2008到2010年CET6听力原文

11. M: Good news, I’m not going to have surgery after all. The doctor says I can start working out again soon and maybe play football like before in a few weeks.

W: That’s terrific. It would be great if you could get back in shape in time for the World Cup. Q: What do we learn from the conversation?

12. M: I really need to make some extra money. You know I’ve practically spent my entire budget for this semester.

W: Why not check out the new cafeteria at Market Street? I think there are still a few openings suitable for seniors like you.

Q: What does the woman suggest the man do?

13. M: I hear John left his cat in your care while he’s on vacation abroad. How are you getting along with it?

W: Well, it never comes when I call it. It spills its food and sheds all over the place. I can’t wait till John gets back.

Q: How does the woman find the cat?

14. W: Hello, Professor White, I got my grade in the mail this morning, but I think there might be a mistake in my mark.

M: Yeah, I’ve got several calls just like yours. There must be a problem with the computing system. It should be straightened out in a couple of hours. Q: What does the man mean?

15. M: Professor Johnson, last night when I was putting the finishing touches on my paper, a

computer failure completely wiped out my files, do you think I can have another day to retype it? W: I’m sorry, Rod. I’m leaving for a conference tomorrow and I’ll be away two weeks. I suppose you could send me an E-copy.

Q: Why does the man say he can’t submit his assignment on time?

16. W: I just called the travel agency, it’s all set. On June l st, we are heading for the mountains and will be camping there for a whole week.

M: Have you checked the academic calendar? My classes aren’t over until the 8th. Q: What does the man imply?

17. W: I thought there was still time for me to apply for a student loan. But someone just told me that the closing date was last Tuesday.

M: Are you sure? I thought we still had another month. Wait, I’ve got a brochure right here. Last Tuesday was the opening date. Q: What does the man imply?

18. W: Look at all the pollutants going into the air from those factories. Do you think they’ll ever get that under control?

M: Now with the new laws in effect and social awareness increasing, we are sure to turn things around.

Q: What does the man mean? Conversation One

W: Tell me, Peter, what makes Harrods so famous?

M: Well, it’s the biggest department store in the UK. And its food hall and the Egyptian hall are very famous. People come to Harrods just to see them. W: What is special about the food hall?

M: It sells many different kinds of food. For example, it has 250 kinds of cheese from all over the world and more than 180 kinds of bread. Customers also love all the different kinds of chocolate. They buy a hundred tons every year.

W: That’s amazing! And why is the Egyptian hall so famous?

M: Well, when people see it, they feel they are in another world. It looks like in Egyptian building from 4,000 years ago. And it sells beautiful objects. They are not 4,000 years old, of course. W: Is it true that Harrods produces its own electricity?

M: Yes, it does.70%, enough for a small town. To light the outside of the building, we use 11,500 light bulbs.

W: Really? Tell me, how many customers do you have on an average day? And how much do they spend?

M: About 30,000 people come on an average day. But during the sales, the number increases to 300,000 customers a day. How much do they spent? Well, on average, customers spend about 1.5 million pounds a day. The record for one day is nine million pounds. W: Nine million pounds in one day? M: Yes, on the first day of the January sales.

W: Harrods says it sells everything to everybody, everywhere. Is that really true? M: Oh, yes. of course! Absolutely everything! 19. What is the food hall of Harrods noted for?

20. What does the Egyptian hall seem like to the customers? 21. What may customers find surprising about Harrods?

22. About how many customers come to Harrods on an average day? Conversation Two W: Hi Kevin!

M: Hi Laura, long time no see! What have you been up to lately? W: Not much. I can assure you. And you?

M: Much the same except I do have some big news. W: Come on. This suspense is killing me.

M: No, really, what have you been doing these past few weeks? The last time I saw you, you were looking for a new job.

W: Well, that’s not exactly true. I was thinking about changing jobs. Luckily, they offered me a new position in the accounting department. M: A step up in the big business world.

W: I wouldn’t exaggerate, but I am pleased. I had been hoping to get a promotion for a while. So when it finally came through, I was relieved. Actually, that’s why I was looking for a new job. I just didn’t want to work there anymore if they weren’t going to recognize my efforts. M: Right, sometimes you can do your best and it seems like the others don’t know you exist. I hope the money’s better.

W: I got a reasonable raise, now enough about me. I’m dying to hear your news. M: I am getting married.

W: No, you said you’d never get married.

M: That was then and this is now. You’ve got to meet Andrea, she’s great! W: This is all news to me. I didn’t even know you were dating. M: We weren’t. We’ve just been dating for two weeks now. W: And you getting married?

M: I know. I can’t help it. I just know she’s the one. W: Well, congratulations! That’s fantastic! M: Thanks, I’m glad to hear you feel way.

23. What was the woman doing when the man last saw her? 24. Why does the woman say she was relieved? 25. Why is the woman surprised at the man’s news? Section B Passage One

Water scooters are water vehicles that look very much like motorcycles. Nowadays, speedy, colorful water scooters are gaining in popularity. They can travel anywhere a small boat can and particularly popular with young people. The rising popularity of the craft has raised the question of water scooter regulation. In this case, the argument for strict regulation is compelling. Water scooters are a particularly deadly form of water recreation. For example, two women were

vacationing in Longboat Key while they were floating on the rubber boat along the shore, a water scooter crashed into them and kill them. Also water scooter operators have been killed or

seriously injured in collisions with other water craft. Others have been stranded at the sea when their scooters either failed or sank far from shore. Many water scooter operators are

inexperienced and ignorant of navigational rules, which increase the potential for accidents. The increasing popularity of the scooter has aggravated the problem, providing more water vehicles to compete for the same space. Crowded water waves are simply an open invitation to disaster. In addition to the inherent operational hazards of water scooters, they are proving to be an environmental nuisance. Beach residents complain of the noise of the scooters. The Pacific Whale Foundation on the west coast expressed concern that the scooters are frightening away an endangered species of whale that migrates to Hawaii for breeding. Regulations such as

minimum operating age, restricted operating areas and compulsory classes in water safety are essential. Without such regulations, tragedies involving water scooters are sure to multiply, which makes many beaches unsafe for recreation. 26. What does the speaker say about water scooters?

