专四听力文本
Time
Time is tangible. One can gain time, spend time, waste time, save time, or even kill time. Common questions in American English reveal this concrete quality as though time were a possession. “Do you have any time?”, “Can you get some time for this?”, “How much free time do you have?” The treatment of time as a possession influences the way that time is carefully divided.
Generally, Americans are taught to do one thing at a time and may be uncomfortable when an activity is interrupted. In businesses, the careful scheduling of time and the separation of activities are common practices. Appointment calendars are printed with
15-,30-, and 60-minute time slots. The idea that “there is a time and place for everything” extends to American social life. Visitors who drop by without prior notice may interrupt their host’s personal time. Thus, calling friends on the telephone before visiting them is generally preferred to visitors’ dropping by.
MAKE a COMPLAINT
Complaining about faulty goods or bad services is never easy. But if something you have brought is faulty or does not do what was claimed for it, you are not asking for a favor to get it put right.
Complaints should be made to a responsible person. Go back to the shop where you bought the goods, taking with you any receipt you may have. In a small store the assistant may also be the owner so you can complain direct. In a chain store, ask the manager. If you telephone, ask the name of the person who handles your enquiry, otherwise you may never find out who dealt with the complaint later. If you do not want to do it in person, write a letter. Stick to the facts and keep a copy of what you write. At this stage you should give any receipt numbers, but you should not need to give receipts or other papers to prove you bought the article.
Will Computers Replace Human Beings
We are in the computer age today. The computers are working all kinds of wonders now. They are very useful in automatic control and data processing. At the same time, computers are finding their way into the home. They seem to be so clever and can solve such complicated problems that some people think sooner or later they will replace us. But I do not think that there is such a possibility. My reason is very simple: computers are machines, not humans. And our tasks are far too various and complicated for any one single kind of machine to perform.
Probably the greatest difference between man and computer is that the former can do things of his own while the latter can do nothing without being programmed. In my opinion,
computers will remain nothing but an extension of our human brains, no matter how clever and complicated they may become.
“How to”Books
Books which give instructions on how to do things are popular in the United States today. Thousand s of these “how to” books are available. In fact, there are about for thousand books with titles that begin with the words “how to’.
Many “how to” books give advice on careers. They tell you how to choose a career and how to succeed in it. Many of these books help people to use their free time better. Some people want book which will give them useful information about sports, hobbies and travel. Other people use their free time to make repairs and improvements on their homes. They prefer books which give step-by-step instructions on how to repair things like plumbing and electrical wiring or on how to redecorate or enlarge a house.
Why have “how to” books become so popular? Probably because life has become more complex. Today people have far more free to use, more choices to make, and more problems to solve, “how to” books help people to deal with modern life.
专四听力原文
Legal Age for Marriage (1997) Throughout the United States, the legal age for marriage shows some difference./ The most com mon age without parents’ consent is 18 for both females and males./ However, persons who are under age in their home state can get married in another state, and then return to the home stat e legally married./ Each state issues its own marriage license./ Both residents and non-residents a re qualified for such a license./ The fees and ceremonies vary greatly from state to state./ Most st ates, for instance, have a blood test requirement, but a few do not./ Most states permit either a c ivil or religious ceremony, but a few require the ceremony to be religious./ In most states a waitin g period is required before the license is issued. /This period is from one to five days depending o n the state. / A three-day-wait is the most common. In some states there is no required waiting p eriod. The Railways in Britain (1998) The success of early railways, such as the lines between big cities,/ led to a great increase in railw ay building in Victorian times. / Between 1835 and 1865 about 25000 kilometers of track were bu ilt,/ and over 100 railway companies were created. / Railway travel transformed people's lives. / Trains were first designed to carry goods. / However, a law in the 19th century forced railway companies to run one cheap train a day / which stopped at every station and cost only a penny a mile. / Soon working class passengers found they could a fford to travel by rail. / Cheap day excursion trains became popular and seaside resorts grew rapi dly. / The railways also provided thousands of new jobs:/ building carriages, running the railways and repairing the tracks. / Railways even changed the time. / The need to run the railways on tim e meant that local time was abolished/ and clocks showed the same time all over the country. / United Nations Day (1999) The 24th of October is celebrated as United Nations Day. /it is a day that belongs to everyone./ A nd it is celebrated in most countries of the world./ Some countries celebrate for a week instead o f a day. /In many parts of the world, schools have special programs for the day. /Boys and girls in s ome communities decorate a UN tree./ In other communities, young people put on plays about t he UN./ Some libraries exhibit children’s art works from around the world. /Schools celebrate wit h the songs and dances of other countries/ or give parties where foods of other countries are ser ved./ No matter how the day is celebrated,/ the purpose of these celebrations is to help everyon e understand the UN,/ and the important roles it plays in world affairs. /The UN encourages peop le to learn about other lands and their customs./ In this way, people can gain a better understand ing and appreciation of peoples all over the world./ What We Know About Language (2000)
