Vikings made their most important discovery. The son of Eric the Red named Leif Erikson had heard the rumors about the land west of Greenland. He sailed west and soon found it. He and his men landed in three places. They called the first one Helluland, which means land of flat stone. The Vikings then sailed south and made their second landing. They named this place Markland. Their third landing was at a place they called Vinland. Leif Erikson and his men were the first Europeans to walk on the shores of North America, almost five hundred years earlier than Columbus.
Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 19: What do we learn about the Vikings?
Question 20: What does the passage say about the Greenland?
Question 21: What does the speaker mainly talk about?

19.
A) They were the first settlers in Europe.
B) They were the conquerors of Norway.
C) They discovered Iceland in the ninth century.
D) They settled on a small island north of England.

20.
A) It was some five hundred miles west of Norway.
B) It was covered with green most time of the year.
C) It was the Vikings’ most important discovery.
D) It was a rocky mass of land covered with ice.

21.
A) The Vikings’ ocean explorations.
B) The making of European nations.
C) The Vikings’ everyday life.
D) The Europeans’ Arctic discoveries.

Passage 3
Where do you think you will be in ten years? It is difficult to know exactly where you will be and where you will be doing. But everyone dreamed about the future. You might imagine the job you will get, when you finish school. You may daydream about meeting your life partner or living in a big house by the sea. In my dreams, I would have twins, a boy and a girl. We would live in a large two-story house with floors and staircases made of wood. Now at the age of 46, I look back on those dreams and smile. Things haven’t turned out exactly as I imagined, but I would not change what I have now for that imaginary world. In college, I studied international business and planned to enter a law school. In my third year of university, I realized that I didn’t want to become a lawyer. Instead, I chose to become language teacher. I did get married, but had more than two children. We have five. Do I live in the dream house with wood floors? No, I don’t, but I love my home and I wouldn’t want to live in any other place. I believe it, as a young person, it’s important to dream and make plans. However, it’s also important to realize that not all of your plans turned out exactly as you wish. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in life is this: “Be happy with what you have.”
Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 22: What does the speaker think everyone tends to do?
Question 23: What does the speaker say he would refuse to do?
Question 24: What does the speaker major in during the first two years of college?
Question 25: What is one of the biggest lessons the speaker has learned in life?

22.
A) Work hard for a better life.
B) Make mistakes now and then.
C) Dream about the future.
D) Save against a rainy day.

23.
A) Teach foreign languages for the rest of his life.
B) Change what he has for his past imaginary world.
C) Exchange his two-story house for a beach cottage.
D) Dwell on the dreams he had dreamed when young.

24.
A) Criminal law.
B) City planning.
C) Oriental architecture.
D) International business.

25.
A) Dream and make plans.
B) Take things easy in life.
C) Be content with what you have.
D) Enjoy whatever you are doing.

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