27. What is mentioned as one of the causes of water accidents?

28. In what way are water scooters said to be an environmental nuisance? 29. What does the speaker propose to ensure the safety of beaches for recreation? Passage Two

It seems to me that neighbors are going out of style in America. The friend nest door from whom you borrowed for eggs or a ladder has moved and the people in there now are strangers. Some of the traditional stories of neighborliness are impractical or silly and maybe just as well that our relations with our neighbors are changing. The saying in the Bible “Love thy neighbor” was

probably a poor translation of what must have originally been, “respect thy neighbor”. Love can be called up on order. Fewer than half the people in the United States live in the same house they lived in five years ago. So there is no reason to love the people who live next door to you, just because they happen to wander into a real estate office that listed the place next door to yours. The only thing neighbors have in common, to begin with, is proximity and unless

something more develops that isn’t reason enough to be best friends. It sometimes happens naturally, but the chances are very small that your neighbors will be your choices friends or that you will be theirs, either. The best relationship with neighbors is one of friendly distance. You say “hello”, use small talk if you see them in the yard, you discuss problems as they arise and you help each other in an emergency. The drive way or the fence between you is not really a cold shoulder but a clear boundary. We all like clearly-defined boundaries for ourselves. 30. What does the speaker say about the relations among neighbors nowadays? 31. Why does speaker say it may be difficult for people to love their neighbors? 32. What should neighbors do in the speaker’s opinion? Passage Three

Articles in magazines and newspapers and special reports on radio and television reflect the concern of many Americans about the increasing drop-out rate in our junior and senior high

schools. Coupled with this fact is the warning that soon we will no longer have a work force to fill the many jobs that require properly educated personnel. The high student drop-out rate is not a recent development. Ten years ago, many urban schools were reporting drop-out rates between 35 and 50 percent. Some administrators maintain that drop-outs remain the single greatest

problem in their schools. Consequently, much effort has been spent on identifying students with

problems in order to give them more attention before they become failures. Since the drop-out problem doesn’t start in senior high school, special programs in junior high school focus on students who show promise but have a record of truancy—that is staying away from school without permission. Under the guidance of counselors, these students are placed in classes with teachers who have had success in working with similar young people. Strategies to motivate students in a high school include rewarding academic excellence by designating scholars of the month, or by issuing articles of clothing, such as school letter jackets formerly given only to

athletes. No one working with these students claims to know how to keep all students in school. Counselors, teachers and administrators are in the frontlines of what seems at times to be a losing battle. Actually, this problem should be everyone’s concern since uneducated, unemployed citizens affect us all.

33. Why are many Americans concerned with the increasing drop-out rate in school? 34. What do we learn about the student drop-out problem in America? 35. What is mentioned as one of the strategies used to motivate students? Section C Compound Dictation

I'm interested in the criminal justice system of our country. It seems to me that something has to be done if we are to (36)survive as a country. I certainly don't know what the answers to our problems are. Things certainly get (37)complicated in a hurry when you get into them. But I wonder if something couldn't be done to deal with some of these problems. One thing I'm concerned about is our practice of putting (38)offenders in jail who haven't harmed anyone. Why not work out some system (39)whereby they can pay back the debts they owe society instead of(40) incurringanother debt by going to prison, and of course, coming under the (41)influence of hardened criminals? I'm also concerned about the short prison sentences people are (42)serving for serious crimes. Of course, one alternative to this is to (43)restore capital punishment, but I’m not sure I would be for that. I’m not sure it’s right to take an eye for an eye. (44)The alternative to capital punishment is longer sentences but they would certainly cost the tax-payers much money. I also think we must do something about the insanity plea. In my opinion, anyone who takes another person’s life intentionally is insane. However (45)that does not mean that the person isn’t guilty of the crime or that he shouldn’t pay society the debt he owes. It said of course that a person may have to spend the rest of his life or (46)a large part of it in prison for acts that he committed while not in full control of his mind. 2008.12.CET-6 11. M: I’m asked to pick up the guest speaker Bob Russel at the airport this afternoon, do you know what he looks like?

W: Well, he’s in his sixties, he stands out, he’s bald, tall and thin and has a beard. Q: What do we conclude from the woman’s remarks about Bob Russel?

12. M: I am considering dropping my dancing class. I am not making any progress. W: If I were you, I stick with it. It’s definitely worth time and effort. Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?

13. W: You see I still have this pain in my back, this medicine the doctor gave me was supposed to make me feel better by now.

M: Maybe you should’ve taken it three times a day as you were told. Q: What do we learn from the conversation?

14. M: Frankly, when I sat the back of the classroom, I can’t see the words on the board clearly. W: Well, you’ve been wearing those same glasses as long as I’ve known you. Why not get a new pair? It wouldn’t cost you too much.

Q: What does the woman imply about the man’s glasses?

15. W: How come the floor is so wet? I almost slipped, what happened?

M: Oh, sorry! The phone rang the moment I got into the shower, anyway, I’ll wipe it up right now.

Q: Why was the floor wet according to the man?

16. M: The instructions on the package say that you need to some assembly yourself. I’ve spent all afternoon trying in vain to put this bookcase together.

W: I know what you mean, last time I tried to assemble a toy train for my son and I almost gave up.

Q: What does the man find difficult?

17. M: I’m getting worried about Jenny’s school work. All she talks about these days is volleyball games and all she does is practice, training and things like that.

W: Her grades on the coming exams will fall for sure. It’s high time we talk(ed) some sense to her.

Q: What are the speakers probably going to do?

18. W: Do you understand why the local people are opposed to the new dam up the river? M: They are worried about the potential danger if the dam should break. The river is very wide above the proposed site.

Q: What do we learn from the conversation?

Now you’ll hear the two long conversations:

Conversation One

W: Mr. White, what changes have you seen in the champagne market in the last ten to fifteen years?

M: Well the biggest change has been the decrease in sales since the great boom years of the 1980s when champagne production and sales reached record levels.

W: Which was the best year?

M: Well the record was in 19 when 249 million bottles of champagne was sold. The highest production level was reached in 1990 with a total of 293 million bottles. Of course since those boom years sales have fallen.

