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你可能喜欢新视野大学英语视听说第3册听力文本和答案
II. Basic Listening Practice
W: Ok. It’s your turn to pay the bill. I paid last
M: What? You have a selective memory. You tried to pay
last turn, but you so I ended up paying! It’s
definitely your turn.
Q: What is true according to the conversation?
M: I’m having real trouble reviewing for this French
exam. I just can’t memorize all the vocabulary.
W: Me too. I hate having to learn things by heart. I
guess we just have to keep reading the texts over and over.
Q: What does the woman prefer?
W: Oh look! There’s that guy we saw last week, playing
football in the park! He looked great in his kit, remember?
M: Him? I don’t remember him. I’ve got a terrible memory
for faces. I have a hard time even recording people I’ve been
introduced to.
Q: According to the conversation, what is the man’s
M: Why is there a big sign on the back of your door that
says “keys”?
W: It’s to remind me to take my keys when I go out
because I’m always locking myself out by accident! It doesn’t help
enough. Now I just forget to read the
Q: Why is there a sign on the back of the door?
M: That history exam was really hard. The essay question
was terrible!
W: I know, I wish I were like David. He has a
photographic memory, you know. How useful that would be!
Q: What is true of David?
Keys: 1.C 2.D 3. A 4.B 5.C
III. Listening In
M: Tell me your secret. You’re suddenly getting excellent
marks in every subject, and you used to be a bottom-of &class
student just like me.
W: Simple enough. I read an article in a scientific
journal that studying with remembering, based on recent research
into the brain.
M: Aw, that stuff’s old hat: study at the same time every
day, be sure your clothes are comfortable, and make sure you have
enough light, blah-blah-blah.
W: Not so fast, wise guy. I’m talking about principles
like “Mental Visualization”, creating a picture in your mind of
what is to be remembered.
M: Ok, that dies sound different. Id “Association” a
principle—you know, you connect what you want to remember with
something you’re familiar with?
W: Right on! ‘Consolidation” is another. I review my
notes right after class and consolidate—or absorb—the new material
into what I’ve already learned.
M: You’re moving ahead fast with those principles. I
swear this weekend I’m going to study sixteen hours a day both
Saturday and Sunday.
W: Whoa, big guy. That’s not the way. Follow the
principle of “Distributes Practice”. Shorter study sessions
distributes over several days are better.
M: That system is a you’ve got a
good memory. But what about me? I’ve got a memory like a sieve.
W: You’re too modest. There’s nothing wrong with your
memory. But mem it needs exercise. And don’t
forget it.
While the man is wondering why the woman is suddenly getting
excellent marks, she says she read an article on
studying and remembering. It talks about principles like
“Mental Visualization”, that is, creating a picture in one’s
mind of what is to be remembered. This reminds the man of
the principle of “Association”, which means connecting what
one wants to remember with something one is familiar with.
Then the woman adds the principle of “Consolidation”, or
reviewing one’s notes after class and absorbing the new
material into what one has already learned. When the man
promise to study sixteen hours a day, the woman recommends
the principle of “Distributed Practice”, which favors
shorter study sessions distributed over several days.
Finally, the woman tells the man that memory is like a
muscle, and that it needs exercise.
Task 2: You forget my toast!
An 80-year-old couple was having problems remembering things, so
they decide to go to their doctor to see what was wrong with them.
They explained to the doctor about the problems they were having
with their memory. After checking the couple over, the doctor told
them that they were physically okay but might need to start writing
things down to help them remember. The couple thanked the doctor
Later that night while watching TV, the old woman said to the
old man, “Honey, will you please go to the kitchen and get me a
dish of ice cream?”
Before the man left, she added, “Why don’t you write that down
so you won’t forget?”
“Nonsense,” said the husband, “I can remember a dish of ice
“Well,” said the wife, “I’d aslo like some strawberries on it.
You’d better write that down because I know your memory is
failing.”
“Don’t be silly,” replied the husband. “There’re only two
things: a dish of ice cream and some strawberries. I can surely
remember that!”
With that, he rushed into the kitchen. After about twenty
minutes he returned from the kitchen and handed her a plate of
bacon and eggs.
The wife took one look at the plate, glanced up at her husband,
and said, “Hey, you forget the toast!”
Keys: FTFFF
Task3: Memory-Improving Techniques
There are many techniques you can use to improve your memory.
Some of them are introduced her.
First and foremost, you need to stimulate your memory all the
time. To put it simply, you should use your memory as much as
possible. It is especially important to try to learn something new.
If you work in an office, if you are a dancer,
learn to deal with a computer, if you work with sales, and learn to
if you are a programmer, learn to paint. These added
activities stimulate the brain so that I t continues to
Older people need to pay attention to things they are dealing
with. Don’t try to memorize everything that ca
focus on what you consider important. For example, you can take any
object such as a pen and concentrate on it. Think on its various
characteristics: its material, its function, its color, and so on.
Don’t allow any other thought to occupy your mind while you are
concentrating in that pen.
Another method that can be used is to relax yourself. It is
impossible to remember things if you are tense or nervous.
So, try holding your breath for ten seconds, and then release it
Association is also a powerful tool to develop your memory. For
example, if you cannot remember a person’s name, you can think
about a special feature of his face and then link it with his
What’s seems to be an especially important way to stimulate one’s
What seems to be the best way to focus your memory?
How can you concentrate on a pen?
How can you relax yourself according to the passage?
What is the main idea of the passage?
Kes: 1A 2.C3. D 4.B 5.D
IV. Speaking Out
MODEL 1&& It slipped my
Amy: I sent out the invitations to the dinner party.