06年英语专四听力真题
TEST FOR ENGLISH MAJORS (2006) GRADE FOUR TIME LIMIT: 135 MIN PARTI DICTATION (15 MIN) Listen to the following passage. Altogether the passage will beread to you four times. During the first reading,which will be read at normal speed,listen and try to understand the meaning. For the second and third readings, the passage will be read sentence by sentence ,or phrase by phrase, with intervals of 15 seconds. The last reading will be read at normal speed again and during this time you should check your work. Y ou will then be given 2 minutes to check through your work once more. Please write the whole passage on ANSWER SHEET ONE. PART ⅡLISTENING COMPREHENSION (20 MIN) In Sections A ,B and C you will hear everything ONCE ONLY. Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Mark the correct answer to each question on your answer sheet. SECTION A CONVERSATIONS In this section you will hear several conversations. Listen to the conversations carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Questions I to 3 are based on the following conversation. At the end of the conversation ,you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the conversation. 1. How did Mark get there? A. By train and by car. B. By plane and by coach. C. By train and by bus. D. By bus and by plane. 2. Mark used to wear all the following EXCEPT A. short hair. B. glasses. C. moustache. D. beard. 3. Where is the meeting for new students to be held? A. In the third room on the right. B. In the Common Room. C. In a room at the other end. D. In Room 501. Questions 4 to 6 are based on the following conversation. At the end of the conversation ,you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now,listen to the conversation. 4. What did Steve originally plan to do? A. To go to a park near the beach. ' B. To stay at home. C. To see a new film. D. To do some study. 5. Maggie finally decided to go to see a film because A. there was no park nearby. B. the weather wasn't ideal for a walk. C. it would be easier to go to a cinema. D. Steve hadn't seen the film yet. 6. Where did they plan to meet? A. Outside the Town Hall. B. Near the bank. C. In Steve's place. D. At the cinema.
2014专四听力部分听写原文参考
Limiting the growth of technology Throughout history, man has changed his physical environment to improve his way of life.// With the tools of technology, // man has altered many physical features of the earth. // He has transformed woodland into farmland.//He has modified the face of the earth//by cutting through mountains to build roads and railways. // However, these changes in the physical environment// have not always had beneficial results. // Today, pollution of the air and water is a danger to the health of the planet.// Each day, thousands of tons of gases come out of the vehicles. // Smoke from factories pollutes the air of industrialized areas and the surrounding countryside. // The air in cities is becoming increasingly unhealthy. // The pollution of water is equally harmful. // In the sea, pollution from oil is killing a lot of sea plants and fish. //It is now necessary for man to limit the growth of technology in order to survive on earth. //
历年英语专四听力真题、答案和原文
2000年专四听力答案 PART I DICTATION What We Know About Language Many things about language are a mystery and will remain so. / However, we now do know something about it. / First, we know that all human beings have a language of some sort. / No human race anywhere on earth is so backward / that it has no language of its own at all. /Second, there is no such thing as a primitive language. / There are many people whose cultures are undeveloped, / but the languages they speak are by no means primitive. / In all the languages existing in the world today,/ there are complexities that must have been developed for years. / Third, we know that all languages are perfectly adequate./ Each is a perfect means of expressing its culture. /And finally, we know that language changes over time, / which is natural and normal if a language is to survive. / The language which remains unchanged is nothing but dead. PARTⅡLISTENING COMPREHENSION SECTION A CONVERSATIONS Questions 1 to 3 are based on the following conversation. M:Jill,have you registered with the next semester? W:Not yet, there's still something that I'm not sure. Do you know if Professor Smith's economics 102 is still available to all undergraduate students? M: No, I don't think so. Last semester I tried to register in that course but all the other people told me not to. W: Why not? M: They said that my lack of knowledge in higher mathematics might be an obstacle in understanding Professor Smith's theory. W: Really? M: (I ) Jack tqld me that Professor Smith usually uses lots of formulas inside class. So you'd better make sure that you are extremely familiar with these formulas if you are seriously considering taking his course. W:What a shame I (2)My friends all told me that Professor Smith has lots of original ideas and he really can stimulate students to think. But I don't think I have the mathematical skills to keep up with the others. M:lf you want to take the course so much, why don't you register in a course in higher mathematics first? W. But I'm afraid that I will miss Professor Smith's course when I finish the mathematics course. M: Hey, I heard that Professor Smith would give the same course in the semester that starts next fall. ( 3 ) Why don't you take a year's higher mathematics and register in economics 102 the next fall? W:That sounds a good idea.