W: Has the market been badly hit by the recession?

M: Oh certainly, the economic problems in champagnes’ export markets that’s Europe, the United States, Japan, and of course the domestic market in France, the economic problems have certainly been one reason for the decrease in champagne sales. W: And the other reasons?

M: Another important factor has been price. In the early 90s, champagne was very overpriced, so many people stop buying it. Instead they bought sparkling wines from other countries, in particular from Australia and Spain. And then there was another problem for champagne in the early 90s. W: What was that?

M: There was a lot of rather bad champagne on the market. This meant the popularity of good sparkling wines increased even more. People was surprised by their quality and of course they were a lot cheaper than champagne.

W: Do you think the champagne market will recover in the future?

M: Oh, I’m sure it will. When the economic situation improves, I believe the market will recover.

Questions 19 to 21 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

19. What does the man say about champagne in the 1980s?

20. Why did sparkling wines become more popular than champagne in the early 90s? 21. What does the man think of the champagne market in the future?

Conversation Two

W: Right, well, in the studio this morning, for our interview spot is Peter Wilson. Peter works for Green Peace. So, Peter, welcome. M: Thanks a lot. It’s good to be here.

W: Great! Now, Peter, perhaps you can tell us something about Green Peace and your job there. M: Sure. Well, I’ll start by telling you roughly what Green Peace is all about. I actually work in London for the Green Peace organization. We’ve been going for a few decades and we’re a non-violent, non-political organization. We’re involved in anti-nuclear activity, conservation and protection of animals and protection and support of our eco-system. I’m the action organizer and arrange any protests.

W: Right! A pretty important role, Peter. What sort of protest would you organize?

M: Well, recently we’ve been involved in anti-nuclear campaigns. I, personally arranged for the demonstration against radioactive waste dumping in the Atlantic Ocean. We’ve got a few small Green Peace boats that we harass the dumping ship with.

W: Say? Hold on, Peter. I thought you said your organization was non-violent. What do you mean by \"harass\"?

M: Well, we circle round and round the ships and get in the way when they try to dump the drums of nuclear waste in the sea. We talk to the men and try to change, you know, yell at them to stop. We generally make ourselves as much of a nuisance as possible.

M: Well, people may think differently of your methods, but there’s no doubt you’re doing a great job. Keep it up and good luck. And thanks for talking with us.

Questions 22 to 25 are based on the conversations you have just heard.

22. What is the man’s chief responsibility in the Green Peace organization? 23. What has Green Peace been involved in recently?

24. How does Green Peace try to stop people from dumping nuclear waste? 25. What is the woman’s attitude towards the Green Peace’s campaigns? Section B

Directions: 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 mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.

Passage One

To find out what the weather is going to be, most people go straight to the radio, television, or newspaper to get an expert weather forecast. But if you know what to look for, you can use your own senses to make weather predictions. There are many signs that can help you. For example, in fair weather the air pressure is generally high, the air is still and often full of dust, and far away objects may look vague. But when the storm is brewing, the pressure drops, and you are often able to see things more clearly. Sailors took note of this long ago, and came up with the saying, “The farther the sight, the nearer the rain.” Your sense of smell can also help you detect the weather changes. Just before it rains, odors become stronger, this is because odors are repressed in a fair high pressure center. When a bad weather low moves in, air pressure lessens and odors are released. You can also hear an approaching storm. Sounds bounce off heavy storm clouds and return to earth with increased force. An old saying describes it this way, “Sounds traveling far and wide a stormy day will be tied”. And don’t laugh at your grandmother if she says she can feel a storm coming. It is commonly known that many people feel pains in their bones or joints while the humidity rises, the pressure drops, and bad weather is on the way.

Questions 26 to 28 are based on the passage you have just heard:

26. Why does the speaker say we can see far away objects more clearly as a storm is approaching?

27. What does the speaker want to show by quoting a couple of old sayings? 28. What does the passage mainly talk about?

Passage Two

Many days seem to bring numerous tasks and responsibilities. All of which apparently must be tackled right away. You spend a day putting out files, but by the end of the day, you haven’t accomplished any of the really important things you set out to do. In desperation, you draft a “to-do” list, but most days, you can make little progress with it. When you look at the list each morning, a big fat cloud of doom is right at the top. Those difficult, complex, important tasks, that are so crucial to get done, and so easy to avoid. Plenty of us create a “to-do” list to address feelings of being overwhelmed, but we rarely use these tools to their best effect. They wind out being guilt-provoking reminders of the fact that will over-committed and losing control of our

priorities. According to Timothy Pikle, a professor of psychology at Carlton University in Ottawa, people often draw up a “to-do” list, and then that’s it. The list itself becomes the day’s achievement, allowing us to feel we’ve done something useful without taking on any real work. In fact, drawing up the list becomes a way of avoiding the work itself. Too often, the list is seen as the accomplishment for the day, reducing the immediate guilt of not working on the tasks at hand by investing energy in the list, says Pikle. When a list is used like this, it’s simply another way in which we lie to ourselves.

Questions 29 to 31 are based on the passage you have heard.

29. What is the problem that troubles many people nowadays according to the speaker? 30. According to the speaker, what too many people do to cope with their daily tasks? 31. According to psychologist Timothy Pikle, what do people find by the end of the day?

Passage Three

In many stressful situations, the body’s responses can improve our performance. We become more energetic, more alert, better able to take effective action. But when stress is encountered continually, the body’s reactions are more likely to be harmful than helpful to us. The continual speeding up of bodily reactions and production of stress related hormones seem to make people more susceptible to heart disease. And stress reactions can reduce the disease fighting effectiveness of the body’s immune system, thereby increasing susceptibility to illnesses ranging from colds to cancer. Stress may also contribute to disease in less direct ways by influencing moods and behavior. People under stress may become anxious or depressed, and as a result may eat too much or too little, have sleep difficulties or fail to exercise. These behavioral changes may in turn be harmful to the health. In addition, people are more likely to pay attention to certain bodily sensations such as aches and pains when they are under stress and to think that they’re sick. If the person were not under stress, the same bodily sensations might not be perceived as symptoms and the person might continue to feel well. Some researchers have suggested that assuming the role of a sick person is one way in which certain people try to cope with stress. Instead of dealing with the stressful situation directly, these people fall sick. After all, it is often more acceptably in our society to be sick and to seek medical help than it is to admit that one can not cope with the stresses of life.