Bill: &That’s good. Now what should we
Amy: We’ve got to plan the menu.
Bill:& Oh, that’s right. Do you have
anything in mind?
Amy: I think I’m going to make the chicken salad we had
at the Christmas party. Remember I sled the chef for the
Bill: Yeah, but did you forget that Linda doesn’t eat
Amy: Linda? Oh, my gosh! I forgot to invite Linda! It
just slipped my mind. She’ll be mad at me.
Bill: Well, everyone forgets something sometimes. It’s
not too late yet. I’ll make a phone call. Don’t worry.
Amy: Thanks! You see, I’m getting forgetful. I think I’m
getting old!
Bill: Looks like you are, sweetheart
Now Your Turn
SAMPLE DIALOG
A: I’m going to throw a party, and I’ve sent out the
invitations to my friends and relatives.
B: That’s good. But don’t forget to invite everyone you
should invite.
A: I think I’ve invited everyone. Do you have anybody in
B: Did you invite John? He’s lost his job after recent
quarrel with his boss.
A: Oh, my gosh! I forgot to invite him! He’ll be sad,
thinking we look down on him. He just slipped my mind.
B: Well, everyone forgets something sometimes. Don’t
worry. It’s not too late. Make a phone call right away.
A: Did I forget anybody else that I should incite?
B: There’s yet another person you should invite—Julia.
She’s just moved to the city and feels lonely.
A: Oh, good heavens, I forgot all about her. She’s our
new friend. You see, I’m getting forgetful. I think I’m getting
B: Looks like you are, buddy. You’d better start writing
things down if they’re important.
MODEL2& &I can’t think of
it off the top of my head.
John: Hey, Sue. Do you know what Jack’s home phone
number is?
Susan: I can’t think of it off the top of my head.
I don’t have my address book on me, and I don’t have my mobile
phone with me, either.
John: That’s too bad! I’ve got to find him now. It’s
urgent! If I can’t find him today, I’ll be dead!
Susan: You might want to look it up in the phone
John: I’ve checked already, but it seems that hid phone
number is unlisted.
Susan: Maybe it’s under his roommate’s name.
John: Well, I guess so.
Susan: Well, why don’t you call Jane? She has his
phone number.
John: I’ve tried, but no one answered!
Susan: Maybe call his office and ask his secretary.
John: I’ve already tried. She won’t tell me. She says
it’s private.
Susan: Oh, that’s right. They usually don’t release
private information over the phone.
John: It’s a pity. You usually have a powerful
memory, but you can’t help today. What’s wrong with you? Your
memory seems to be fading early.
Susan: It’s not my memory is fading. I do have memory
for face and names, but a poor one for number and dates
Now Your Turn
SAMPLE DIALOG
A: Hey, do you remember when is the lecture on the value
of information by Professor Smith?
B: I can’t think of it off the top of my head. Maybe we
can look it up in our notebook, but I don’t have mine with me.
A: That’s too bas! I don’t have it with me, either. Do
you remember the number of the lecture hail?
B: Sorry, I can’t think of it off my head.
A: I’m terribly interested in the lecture. I can’t miss
B: Well, why don’t you call the dean who arranged the
A: I’m afraid it’s not very wise to ask the dean
B: Then maybe you can call the office if the department
and ask the secretary.
A: I’ve already tried, but no one answered.
A: You usually have a powerful memory, but you can’t help
today. You memory seems to be fading early.
B: It’s nit that my memory is fading. I do have a good
memory for faces and names, but a poor one for numbers and
MODEL3 &&What’s wrong with
your memory?
Bill:& Hi, honey! My trip to London was
wonderful.
Amy: Tell me what thrilled you most.
[The telephone rings and Bill answers it....He hangs up.]
Bill:& Er, where was I?
Amy: You were talking about your tour in London.
Bill:& Oh, yeah.
Amy: I bet you had a great time.
Bill:& Yes, I particularly enjoyed
visiting the tower of London.
Amy: How did you get there? By bus or underground?
Bill:& Let me see….Sorry, I can’t
remember any more.
Amy: What’s wrong with your memory?
Bill:& I hope it’s not Alzheimer’s
disease. I don’t want to forget my own name.
Amy: I don’t think so. Perhaps it’s just temporary
forgetfulness. You’ll be right after a good sleep.
Bill: I hope so. But as this is happening so often
recently, I think I must go to see a doctor and get some pills
Amy: It’s not as serous as that. Anyway, I wish you had a
good memory for happy events, and a bad one for unhappy things.
Now Your Turn
SAMPLE DIALOG
A: Hey, my trip to Beijing was fantastic.
B: Tell me what thrilled you most.
[The door bell rings and A answer it….A comes back.]
A: Where was I?
B: You were talking about your tour in Beijing
A: Oh, yeah.
B: I bet you had a great time.
A: Yes, I particularly enjoyed visiting the Forbidden
City and the Great Wall, though the admission fees were a bit too
high for me.
B: What were the fees?
A: Let me see….Sorry, I can’t remember any more.
B: What’s wrong with your memory?
A: I hope it’s not Alzheimer’s disease. I don’t want to
see a lot of new people everyday.
B: I don’t think so. Perhaps you only forget things
momentarily. You’ll be right after a good sleep.
A: I hope so. But as this is happening so often recently,
I think I have to see a doctor.
B: I don’t think it’s so serious. Anyway, a bad memory
helps you forget your trouble.
V. Let’s Talk
Student: &Professor, thank you for
graining me this interview. I’m Susan, a reporter from the Student
Union magazine. Many students have difficultly memorizing things.