专四听写与听力理解上外出版12套模拟题第6-12套答案
专四听写与听力理解上外12套模拟题答案6-12 Model Test 6 Authority and Creativity In many countries, authority is seldom questioned, either because it is highly respected, or because it is feared . Sometimes, too, because rank has been important in certain societies for a long time, people have been trained never to question those in authority. In other countries, including America, children are trained to question and search for answers. When a child asks a question, he will often be told to go to the library and find the answer for himself. By the time students reach the age of 14 or 15, they may be developing exciting new ideas in all fields of science and arts . To encourage such creativity, there are many national prizes offered to students every year for their scientific discoveries and artistic accomplishments. This interest in questioning and searching may be considered by some people as bad for young people's manners. This impression may be created when visitors notice young Americans asking questions and arguing with older people . 1-5 CABDB 6-10 DCBDC 11-15 DACBC 16-20 DCADC 21-25 CBDBA 26-30 CDBAC Model Test 7 Driving in the US When driving in the United States, it’s a good idea to have an internaitonal driver’s license if you don’t have a state license. Each of the 50 states has its own traffic laws. For example, in some states drivers can pump their own gas at “self-service islands”, while in others this is not allowed. Drivers are expected to know and understand the laws even if they don’t live in the state. Get information when you cross the border into a state at a tourist information center. There is a national speed limit of 55 miles per hour, or about 80 kilometers per hour. Americans usually start and stop slowly and are generally polite about letting cars enter busy streets. They usually stop for people who are walking and let them cross the street first. In many states, you may turn right after stopping at a corner, even if there a red light. 1-5 DBABB 6-10 CCBBD 11-15 CBACD 16-20 BAACD 21-25 BABBD 26-30 CDADB Model Test 8 Why Do People Smoke
英语专业四级考试真题听力部分历年听写原文(2005年-2014年)
英语专业四级考试真题听写原文2005年 The Wrist Watch It is generally believed that wrist watches are an exception / to the normal sequence in the evolution of man's jewelry. / Reversing the usual order, they were first worn by women, / and then adopted by men. / In the old days, queens included wrist watches among their crown jewelry. / Later, they were worn by Swiss workers and farmers. / Until World War I, Americans associated the watch with fortune hunters. / Then army officers discovered that the wrist watch was most practical for active combat. / Race car drivers also loved to wear wrist watches, / and pilots found them most useful while flying. / Soon men dared to wear wrist watches without feeling self-conscious. / By 1924, some 30 percent of man's watches were worn on the wrist. / Today, the figure is 90 percent. / And they are now worn by both men and women / for practical purposes rather than for decoration. 2006年 The internet The internet is the most significant progress in the field of communications.Imagine a book that never rend, a library with milion floors,or imagine a research project with thousands of sientists working around the clock forever.This is the magic of the internet.
2011年专四听听力原文及答案
PART II LISTENING COMPREHENSION SECTION A CONVERSATIONS Questions 1 to 3 are based on the following conversation. At the end of the conversation, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the conversation. Woman: Good afternoon, International Trade Center Exhibition Services. How can I help? Man: Oh, hello. I’d like some information about exhibiting at the International Auto Mobile Show. Woman: The Auto Show? So, what would you like to know? Man: First, can you give me an idea of how big the fair is? Woman: Well, 121 companies had stands last year and that figure should be up to 140 this time. Man: Sorry, how many? Woman: 140. Man: What about visiting numbers? Woman: Over the two days, we had 6500 vis itors, so with more stands we’d hope for more people this time. Man: And where did they to be said come from? Woman: About 57% were from overseas: America and Europe, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. The remained were local people. Man: That’s interesting, now, a few practical questions. We’re thinking of taking a stand about 45 square meters. How much will that cost? Woman: $400 per square meter. Man: Sorry, can you give me the cost again? Woman: Yes. It’s $400. So if you’re looking at 45 square met ers, it would be, let me see, $18000. But that’s just the cost for a basic stand. Man: What does the price include? Woman: You get a list in a catalogue in both Chinese and English, some basic furniture——a desk and four chairs, and electricity in lighting. Man: So anything else would be extra like a poster. Woman: That’s right Questions 4 to 7 are based on the following conversation. At the end of the conversation, you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the conversation. Man: Hello Linda. Woman: Hello Jim. Man: I’m thinking of invest in your new educational computer that your company has produced and I’m interested in the advertise campaign. Woman: Oh, thank you. What would you like to know? Man: I’ve read your campaign plan. It looks ok. I only have a couple of questions mainly about where you intend to place these advertisements.