Questions 32 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.

32. What does the speaker say about people who encounter stress once in a while? 33. What does the speaker say frequent stress reactions may lead to?

34. What are people more likely to do when they are under stress? 35. What does the passage mainly talk about? Section C

One of the most common images of an advanced, Western-style culture is that of a busy, traffic-filled city. Since their first（36）appearance on American roadways, automobiles have become a（37）symbol of progress, a source of thousands of jobs and an almost inalienable right for citizens’ personal freedom of movement. In recent（38）decades, our “love affair” with the car is being（39）exported directly to the developing world, and it is increasingly（40）apparent that this transfer is leading to disaster.

American’s almost complete dependence on automobiles has been a terrible mistake. As late as the 1950s, a large（41）percentage of the American public used mass transit. A（42）combination of public policy decisions and corporate scheming saw to it that countless（43）convenient and efficient urban streetcar and intra-city rail systems were dismantled（拆除）（.44）Our air quality now suffers from the effects of pollutants emitted directly from our cars. Our lives have been planned along a road grid — homes far from work, shopping far from everything, with ugly stretches of concrete and blacktop in between.

Developing countries are copying Western-style transportation systems down to the last detail.（45）The problems caused by motorized vehicles in the West are often magnified in developing nations. Pollution control measures are either not strict or nonexistent, leading to choking clouds of smog. Gasoline still contains lead, which is extremely poisonous to humans.（46）Movement in some cities comes to a virtual standstill as motorized traffic competes with bicycles and pedestrians. In addition to pollution and traffic jams, auto safety is a critical issue in developing nations.

2009.6.CET-6

11. W: There were more than a hundred people at Kate's birthday party. How come she's got so many friends?

M: It's really no surprise. You know she was popular even when she was a child. Q: What does the man imply about Kate?

12. M: They say there'll be a snow-storm tonight, and the cold weather will last quite a few days. W: Oh! We're so lucky, we'll be getting away for a while, and having a holiday in Florida. But let's call right now to confirm our flight. Q: What do we learn about the two speakers?

13. W: Tony was awarded a medal for rescuing several families from the forest fire. M: I really admire his courage.

Q: What do we learn about Tony from the conversation?

14. M: My washing machine is more than fifteen years old and it has worked just fine until last night.

W: You’ll never be able to get parts for it, even from Japan. So it might be time to invest a more recent model.

Q: What does the woman suggest the man do?

15. W: I heard about your promotion, you must be thrilled.

M: Not really, the new office is huge, but the word load has doubled. Q: What do we learn about the man from the conversation?

16. W: I can’t decide what to do about the party tomorrow.

M: You don’t have to go if you don’t want to, but I’ll be glad to give you a ride if you do. Q: What do we learn from the conversation?

17. M: Now if you have any questions about the contract. I’ll be happy to answer them. W: Nothing comes to mind right now, but I’d like to go over all the articles of the contract once more before signing it.

Q: What are the speakers doing right now?

18. M: We are out of paper for the printer. Can you please order some?

W: I completed the order form online yesterday and it will be here by noon. I’ll let you know when it comes in.

Q: What did the woman do?

Long Conversation Conversation One

W: Bob, do you know who I saw the other day? Old Jake, looking terribly depressed. Did he get pensioned off at last?

M: Yes. They made him retire after 50 years at sea. He is pretty upset about it, but what can you do? He really is pasted. W: He is all alone, isn’t he?

M: Yes, his wife has been dead for years. They had one daughter, Dories. But she went off to town as soon as she left school. And he hasn’t heard from her since. I hear she is making good money as a model.

W: Maybe someone could get in touch with her. Get her to come back for a while to help? M: I don’t suppose she come. She never got on with her father. He is bit of a tough character and she is rather selfish. Oh, I expect old Jake will get by. He is healthy at least, comes into a clinic for a check regularly. W: Are you his doctor?

M: No, my partner doctor Johnson is. W: That bad-tempered old thing?

M: Oh, he isn’t bad-tempered. He just looks it. He is an excellent doctor, taught me a lot, and he has a very nice family. His wife invites me over there to supper every week. Very pleasant. W: yes. I teach their daughter Pen at school. She is a bit careless and lazy about her school work, but a bright little thing and very popular with her age group.

Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you’ve just heard. 19. Why does old Jake look terribly depressed? 20. What do we learn about Jake’s wife?

21. What does the man say about Jake’s daughter? 22. What does the man say about Jake’s doctor?

Conversation Two

W: Hello, Mr. Summerfield. How are you today? M: Very well. Thank you, Ms. Green. W: What can I do for you?

M: Well, unfortunately, there is a problem with the order we received from you yesterday. It seems we haven’t seen the right quantity of manuals to support the telephone system. W: Oh, dear, that’s bad news. I’m very sorry to hear that, and you don’t know how many packs are without manuals?

M: No, because we haven’t opened every pack. But in several of those that have been opened there are none, no manuals.

W: I’m very sorry about this inconvenience, Mr. Summerfield. We’ll send out the manuals this afternoon by express mail entirely at our cost, and the manuals should arrive tomorrow or the day after at the latest. M: All of them, right?

W: Yes. It maybe that some have them already, but we cannot be sure. So the best thing is to send out the manual for every pack. M: Yes. Yes, I see. That would be great.

W: Please accept our apologies for this mix-up. I assure you we will do everything possible to find out why the mistake happened M: Right. Thanks for your swift action.

W: Not at all. Thank you and goodbye for now. Do call if there is anything else. M: All right. Thank you. Goodbye, Ms Green. W: Goodbye.

Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you’ve just heard. 23. What problems are the speakers discussing? 24. What does the woman promise to do? 25. What does the man think of the solution? Passage Passage 1

Attracting and feeding wild birds are entertaining activities that have long been enjoyed by people all over the world. Feeding birds has become so popular that prepared feed mixtures are readily available. We feed birds for many reasons. Many pleasant hours can come from watching birds. A hobby often develops into a serious study of their habits. Accurate identification of birds is usually the first goal. But observations that an amateur bird-watcher can make are really limitless. There is, however, responsibility associated with bird feeding, including a disease hazard. Attracting numbers of birds continually to the same spot can be harmful to them, particularly species that pick food from the ground contaminated by the droppings of other birds. In winter feeding efforts are most satisfying to people and are of greatest benefit to birds. During this time when fewer natural foods are available and air temperatures are lower, extra feeding can keep a bird warm and well. Once begun, feeding should never stop during these lean months. If you start a local increase of birds, be prepared to do what may be required to eliminate hazards to those you want to befriend. A constant supply of food should be given until the cold is over and spring has come. If feeding is stopped during severe weather, birds used to relying upon the feeders must starve.

Questions 26 to 28 are based on the passage you’ve just heard. 26 What does the speaker say about bird watching?

27 What does the speaker say about birds fed continually on the same spot?

28 What does the speaker suggest we do in feeding birds in winter? Passage 2

My friend Leo makes up weak and poor excuses whenever there is something he doesn’t want to do. Just two weeks ago, he was at my house when he decided he didn’t want to go into work. He called his boss and said he had to get a new set of tires put on his truck. Then he sat down and watched TV with me. Not only had he lied but his excuse wasn’t a very convincing one. Another time, he cancelled a date with his girlfriend at the last minute telling her he had to get a new battery for his truck. She was angry and refused to go out with him again until he apologized. Last weekend, Leo offered the poorest excuse yet. He’d promised he’d help me move some furniture, from my parents’ house to my new apartment. He was supposed to bring his truck over about 8 o’clock Saturday morning. I waited, and then called and left a message on his machine. About 11:30, he called and said he was sorry but he’d been getting a new set of tires put on his truck. I guess he’d forgotten he used the same excuse when he called his boss from my house. I think I need a new set of friends. I’m beginning to get tired of Leo’s excuses.

Questions 29 to 31 are based on the passage you’ve just heard. 29 What does the speaker tell us about her friend Leo?

30 What did his girlfriend do when Leo canceled a date with her at the last minute? 31 What favor did the speaker ask Leo to do last weekend? Passage 3

In Hollywood, everybody wants to be rich, famous and beautiful. Nobody wants to be old, unknown and poor. For Hollywood kids, life can be difficult because they grow up such an unreal atmosphere. Their parents are ambitious and the children are part of the parents’ ambitions. Parents pay for wasteful grand parties, expensive cars and designer clothes. When every dream can come true, kids don’t learn the value of anything because they have everything. A

thirteen-year-old boy, Trent Maguire, has a driver, credit cards and unlimited cash to do what he wants when he wants to. “One day, I’ll earn more than my dad!” he boasts. Parents buy care and attention for their children because they have no time to give it themselves. Amender’s mother employs a personal trainer, a bodyguard, a singing coach and a councilor to look after all her fifteen-year-old daughter’s needs. Often, there is no parent at home most days, so children decide whether to make their own meals or go out to restaurants, when to watch television or do homework. They organize their social life. They play no childhood games. They become adults before they’re ready. Hollywood has always been the city of dreams. The kids there live unreal

lives where money, beauty and pleasure are the only gods. Will children around the world soon start to think the same? Or do they already?

Questions 32 to 35 are based on the passage you’ve just heard. 32 Why is life said to be difficult for Hollywood kids?

33 What does the speaker say about Trent Maguire, a thirteen-year-old boy? 34 Why does Amender’s mother employ other people to look after her needs? 35 What will probably have negative effects on the lives of Hollywood kids? Compound Dictation

Around 120 years ago, Ebbinghaus began his study of memory. He concentrated on studying how quickly the human mind can remember information. One result of his research is known as the total time hypothesis, which simply mean the amount you learn depends on the time you spend trying to learn it. This can be taken as our first rule of learning. Although it is usually true that studying for 4 hours is better than studying for 1, there is still the question of how to use the 4 hours. For example, is it better to study for 4 hours straight or to study for 1 hour a day for 4 days in a row? The answer, as you may have suspected, is that it is better to spread out the study times. This phenomenon through which we can learn more efficiently by dividing our practice time is known as the distribution of practice effect. Thus, our second rule of learning is this. It’s better to study fairly briefly but often. But we are not finished yet. We haven’t considered how we should study over very short periods of time. Let’s say you are trying to learn some new and rather difficult English vocabulary using a stack of cards. Should you look at the same word in rapid succession or look at the word and then have some delay before you look at it again? The answer is it is better to space up the presentations of the word you are to learn.

2009.12.CET-6

Section A

11.

W: Did you use credit cards on your vacation last month in Europe?

M: Sure I did. They certainly beat going around with a wallet full of big bills. But carrying lots of cash is still very common among some older people traveling abroad. Q: What does the man say about some elderly people? 12.

W: Rod must be in a bad mood today. What’s wrong with him?

M: He was passed over in the selection process for the dean of the admissions office. He’d been hoping for the position for a long time. Q: What does the man mean?

13.

M: What a great singer Justin is! His concert is just awesome. And you’ll never regret the money you paid for the ticket.

W: Yeah. Judging by the amount of the applause, everyone was enjoying it. Q: What does the woman mean?

14.

W: I received an email yesterday from Henry. Do you remember? He was one of the chairpersons of our students union.

M: Yes, but I haven’t heard from him for ages. Actually I’ve been out of touch with him since our first reunion after graduation.

Q: What do we learn about the speakers?

15.

M: Driving at night always makes me tired. Let’s stop for dinner.

W: Fine. And let’s find a motel, so that we can get an early start tomorrow. Q: What will the speakers probably do?

16.

W: Let’s look at the survey on consumer confidence we conducted last week. How reliable are these figures?

M: They have a 5% margin of error Q: What are the speakers talking about?

17.

W: Look at this catalogue, John. I think I want to get this red blouse.

M: Err, I think you’ve already one like this in blue. Do you need every color in the rainbow? Q: What does the man mean?

18.