Since you‘re an outstanding psychologist, could you give us some
tips on how top improve our memory?
Professor: Well, some people have better memories than
others, but that’s largely because they are better at creating
mental images.
Student: &&If I’m not
good at creating images, what can I do?
Professor: Practice helps. And the mind remembers things
better if they are connected with other images. For example, I you
have to pick up several items at the grocery store, say, carrots,
egg, bananas, and milk, you can create a picture in your mind of a
giant carrot, and hanging from it, a banana.
Student: &Then I could have a giant milk
carton pouring milk over the carrot and banana.
Professor: Certainly. Then what would you do with the
Student:& Hmmm. I’d visualize an
egg-shaped UFO flying across the sky.
Professor: There you go. The more you apply the ideas,
the easier it gets. Besides creating pictures, there’s another
technique that is very useful.
Student:&& What is
Professor:& Establishing an association.
Suppose you are looking for lost keys.
Relax, and let your mind look for all the images connected with
those keys--their feel, the sounds they make.
Student:&& How will
that help?
Professor:& You might remember the sound
the keys made when you placed then in a drawer or cold touch of the
keys in your jacket were you left them.
Student: &Oh my gosh! I have to run.
It’s time my English class. I see an image of my teacher staring at
my empty seat in the classroom. Many thanks, Professor.
Professor: Not at all, and good luck with your
Ways of Improving One’s Memory
Creating images
To remember the items to buy sat the grocery store such as
carrots, eggs, bananas, and milk
Images that you may help:
1.a giant carrot and a banana hanging from it
2. a giant milk carton pouring milk over the carrot and
3. an egg-shaped UFO flying across the sky
Establishing associations
To find your lost keys
Associations with sound touch that may help:
The sound of the keys might remind you of y\having placed then
in a drawer.
The cold touch of the keys might remind you of them in your
Discussion
A: As we just heard from the interview, the technique of
associating certainly important in promoting memory.
B: And according to the interview, creating images helps
remember things. If your shopping list includes eggs, you might
visualize an egg or an egg-shaped UFO flying across.
A: Another important factor in improving memory can be of
interest. If you get interested in something, you can remember it
B: Yeah. And if you recognize facts into meaningful
groups, you can remember them better. For instance, if you want to
memorize all the names of American presidents,
it&& is not easy. If, however,
you arrange them chronologically into three periods: those before
Abraham Lincoln, those between Abraham Lincoln and Franklin
Roosevelt, and those after, then the task will be less
difficult.
A: It is common sense that if you glance at something
quickly, you tend to forget it quickly. If you stuffy it slowly,
you can remember it better.
B: Another technique is intensive practice or repeating.
As a saying goes, practice makes perfect. If you repeat something
again and again, you will eventually learn it by heart.
A: But we should not work too hard. When we get tired,
our learning efficiency declines. We need breaks so the mind can
rest and absorb what has been learned.
VI.& Further Listening and Speaking
Task1: The Role Memory Plays in Our Life
Since memory plays a significant role in our life, scrientists
are increasingly interested in research on how to improver memory,
Here are some factors they believe to be important to expanding
memory capacity.
To begin with, you must take special care in your daily life.
Food for example, is very important. Some vitamins are essential
foe your memory to work properly. They are found in bread, cereal,
vegetables and fruits. Some experts say that synthesizes vitamins
improve memory, but others have doubts about this, arguing that the
studies have not confirmed they do work. Another essential factor
is water. It helps to maintain the memory systems, especially in
older persons. According to Dr. Roswell, lack of water in the body
has an immediate and str it can cause
confusion and other thought difficulties. Sleep also plays a
significant role. To be able to have a goof memory, we must allow
the brain to have plenty of rest. While sleeping, the brain no
longer controls the senses, and starts to revise and store the
information one has receives. Lack of sleep would make one feel
exhausted and would weaken one’s ability to concentrate. Also, one’
ability to store information would be affected.
What is the passage mainly about?
Why are foods important in promoting memory according to the
To whom is water especially important in maintaining the memory
What problem can a lack of water cause?
Why is sleep important to memory?
Keys: 1.A 2.B 3.D 4.D 5.C
Task 2: Where did the professor go?
This is a true story, while happened to friends of ours
in a small town in South Africa. They were a hospitable couple who
often entertained their neighbors for drinks, tea or dinner.
On this particular spring night, they have invited a
retired professor to super. During the evening, it began to
pour with rain, and the heavens really opened.
Because he had walked there, they offered to put him up for the
night. They pointed out that by staying overnight, he did not
need to go to out in the bad weather. He agreed on the
soundness of that idea, thanked his hosts profusely, and the matter
seemed to be settled. But while they were washing the dishes
after supper, the forgetful professor disappeared. No one could
find him anywhere. Eventually, after40 minutes, the front door bell
rang. There was the professor, soaked to the skin. When he was
asked what on earth he has been dong in the rain, he replied that
because he was going to stay there overnight, he had gone home
to get his pajamas and toothbrush.
Task3: How to Remember Names
You just called the TV repair shop, and the voice on the other
end of the line tells you, “This is Don Smith”.
About 5 minutes later you tell your wife that “this guy”will be
out to fix the TV in the morning. You can’t think of his mane
although you know he mentioned it on the phone.