(完整版)历年英语专四听力真题答案和原文.doc
2000 年专四听力答案 PART I DICTATION What We Know About Language Many things about language are a mystery and will remain so. / However, we now do know something about it. / First, we know that all human beings have a language of some sort. / No human race anywhere on earth is so backward / that it has no language of its own at all. /Second, there is no such thing as a primitive language. / There are many people whose cultures are undeveloped, / but the languages they speak are by no means primitive. / In all the languages existing in the world today,/ there are complexities that must have been developed for years. / Third, we know that all languages are perfectly adequate./ Each is a perfect means of expressing its culture. /And finally, we know that language changes over time, / which is natural and normal if a language is to survive. / The language which remains unchanged is nothing but dead. PART Ⅱ LISTENING COMPREHENSION SECTION A CONVERSATIONS Questions 1 to 3 are based on the following conversation. M:Jill,have you registered with the next semester? W:Not yet, there's still something that I'm not sure. Do you know if Professor Smith's economics 102 is still available to all undergraduate students? M:No, I don't think so. Last semester I tried to register in that course but all the other people told me not to. W:Why not? M:They said that my lack of knowledge in higher mathematics might be an obstacle in understanding Professor Smith's theory. W:Really? M:(I ) Jack tqld me that Professor Smith usually uses lots of formulas inside class. So you'd better make sure that you are extremely familiar with these formulas if you are seriously considering taking his course. W:What a shame I (2)My friends all told me that Professor Smith has lots of original ideas and he really can stimulate students to think. But I don't think I have the mathematical skills to keep up with the others. M:lf you want to take the course so much, why don't you register in a course in higher mathematics first? W. But I'm afraid that I will miss Professor Smith's course when I finish the mathematics course. M:Hey, I heard that Professor Smith would give the same course in the semester that starts next fall. ( 3 ) Why don't you take a year's higher mathematics and register in economics 102 the next fall? W:That sounds a good idea. I. [ B] 推断题。根据 ''They said that my lack of knowledge in higher mathematics might be an obstacle in understanding Professor Smith's theory. 可知，缺少高等数学知识会阻碍理解史密斯 教授的理论，所以学习经济学需要有高等数学知识，因而[ B]项伟正确答案。 2. [D] 细节题。文中提到 ''My friends all told me that Professor Smith has lots of original ideas and he really stimulate students to think. ”由此可知，史密斯教授有很很多新颖的观点，斌且
09年英语专四听力原文和答案.doc
09年英语专四听力原文和答案.doc
2009年专四听力答案 PART I DICTATION New Year's Eve For many people in the west, New Year's Eve is the biggest party of the year. /lt's the time to get together with friends or family/and welcome in the coming year. / New Year's parties can take place in different places. /Some people hold a house party; others attend street parties;/ while some just go for a few drinks with their friends. /Big cities have large and spectacular fireworks displays. / There is one thing that all New Year's Eve parties have in common,/ the countdown to midnight./ When the clock strikes 12, people give a loud cheer and sing songs./ It's also popular to make a promise in the New Year. /This is called a New Year's resolution. / Typical resolutions include giving up smoking and keeping fit. /However, the promise is often broken quite quickly /and people are back into their bad habits within weeks or days. PART ⅡLISTENING COMPREHENSION SECTION A CONVERSATIONS Questions I to 3 are based on the following conversation. W: Hi, Mark. How are you? M: (2) Actually, I'm really fed up, Linda. It's Jean. W: (2) Jean? Who is Jean? M: Oh, nobody really. (1) Just a most stunningly attractive girl in my year school. W: Oh, is that all? (1) So what's the problem? M: (1) Well, the thing is I just don't know how to make her notice me, or... W: Wait a minute. I've got a brilliant idea I (3) Why don't you try talking to her? M: (3)But I wouldn't know what to say. 1... W: Look, she's in your chemistry class, isn't she? You're good at chemistry. (3) You could offer to help her with her chemistry homework. How about that? M: Not bad. Just one problem. W: What? M: (3) She's better than me at chemistry. W: OK, then? (3) Well, there is that party at John's on Friday night. You could invite her. M: ( 2/3 ) Just another small problem. John's her boyfriend. Key:1.B 2.C 3.A Questions 4 to 7 are based on the following conversation. W: Yes, can I help you?