W: This notice says that all the introductory marketing classes are closed. M: That can’t be true. There’s supposed to be 13 of them this semester. Q: What does the man mean? Conversation One

M: I see on your resume that you worked as a manager of a store called “Computer Country”. Could you tell me a little more about your responsibilities there?

W: Sure. I was responsible for overseeing about 30 employees. I did all of the ordering for the store, and I kept track of the inventory.

M: What was the most difficult part of your job?

W: Probably handling angry customers. We didn’t have them very often, but when we did, I needed to make sure they were well taken care of. After all, the customer is always right. M: That’s how we feel here too. How long did you work there?

W: I was there for three and a half years. I left the company last month. M: And why did you leave?

W: My husband has been transferred to Boston. And I understand your company has an opening there too.

M: Yes, that’s right. We do. But the position won’t start until early next month. Would that be a problem for you?

W: No, not at all. My husband’s new job doesn’t begin for a few weeks. So we thought we would spend some time driving to Boston and stop to see my parents.

M: That sounds nice. So tell me, why are you interested in this particular position?

W: I know that your company has a great reputation, and a wonderful product. I’ve thought many times that I would like to be a part of it. When I heard about the opening in Boston, I jumped to the opportunity. M: Well I’m glad you did.

19. What was the woman’s previous job?

20. What does the woman say was the most difficult part of her job? 21. Why is the woman looking for a job in Boston?

22. When can the woman start to work if she gets the job?

Conversation Two

W: Today in the studio we have Alberto Cortez, the well-known Brazilian advocate of the

anti-global movement. He’s here to talk about the recent report, stating that by 2050 Brazil will be the one ot the word’s wealthiest and most successful countries. Alberto, what do you say to the report?

M: You know this isn’t the first time that people are saying Brazil will be a great economic power. The same thing was said over a hundred year ago. But it didn’t happen. W: Yes, but you must admit the world’s a very different place now.

M: Of course. In fact I believe there’s maybe some truth in the prediction this time around. First of all, though, we must remember the problems facing Brazil at the moment. W: Such as…?

M: There’s an enormous gap between the rich and the poor in this country. In Sal Paulo, you can see shopping malls full of designer goods right next door to the slam areas without proper water and electricity supplies. A lot of work needs to be done to help people in those areas improve their lives.

W: What needs to be done?

M: Education, for example. For Brazil to be successful, we need to offer education to all

Brazilians. Successful countries like South Korea and Singapore have excellent education systems.

Brazil needs to learn from these countries. W: So you are hopeful for the future.

M: As I said earlier, I’m hopeful. This isn’t an easy job. We need to make sure that these important opportunities for Brazil aren’t wasted, as they were in the past. 23. What does the recent report say about Brazil? 24. What problem does Alberto say Brazil faces now?

25. What does Alberto say about economically successful countries? Section B Passage One

Wilma Subra had no intention of becoming a public speaker. After graduating from college with degrees in chemistry and microbiology, she went to work at Gulf South Research Institute in Louisiana. As part of her job, she conducted field research on toxic substances in the

environment, often in minority communities located near large industrial polluters. She found many families were being exposed high, sometimes deadly, levels of chemicals and other toxic substances, but she was not allowed to make her information public.

Frustrated by these restrictions, Subra left her job in 1981, created her own company, and has devoted the past two decades to helping people fight back against giant industrial polluters. She works with families and community groups to conduct environmental tests, interpret test results, and organize for change. Because of her efforts, dozens of toxic sites across the country have been cleaned up, and one chemical industry spokesperson calls her “a top gun for the environmental movement.”

How has Wilma Subra achieved all this? Partly through her scientific training, partly through her commitment to environmental justice. But just as important is her ability to communicate with people through public speaking. “Public speaking,” she says, “is the primary vehicle I use for reaching people.”

If you had asked Subra before 1981, “Do you see yourself as a major public speaker?” She would have laughed at the idea. Yet today she gives more than 100 presentations a year. Along the way she has lectured at Harvard, testified before Congress, and addressed audiences in 40 states, as well as in Mexico, Canada, and Japan.

26. What did Wilma Subra do as part of her job while working at Gulf South Research Institute? 27. What did Wilma Subra leave her job in 1981?

28. What results have Wilma Subra’s efforts had in the part two decades? 29. What does the speaker say has contributed to Wilma Subra’s success? Passage 2

One of the biggest challenges facing employers and educators today is the rapid advance of

globalization. The market place is no longer national or regional, but extends to all corners of the world. And this requires a global ready workforce. Universities have a large part to play in preparing students for the 21st century labor market by promoting international educational experiences. The most obvious way universities can help develop global workforce is by

encouraging students to study abroad as part of their course. Students who have experienced another culture first hand are more likely to be global ready when they graduate.

Global workforce development doesn’t always have to involve travel abroad however. If students learn another language and study other cultures, they will be more global ready when they graduate. It is important to point out that students also need to have a deep understanding of their own culture before they can begin to observe, analyze and evaluate other cultures. In multi-cultural societies, people can study each other’s cultures, to develop intercultural

competencies, such as critical and reflective thinking, and intellectual flexibility. This can be done both through the curriculum and through activities on campus, outside of the classroom, such as art exhibitions, and lectures from international experts. Many universities are already embracing this challenge, and providing opportunities for students to become global citizens. Students themselves, however, may not realize that when they graduate, they will be competing in a global labor market, and universities need to raise awareness of these issues amongst undergraduates.

Questions 30-32

30: What is one of the biggest challenges facing employers and educators today? 31: What should students do first before they can really understand other cultures? 32: What should college students realize according to the speaker? Passage 3

To see if hair color affects a person’s chances of getting a job, researchers at California State University asked 136 college students to review the resume and photograph of a female applicant for a job as an accountant. Each student was given the same resume. But the

applicant’s picture was altered, so that in some photos her hair was golden, in some red and in some brown. The result? With brown hair, the woman was rated more capable, and she was offered a higher salary than when she had golden or red hair. Other studies have found similar results. Many respondents rate women with golden hair with less intelligent than other people, and red heads as more temperamental. Women with red or golden hair are victims of the common practice of stereotyping.