This happens all the time to just about any of us unless we have
learned to concentrate and implant a name in our memory, right at
the time we hear it. To do this, you must make a habit of repeating
the name back to the person. This action will remind you to store
the name in your “memory bank” each time you hear someone’s name,
and within a short time the “repeating” process can be
discontinued
When you meet someone in person, use the same procedure, and in
addition, visualize something different, unusual or ridiculous
about hid or her appearance, position, or actions that “ties in
“with his or her name. Later, you may write the descriptive
information on one side of a card and the name in the other side.
Look at it repeatedly, see the “picture” in your mind’s eye as you
look at& or when you see he name,
visualize the “picture” you have assigned to the name.
Getting this system to work will require changes in your
thinking, and it may take several days or several weeks to become
proficient.
News Report
A Dolphin Exhibition
A recent art exhibition in Florida honored the animal often seen
as man’s most intelligent friend, the dolphin.
The “Dolphins on Parade” exhibition in the Florida Keys featured
life-sized decorates dolphin paintings made of wood and the
cost of materials. The dolphins were shown at area business
and along the beach. Sponsors paid U.S. $750 to cover the
artists’ fee and the cost of materials.
There were more than 100 dolphin themes, including a
beer-belly dolphin. They showed the work of local artists,
as well as the beach atmosphere the Keys are famous for.
Probably the most unique was special because of its
artist, Pandora. Pandora the dolphin painter is area
dolphin, art the Dolphin Research center, in Marathon, Florida. The
playful artist streaks colors across a dolphin painting holding a
brush in its mouth.
The exhibition was held by the Monroe [Florida] Council of the
Arts as part of a plan to make the Keys an international arts
center. The paintings were to be auctioned off in March, with the
money earned going to community art programs.
II. Basic Listening Practice
W: Have you chosen your elective for next semester yet?
Are you taking French writing again?
M: Yes I am, but it’s compulsory for us next semester. So
I think I’m gong to do marketing as an elective instead.
Q: Which class will the man choose as his elective?
M: Did you go to that businesses lecture on Friday? I
missed it and need to copy your notes.
W: I’d say you could borrow my notes, but Sarah’s got
them. Be careful not to miss Professor Brown’ he takes
attendance in that.
Q: What is the woman telling the man?
W: Wow, Steven! In the library! What brings you here?
M: I’m enjoying the view. All the girls in fashion design
are here are preparing for an exam on Monday.
Q: Why is the man in the library?
W: How’s your group doing with this statistics
presentation? Mine’s terrible.
M: Yeah, mine too. David and Mike are OK, but Steven
doesn’t pull his weight and Suzie’s never around. I don’t see how
we can pass unless Steven and Suzie realize that this is their last
Q: What is the true of Steven and Suzie?
W: You took an MBA at Harvard Business School, didn’t
you? What’s it like?
M: It’s expensive, about U.S. $ 40,000 a year, plus the
costs of food and housing. But the teaching is first class. The
professors have a lot of practical experience. They use the case
that is, you study how actual businesses grew
or failed.
Q: Why is he MBA teaching in Harvard Business School
first class, according to the conversation?
Keys: 1.C 2.D 3.B 4.D 5.A
III. Listening In
Task1: On the First Day
Harrison: I’m Harrison. Good to meet you. So you’ve
bought the books for this biology class.
Jenny:&& Sure, I think
everyone had to before class started.
Harrison: No. Usually no one does much on the
first day because it’s still add-drop.
What’s that?
Harrison: Changing from class to class to find out
which one is best. Hey, where are you from?
Jenny:&& Poland. Have
you has this teacher before? I’ve heard he is really good.
Harrison: He’s good if you’re a hand-worker. He
expects a lot.
Jenny: &&Oh, I guess
that’s good. I hope I can keep up with everyone else in the class.
Maybe I need your help after class.
Harrison: You’re welcome.
Professor: All right. See you guys next week.
Student:& See you.
Jenny:&& Harrison, wait
Harrison: So what do you think about the
professor’s lecture?
Jenny:&& I think half
of what he said went over my head.
Harrison: That’s all right. A lot of what he said
is explain in the reading/
Jenny:&& Hey, would you
mind if I borrowed your notes tonight to look them over?
Harrison: No problem. We don’t have class until
Wednesday. Here you go.
Jenny:&& Thanks. I just
want to make sure I’m prepared for the seminar.
Harrison: Yeah, participation in the discussion is
an important part of the education here.
Seeing that Jenny has bought the books for the biology
class, Harrison says nobody does much on the first day
because it’s still add-drop, which means students are
changing from class to class. Jenny knows the professor is
really good. But Harrison warns her that the professor is
good, only if students are hand-workers, for he expects a
After class, Jenny admits that half of what the professor
said went over her head, and Harrison assures her
that a lot of what the professor said is explained in the
When Jenny asks to borrow Harrison notes, he says “on
problem”, for they don’t have class until Wednesday.
Finally, Harrison says participation in the discussion at
the seminar is an important part of the education there.
Task 2: Money for College
Robert is a university student. He likes to have fun. But having
fun was expensive, so he was rapidly running out of money. There
was nothing to do to try to call his mother for help.
“Hi, Mom. I certainly miss you and Dad. I…uh…got a big surprise
this week in my physics course. We have to buy two new textbooks.
I’m going to need $100.”
“I understand,” said his mother, “I’ll send you the money right
away. You left your calculus book here when you were home two weeks
ago. Shall I mail that at the same time?”
“Oh, yeah. Thanks,” Robert said.
Robert’s mother made up a parcel with the calculus book and two
checks, and mailed it to Robert that very day. When she returned
from the post office, her husband was waiting for her.
“Well, how much did you give the boy this time?” asked Dad.
“I send two checks: one for $100 and the other for $1, 100,”
answered Mom.
“You’re outing your mind,” yelled Dad, “That’s $1,100. He’ll
just spend that in a couple of weeks. He’s never going to learn the
value of money that way.”
“Don’t worry, honey,” Mom said, “I taped the $100 check to the
cover of his book, but I put the $1,000 one between the pages in
Charper13!”
Keys: TFFFT
Task3: How to Get Straight A’s
It is interesting to note how straight A students achieve
academic excellence. Here, according to education experts and
students themselves are the secrets of super-achievers.
First, they know how to set priorities. Top students allow no
intrusions on study time. Once the books are open or the computer
is turned on, phone calls go unanswered, TV shows unwatched, snacks
ignored. Study is business, and business comes before
recreation.
Also, good students can study anywhere and everywhere. Claudia
Hill, an Arizona State University business professor recalls a
cross-country runner who worked out every day. Hill persuaded him
to use his spare time to memorize biology term. Then he posted a
list of biology terms on the mirror in the bathroom. He learned a
few terms every day while brushing his teeth. Eventually, he scored
high on the final examination.
Moreover, top students schedule their time well. Study times are
strictly a matter of personal preference. Some work late at night
when the house is quiet. Others awake early. Still others study as
soon as they come home from school when the work is fresh in their
minds. All agreed, however, on the need for consistency. A student
says, “Whatever I was doing, I maintained a certain period of time
every day for studying.”
Another important characteristic of super-achievers is that they
know hoe to read, According to a book entitled Getting Straight
A’s, the secret of good reading is to be “an active reader-one who
continually asks questions that lead to a full understanding of the
author’s message”.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned about super—achievers
starting to study?
What did the cross-country runner do to score high on the exam?
What is the good thing all top students agree on?
What does the speaker mean by “an active reader”?
10.& What is the main idea of the passage?
Kes: 1B 2.C3. D 4.A 5.D
IV. Speaking Out
MODEL 1&& You’re just going
to have study hard
Nora: Only our first day back at school, and already I
feel like I’ve learned a lot.
Chris: Only our first day back at school, and I
already feel like I’m up to my ears in homework.
Nora: You’re going to have to hit the books if you
want to keep your grades up.
Chris: Tell me about it! I already have two
reports, two books reports, a composition, an oral report, and a
research project—all due before midterms.
Nora: We could work together. Maybe some of my organized
study habit would rub off on you.
Chris: Better yet, maybe you could do my homework for
Nora: Forget it! That would be cheating.
Chris: All right, all right. I have yet to write a term
paper. Can you recommend any articles and books? You’d
better find me the exact pages where I can find what I want.
Nora: You could borrow ideas from references, but if
you quote without giving the sources, you’re plagiarizing.
Chris: The quiz next week will be a headache. If
you don’t help me, I’ll have to prepare some study sheets and hide
them in my hand when I take the test.
Nora: Oh, no! If you’re caught, the professor will
definitely give you an F. Probably, you will have to repeat the
Chris: All right, I’ll take your advice. The library is
going to be my new home, and in the dorm I’ll be burning the
midnight oil.
Now Your Turn
SAMPLE DIALOG
A: We’re going to have a test, and I also have a term
paper to finish. But I haven’t done a thing. I’m really worried
B: You’re going to have to have to hit the books if you
want to get good grades.
A: But this course is so difficult that I already don’t
understand it at all.
B: We could work together. Maybe some of my organized
study habit can help you.
A: Better yet, maybe you could write a term paper for
B: Forget it! That would be cheating.
A: All right, all right. I have yet to write it myself.
Maybe I can download some articles from the Internet and piece them
B: You could borrow ideas from those articles, but if you
quote without giving the sources, you’re plagiarizing.
A: Also, the test next week will be a headache. If you
don’t help me, I’ll have to prepare a cheat-sheet and hide it in my
hand during the test.
B: Oh, no! If you’re caught, the professor will
definitely give you an F.
A: I’ll try to be careful.
B: But if the professor catches you, you’ll have to
repeat the year. You’re just going to have to study hard.
A: Ok, I’ll take your advice. The library’s going to be
my new home, and in the dorm I’ll be burning the midnight oil.
MODEL2& Which class do you prefer?
Chris: First period is math with Mr. Woods. I don’t know
how am I going to stay awake?
Nora: I like Mr. Wood. He’s interesting.
Chris: He’s boring! He could put the entire basketball
team to sleep—during the championship game! Who do you have for
economics?
Nora: Mrs. Jenkins. She’s smart. Students really learn a
lot from her.
Chris: She’s tough! You have to work hard in her
class, or you’ll probably fail.
Nora: No pain, no gain.
Chris: Nonsense, You could have learned even more with
Mr. Sharp. But not many students opt for his class.
Nora: What’s wrong with him?
Chris: Often, the highest grade he gives on a term paper
is C+, and he usually fails half of the students.
Nora: No wonder he’s got the nickname Mr. Shark.
Well, how about PE? What are you doing this semester?
Chris: That’s the worst part. In PE, we’re learning t’ai
chi. I’m bored to death.
Nora: Ha-ha! Not to rub salt into the wound, but our
class is playing your favorite sport: basketball.
Chris: Oh…that figures! This is going to be a
terrible semester.
Nora: This is going to be a great semester!
Now Your Turn
SAMPLE DIALOG
A: The history class is really boring. How am I going to
stay awake?
B: I like the history teacher. She’s knowledgeable. She
told us a lot of interesting historical events in class.
A: Bur I find her boring! She could put the entire
basketball team to sleep—during the championship game! Which class
do you find dull?