A stereotype is a simplistic or exaggerated image that humans carrying in their minds about groups of people. For example, lawyers are shrewd and dishonest is a popular stereotype. Stereotyping can occur in public speaking classes. When trying to choose a speech topic, some males think that women are uninterested in how to repair cars, while some females think that men are uninterested in creative hobbies, such as knitting and needle point. We should reject stereotypes, because they force all people in a group into the same simple pattern. They fail to account for individual differences, and the wide range of characteristics among members of any

group. Some lawyers are dishonest, yes! But many are not. Some women are uninterested in repairing cars, yes! But some are enthusiastic mechanics. Questions 33-35

33: What did researchers at California State University find? 34: What is the popular stereotype of lawyers?

35: Why does the speaker say we should reject stereotypes? Section C

The ancient Greeks developed basic memory systems called mnemonics. The name is derived from their Goddess of memory \"Mnemosyne\". In the ancient world, a trained memory was an immense asset, particularly in public life. There were no convenient devices for taking notes, and early Greek orators delivered long speeches with great accuracy because they learned the speeches using mnemonic systems.

The Greeks discovered that human memory is largely an associative process that it works by linking things together. For example, think of an apple. The instant your brain registers the word \"apple\associated in your memory with the word \"apple\". This means that any thought about a certain subject will often bring up more memories that are related to it. An example could be when you think about a lecture you have had. This could trigger a memory about what you're talking about through that lecture, which can then trigger another memory. Associations do not have to be logical. They just have to make a good link. An example given on a website I was looking at

follows, \"Do you remember the shape of Austria? Canada? Belgium? Or Germany? Probably not. What about Italy though? If you remember the shape of Italy, it is because you have been told at some time that Italy is shaped like a boot. You made an association with something already known, the shape of a boot. And Italy shape could not be forgotten once you had made the association.\"

2010.6.CET-6

Section A

Short Conversation

11. M: Oh, I’m so sorry I forgot to bring along the book you borrowed from the library.

W: What a terrible memory you have! Anyway, I won’t need it until Friday night. As long as I can get it by then, OK?

Q: What do we learn from this conversation?

12. W: Doctor, I haven’t been able to get enough sleep lately, and I’m too tired to concentrate in class.

M: Well, you know, spending too much time indoors with all that artificial lighting can do that to you. Your body loses track of whether it’s day or night. Q: What does the man imply?

13. M: I think I’ll get one of those new T-shirts, you know, with the school’s logo on both the front and back.

W: You’ll regret it. They are expensive, and I’ve heard the printing fades easily when you wash them.

Q: What does the woman mean?

14. W: I think your article in the school newspaper is right on target, and your viewpoints have certainly convinced me.

M: Thanks, but in view of the general responses, you and I are definitely in the minority. Q: What does the man mean?

15. M: Daisy was furious yesterday because I lost her notebook. Should I go see her and apologize to again?

W: Well, if I were you, I’d let her cool off a few days before I approach her. Q: What does the woman suggest the man do?

16. M: Would you please tell me where I can get batteries for this brand of camera?

W: Let me have a look. Oh, yes, go down this aisle, pass the garden tools, you’ll find them on the shelf next to the light bulbs. Q: What is the man looking for?

17. M: Our basketball team is playing in the finals but I don’t have a ticket. I guess I’ll just watch it on TV. Do you want to come over?

W: Actually I have a ticket. But I’m not feeling well. You can have it for what it cost me. Q: What do we learn from the conversation?

18. M: Honey, I’ll be going straight to the theatre from work this evening. Could you bring my suit and tie along?

W: Sure, it’s the first performance of the State Symphony Orchestra in our city, so suit and tie is a must.

Q: What do we learn from the conversation? Long Conversations

Conversation 1

M: I got two letters this morning with job offers, one from the Polytechnic, and the other from the Language School in Pistoia, Italy. W: So you are not sure which to go for?

M: That’s it. Of course, the conditions of work are very different: The Polytechnic is offering

two-year contract which could be renewed, but the language school is only offering a year’s contract, and that’s a different minus. It could be renewed, but you never know.

W: I see. So it’s much less secure. But you don’t need to think too much about steady jobs when you are only 23. M: That’s true.

W: What about the salaries?

M: Well, the Pistoia job pays much better in the short term. I’ll be getting the equivalent of about ￡22,000 a year there, but only ￡20,000 at the Polytechnic. But then the hours are different. At the Polytechnic I’d have to do 35 hours a week, 20 teaching and 15 administration, whereas the Pistoia school is only asking for 30 hours teaching. W: Mmm…

M: Then the type of teaching is so different. The Polytechnic is all adults and mostly preparation for exams like the Cambridge certificates. The Language School wants me to do a bit of exam preparation, but also quite a lot of work in companies and factories, and a couple of children’s classes. Oh, and a bit of literature teaching.

W: Well, that sounds much more varied and interesting. And I’d imagine you would be doing quire a lot of teaching outside the school, and moving around quite a bit.

M: Yes, whereas with the Polytechnic position, I’d be stuck in the school all day. Questions 19 to 21 are based on the conversation you have just heard: Q19. What do we learn about the man from the conversation? Q20. What do we learn about the students at the Polytechnic?

Q21. What does the woman think of the job at the Language school? Conversation 2

Good evening and welcome to tonight's edition of Legendary Lives. Our subject this evening is James Dean, actor and hero for the young people of his time. Edward Murray is the author of a new biography of Dean.

W: Good evening, Edward. M: Hello Tina.

W: Edward, tell us what you know about Dean's early life.

M: He was born in Indiana in 1931, but his parents moved to California when he was five. He wasn't there long though because his mother passed away just four years later. Jimmy's father sent him back to Indiana after that to live with his aunt. W: So how did he get into acting?

M: Well, first he acted in plays at high school, then he went to college in California where he got seriously into acting. In 1951 he moved to New York to do more stage acting. W: Then when did his movie career really start?

M: 1955. His first starring role was in East of Eden. It was fabulous. Dean became a huge success. But the movie that really made him famous was his second one, Rebel Without a Cause, that was about teenagers who felt like they didn't fit into society. W: So how many more movies did he make?

M: Just one more, then he died in that car crash in California in 1955.