B: I hate the economics course. The teacher always talks
above my head. So I’ve lost interest in the course.
A: Bur economic is my favorite. The professor is smart.
Most students really learn a lot from him.
B: But he’s tough! He expects a lot. You have to work
hard in his class, or you’ll probably fail.
A: No pain, no gain.
B: Actually not many students opt for his class.
A: What’s wrong with him?
B: Often the highest grade he gives on a term paper is
B-. Last seme4stwe he failed more than a third of the students and
I was one of them.
A: Oh, that’s too bad.
B: Well, how do you find your English teacher? I don’t
think much of her, either.
A: I find her kind, always willing to answer my
she always gives me high marks.
B: You’re rubbing salt into my wound. She failed me last
MODEL3 &&Publish or perish
&&&&&&&&&Tell
us, Professor Grant, What are your primary duties as a
professor?
Professor Grant: Well, I do a lot of research and
writing. It’s rough being an associate professor. It’s publish
or perish.
&&&&&&&&&So
you spent a lot of time in your office?
Professor Grant: Yes, but I also have to prepare class
motes, give lectures, hold office hours. Teaching is an
important part of being a professor.
Chris:&&&&&&&&&&
With all those responsibilities, you must make a lot of
Professor Grant: I wish. Actually, I spend a lot of tome
applying foe grants to fund my research. Then I can offer
assistantships and scholarships to the worthy graduate.
see why they call you “the boss”. But being a professor sounds
pretty competitive.
Professor Grant: Actually, I think you were in one of my
&&&&&&&&&Um….I
think you’re mistaken, Professor Grant!
Professor Grant: No, I remember very clearly now! You
owe me an essay!
&&&&&&&&Sorry,
I have too much work to do for the Student Union Newsletter, and I
have to work two jobs to pay for school.
Professor Grant: So you get an F in this
Now Your Turn
SAMPLE DIALOG
A: Professor Smith, I’m from the Student Union newspaper.
Many students want to know a western professor’s main duties and
compare them with a Chinese professor’s duties.
B: Well, I do a lot of research and writing. It’s tough
to be a professor.
A: Chinese professor are also facing increasing pressure,
as they are required to do more research than before. Professor
Smith, do you spend al lot of time on teaching?
B: Yes, I have to prepare class notes, give lectures,
host seminar, and hold office hours. In fact, teaching is an
important part of being a professor, though some professors believe
that research is more important than teaching.
A: With all those responsibilities, you must make a lot
of money, I suppose.
B: I wish. Salary is a sensitive topic in the west. Let
me say something about research funds. Actually I spend a lot of
time applying for grants to fund my research.
A: How are you going to use the grants?
B: With that money, I can offer assistantships and
scholarship to graduate students who can help with my research
A: Now I see why they call you “boss”. But being a
professor sounds pretty competitive.
B: That’s true. A lot of young teachers want to be
promoted to a professorship.
A: What you said has given us a fairly clear picture of a
western professor’s primary responsibilities. Thank you very much
for your time.
B: You’re welcome
V. Let’s Talk
Hi, everybody. My topic today is “Problems with Our Educational
There are a lot of things in our educational system that I don’t
agree with. It seems that educators just want to give standardized
tests, which focus only on academic performance but neglect
students’ abilities and interests in other areas. I think there’re
a lot of people who are very intelligent, but haven’t had the
opportunities they could’ve had, had they been educated in a
broader-minded educational systems. I feel that a lot of courses
that students are focused to take in high school are too academic,
and, as a result, many kids lost their interest in learning.
Educators have failed to recognize various kinds of
intelligence. They often exert a lot of pressure on students to be
as well-rounded as possible. I think being well-rounded isn’t
really possible. And as a consequence some students who are
believed to be intelligent can’t get into good colleges if they,
for example, haven’t scored well on the math section, even if they
ate brilliant writers.
Another thing that disturbs me is that the so-called “weak
students” are separated from the rest of the school. Some kids are
kept in a separate class id their grades are lower then others. And
they’ve very aware of their social position, you know. I think it
causes them to act in a way that is not really positive. They’re
just acting in a way that they are expected to act. Often their
grades go from bad to worse. And that’s pretty sad to me. I think
that many of the kids in those classed are intelligent, but never
actually realize their potential because of the way they are
treated very early on in their education.
Educators just want to give standardized tests. They only
focus on academic performance but neglect students’
abilities and interests in other areas.
Kids lose interest in learning.
Educators often exert a lot of pressure on students to be
as well-rounded as possible.
Some intelligent kids can’t enter good colleges.
“Weak” students are separated from the rest of the
Their grades go from bad to worse.
A: Many ads about English classes for children say,
“Don’t let your kids lose the competition just because they start
later.” I quite agree. I hear young children often learn a foreign
language faster then adults.
B: It’s hard to say. Kids may learn the pronunciation
better than adults, but adults usually learn vocabulary and grammar
A: You can learn vocabulary
when you grow up, you can hardly change your pronunciation.
B: But if they learn the wrong pronunciation from the
beginning? If they don’t learn English when they are young in the
right way, it’ll affect their English studies
A: Anyway, some good or “key” schools give English tests
to kids before admitting them.
B: English is important, bur other subjects like Chinese
and math ate equally important. If kids spend too much time on
English, they have little time left for other subjects.
A: Some people say that learning a foreign language can
help develop children’s mental abilities such as memory, attention
span and concentration, which will e of help in learning other
B: But too much time for studying and too little left for
playing, children’s moral and physical development will be
A: Well, it’s difficult for me to convince you, and vice
versa. Let’s agree to disagree.
VI.& Further Listening and Speaking
Task1: Harvard University
Harvard University is the oldest institute of highest learning
in her United States. Founded 16years after the arrival of the
Pilgrim at Plymouth, the university has grown from 9 students with
a single master to the present enrollment of more than
18,000students, including undergraduates and students in 10
graduate and professor schools. Over14, 000 people work at Harvard,
including more than 2,000 faculties. Harvard has produces six
presidents of the United States and 34 Noel winners.
During its early years, Harvard offered a classic academic
course based on the model of English universities, but consistent
with the prevailing Puritan philosophy. Although many of its
graduates became ministers in Puritan church throughout New
England, the university never formally affiliated with a specific
religious group.
Under President Pusey (), Harvard started what was then
the largest fund-raising campaign in the history of American higher
education. It was an 82.5 million dollar program for the
university. The program increased faculty salaries, broadened
student aid, created new professorships, and expanded Harvard’s
physical facilities.
Neil L. Rudenstine took office as Harvard’s 26th
president in 1001. As part of an overall effort to achieve greater
coordination among the university’s school and faculties,
Rudenstine encouraged academic planning and identified some of
Harvard’s main intellectual priorities. He also stressed the
important of the university’s excellence in undergraduate
education, the significance of keeping Harvard’s doors open to
students from families of different economic backgrounds, the task
of as aping the research university to an era of both rapid
information growth and serious fund shortage.
What is main idea of the passage?
How many teachers did Harvard have at the very beginning?
What was the role of religion at Harvard University was during is
early years?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an achievement of
President Pusey’s fund-raising program?
10.& What did President Rudenstine do?
Keys: 1.B 2.A 3.C 4.D 5.D
Task 2: The Final Exam
At a university, there were four sophomores taking a chemistry
course. They were doing so well on all the quizzes,
midterms, labs, that each had “A” so far for the
These four friends were so confident that on
the weekend before finals, they decided to go up to the University
of Virginia and party with some friends there. They had a
great time, but after all the hearty partying, they slept
all day Sunday and didn’t make it back to school until early
Monday morning.
Rather than taking the final then, they decided to find their
professor after the final exam and explain to him why they missed
it. They explained that they had planned to come back in time for
the final exam, but, unfortunately, they had a flat tire on the
way back, didn’t have a spare, and couldn’t get help for a long
time. As a result, they missed the final.
The professor thought it over and then agreed they could make up
the final the following day. The guys were relieved and elated. The
next day, the professor placed them in separate room, hand each
of them a test booklet, and told them to begin.
They took at the first problem, worth five points. It was a
simple question on a chemical reaction. “Cool,” they thought at the
same time, each one in his separate room, “This is going to be
easy.” Each finished the problem and then turned the page.
On the second page was a question worth 95 points: “Which of
the tires was flat?”
Task3: Applying for a place in an American
University
International students often underestimate the amount of time
required to apply for admission to a college or university in the
United States. You should avoid this mistake by setting yourself a
schedule that starts well in advance of the time you hope to begin
your studies. When setting this timetable, always remember that
doing things early is the best way forward. To find the institution
or program that will best serve your academic or professional
goals, allow yourself sufficient time to research thoroughly your
options. Then meet the application deadlines of the university to
which you apply. These may be as much as 10 months before the
school term.
The need for an early start holds true even if you can apply on
the Internet. University websites and other academic Internet sites
may provide quick and convenient access to the required application
forms, but you still need time to research your options, contact
teachers and institutions to obtain recommendation and transcripts
of academic records, and sign up for required entrance exams, that
is, standardized tests, in time to meet application deadlines. In
fact, although some students did score high on TOEFL and GRE, they
were not admitted because they failed to meet the deadline.
For Reference:
1. They often underestimate the amount of time required.
2. They must allow themselves sufficient time to research
thoroughly their options
3. They may provide quick and convenient access to the required
application forms.
4. They still need time to research your options, contact
teachers and institutions to obtain recommendation and transcripts
of academic records, and sign up for required entrance exams, that
is, standardized tests.
5. Because they failed to meet the deadline.
News Report
Prince William in Chile
What goes into a prince’s education today? For Britain’s Prince
William, nature played an important role in his education
this last winter, as the future king went on a 10-week expedition
in Chile with Raleigh International.
The experience was a very different one for the prince.
He kayaked in ocean fjords, tracked a rare deer, and was stranded
on a beach during a storm.
He also got used to sleeping on the ground—at times in a
room filled with 16 people &and living in simple
conditions.
Those who took part, called “volunteers”, both
contributed and learned. The prince helped locals
build wooded walkways and buildings, and taught English to
schoolchildren.
He was described by other volunteers as hardworking,
humble, and laid-back. As one said, “He struck a really good
balance between working hard and having fun…getting on with
everyone, and taking on the team spirit.”
The prince said he liked being treated as an “equal” by
other volunteer, who came from all walks of life. Around 20 percent
were from problem backgrounds, some having had troubles with
drugs or crime.
It seems that there’s a lot more to education than university
and books, and the Chilean forests and a little contact with
regular people may do a lot of a British prince.
II. Basic Listening Practice
M: Amy, sit down, we need to talk. Your mother and I are
going to separate.
W: What! Are you crazy? You can’t do that! What will my
friends say? I just want to have a normal family.
Q: What is the girl saying?
M: Good evening, Mrs. Jones. The manager sent you these
roses and his best wishes to you both for a happy anniversary.
W: Thank you. We like the room and the service here, and
we especially appreciate the manager’s consideration/
Q: What can we learn from the conversation?