W: What a tragedy! He only made three movies! So what made him the legend he still is today? M: Well I guess his looks, his acting ability, his short life, and maybe the type of character he played in his movies. Many young people saw him as a symbol of American youths. Q22 What is the woman doing?

Q23 Why did James Dean move back to Indiana when he was young? Q24 What does the man say James Dean did at college in California? Q25 What do we know about James Dean from the conversation? Section B

Passage 1

The time is 9 o’clock and this is Marian Snow with the news.

The German authorities are sending investigators to discover the cause of the plane crash late yesterday on the island of Tenerife. The plane, a Boeing 737, taking German holiday makers to the island crashed into a hillside as it circled while preparing to land. The plane was carrying 180 passengers. It’s thought there are no survivors. Rescue workers were at the scene.

The British industrialist James Louis, held by kidnapper in central Africa for the past 8 months, was released unharmed yesterday. The kidnappers had been demanding 1 million pounds for the release of Mr. Louis. The London Bank and their agents who had been negotiating with the kidnappers have not said whether any amount of money has been paid.

The 500 UK motors workers who had been on strike in High Town for the past 3 three weeks went back to work this morning. This follows successful talks between management and union representatives, which resulted in a new agreement on working hour and conditions. A

spokesman for the management said they’d hope they could now get back to producing cars, and that they lost lots of money and orders over this dispute.

And finally the weather. After a code start, most of the country should be warm and sunny. But towards late afternoon, rain will spread from Scotland to cover most parts by midnight. Questions 26 – 29 are based on the passage you have just heard. 26 What does the news say about the Boeing 737 plane? 27 What happened to British industrialist James Louis? 28 How did the 3-week strike in High Town end?

29 What kind of weather will be expected by midnight in most parts of the country?

Passage 2

Juan Louis, a junior geology major, decided to give an informative speech about how

earthquakes occur. From his audience and analysis he learned that only 2 or 3 of his classmates knew much of anything about geology. Juan realized then that he must present his speech at an elementary level and with a minimum of scientific language. As he prepared the speech, Juan kept asking himself, “How can I make this clear and meaningful to someone who knows nothing about earthquakes or geological principles?” Since he was speaking in the Midwest, he decided to begin by noting that the most severe earthquake in American history took place not in

California or Alaska but at New Madrid, Missouri in 1811. If such an earthquake happened today, it would be felt from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean and would flatten most of the cities in the Mississippi valley. That, he figured, should get his classmates’ attention. Throughout the body of the speech, Juan dealt only with the basic mechanics of the earthquakes, carefully avoid technical terms. He also prepared visual aids, diagramming photo line, so his classmates wouldn’t get confused. To be absolutely safe, Juan asked his roommate, who was not a geology major, to listen to the speech. “Stop me,” he said, “any time I say something you don’t

understand.” Juan’s roommate stopped him four times. And at each spot, Juan worked out a way to make his point more clearly. Finally, he had a speech that was interesting and perfectly understandable to his audience.

Questions 30 – 32 are based on the passage you have just heard. 30 What did Juan Louis learn from the analysis of his audience? 31 How did Juan Louis start his speech?

32 What did Juan ask his roommate to do when he was making his trial speech?

Passage 3

Esperanto is an artificial language, designed to serve internationally as an auxiliary means of communication among speakers of different languages. It was created by Ludwig Lazar

Zamenhof, a polish Jewish doctor specialized in eye diseases. Esperanto was first presented in 1887. An international movement was launched to promote its use. Despite arguments and disagreements, the movement has continued to flourish and has members in more than 80 countries. Esperanto is used internationally across language boundaries by at least 1 million people, particularly in specialized fields. It is used in personal contexts, on radio broadcasts and in a number of Its popularity has spread form Europe, both east and west, to such countries as Brazil and Japan. It is, however, in China that Esperanto has had its greatest impact. It is taught in universities and used in many translations, often in scientific or technological works. EL POPOLA CHINIO, which means from people’s China, it’s a monthly magazine in Esperanto and it’s read worldwide. Radio Beijing’s Esperanto program is the most popular program in Esperanto in the world. Esperanto vocabulary is drawn primarily from Latin, the Roman’s languages, English and German. Spelling is completely regular. A simple and consistent set of endings indicates

grammatical functions of words. Thus for example, every noun ends in “o”, every adjective in “a”, and basic form of every verb in “i”. Esperanto also has a highly productive system of constructing new words from old ones.

Questions 33 – 35 are based on the passage you have just heard. 33 What does the speaker tell us about Esperanto?

34 What is said about the international movement to promote the use of Esperanto? 35 What does the speaker say about Esperanto in China? Section C

George Herbert Mead said that humans are \"talked into\" humanity. He meant that we gain personal identity as we communicate with others. In the earliest years of our lives, our parents tell us who we are:\"You're intelligent.\" \"You're so strong.\"

We first see ourselves through the eyes of others. So their messages form important foundations of our self-concepts. Later, we interact with teachers, friends, romantic partners and coworkers who communicate their views of us. Thus, how we see ourselves reflects the views of us that others communicate.

The profound connection between identity and communication is dramatically evident in children who are deprived of human contact. Case studies of children who are isolated from others reveal that they lack a firm self-concept, and their mental and psychological development is severely hindered by lack of language.

Communications with others not only affects our sense of identity, but also directly influences our physical and emotional well-being. Consistently, research shows that communicating with others promotes health, whereas social isolation is linked to stress, disease, and early death. People who lack close friends have greater levels of anxiety and depression than people who are close to others. A group of researchers reveal scores of studies that trace the relationship between health and interaction with others.

The conclusion was that social isolation is statistically as dangerous as high blood pressure, smoking and obesity. Many doctors and researchers believe that loneliness harms the immune system, making us more vulnerable to a range of miner and major illnesses. Section C

36. intelligent 37. foundations 38. romantic 39. reflects 40. profound 41. dramatically 42. deprived 43. hindered

44. research shows that communicating with others promotes health, whereas social isolation is linked to stress, disease, and early death.

45. A group of researchers reviewed scores of studies that traced the relationship between health and interaction with others.

46. loneliness harms the immune system, making us more vulnerable to a range of miner and major illnesses.