W: While I’m scrambling the eggs, could you put the flour
into the bowl?
M: You bet, darling. I’ll also turn the oven on so that
it gets warmed up.
Q: Where does this conversation probable take place?
W: I have a very important meeting tonight, and I’m
afraid I can’t miss it.
M: But this evening is the parents’ meeting at school,
and I was expecting you’d come to it. OK, I’ll phone Dad, maybe he
and his girlfriend will come.
Q: What can be inferred from the conversation?
W1: So you’re still single? If you’d listen to me and
used the Internet, you’d have a husband by now.
W2: I did use the Internet. I posted an ad that read
“Husband Wanted”. There were dozens of e-mail responses. But they
all said pretty much the same thing: You can have mine.
Q: What can we infer from the conversation?
Keys: 1.C 2.A3.B 4.C 5.D
III. Listening In
Task1: Reasons for a Divorce
W: I’m divorcing my husband.
M: How long have you been married?
W: Thirteen years.
M: Do you have children?
W: Yes, and I have to protect them from any more harm
from my husband’s irresponsibility
M: So, what are your grounds for divorce?
W: Well, first of all, he keeps changing jobs. We’ve had
moved four times in thirteen years!
M: And, you believe that will be good grounds for
W: I do have a right to stability for my children and
myself, don’t I?
M: Aren’t they his children, too?
W: But my husband isn’t fulfilling his duties!
M: Is he paying the bills?
W: Well, yes, but we just live around the poverty line.
Our kids are being teased by other kids at school because we can’t
dress them in good clothes! We have to live in a small department
and drive an old car!
M: Does the car run?
W: Yes, but it looks OLD!
M: Do you yell at him and call him names?
W: Well, he yells at me!
M: So, those are the reasons to not honor your husband.
Are you going to give him joint custody in this divorce?
W: No, just visitation rights.
W: Because the law permits me to.
M: And, what about the financial demands of this
W: I’m demanding half of all we have, which isn’t much,
and large support payments.
After thirteen years marriage, the woman wants to
divorce her husband, claiming he is irresponsible.
When asked for the specific grounds for divorce, she gives these
reasons: First, he keeps changing jobs, and the family has
had to move four times in thirteen years, but she wants
stability for her children and herself. Second,
although he is paying the bills, they just live around the
poverty line. Her children are being teased by other
children for not dressing good clothes. Also, they had to live in a
small apartment and drive an old car, though it still
runs. Worse still, the husband yells at her, though
she admits she also yell at him and calls him names. As for
the divorce arrangements, the woman will give the husband only
visitation rights instead of joint custody. Moreover, the
woman will demand half of all they have and large support
Task 2: What four-letter words?
Dorothy was the only child of her family, born when her parents
were mid-aged. They spoiled her badly. At the age of 33 she still
lived at home. Her mother and father treat her like a princess. She
seemed perfectly content with that situation, so her friends were
surprised when she announced she would soon get married. People who
knew her well said the marriage wouldn’t last long. But for the
present, she and her new husband approached happy.
As soon as the newly couple returned from their honeymoon, the
bride called her mother.
“How does everything go?” her mother asked.
“Oh, Mom,” she began, “the honeymoon was lovely! So romantic! We
had a wonderful time. But on our back, Bob started using terrible
language. Stuff I’d never heard before. Really awful four-letter
words. You’ve got to come get me and take me home. Please, Mom!”
the new bride sobbed over the telephone.
“But, honey,” the mother asked, “What four-letter words?”
“I can’t tell you, Mom. They’re too awful! Come get me,
“Darling, you must tell me what has upset you so much. Tell me
what four-letter words he used.”
Still sobbing, the bride said, “Mom, words like dust, wash,
iron, and cook.”
Keys: FTFFT
Task3: A Woman Who Chose Not to Remarry
After 17 years of marriage, my husband left me for my best
friend, Monica. What I had feared most became reality: I became the
single parent of two young children. My daughter grew increasingly
unhappy. Seven-year-old Joanna had anxiety attacks when ever she
was left alone for more than a few minutes. Five-year-old Sophie
would vomit every meal. Under the psychological pressure, I thought
about remarriage. My friends arranged dinner with single men and
invited me to parties to meet the latest “someone special”.
But later I changed my mind. A colleague of mine said, “Second
marriages usually end in divorce, and children are destroyed by
it.” There is some truth in his words. Research published in 2004
showed that children in blended families were no more emotionally
healthy than those in single-parent families.
Not long ago, my now-teenage daughter and I went to lunch at our
favorite Italian restaurant. While eating, we talked about a friend
of ours who was divorcing her second husband. We were worried about
how the break would harm her three children, two of whom were
struggling to get free of drugs. Joanna put down her fork and
looked at me. “Mom, I’m glad you didn’t remarry,” she said. “If you
had divorced again, I might have tried drugs or even consider
suicide.” At that moment, I realized, once again, that singleness
was right choice for me.
11.& What was the speaker most afraid of?
12.& Which of the following is NOT true?
13.& What did the speaker’s colleague say?
14.& Which of the following is true?
15.& If the speaker had divorced again, what
might her daughter, Joanna, have done?
Kes: 1C 2.A3. B 4.B 5.B
IV. Speaking Out
MODEL 1&& Is youth wasted
on the young?
Amy: I’d like to talk to you, so stop what you’re doing
for a minute.
Bill: What is it, Amy? I’m having a hectic time
working on this report for tomorrow’s meeting.
Amy: Well, you’re always pretty busy, and it’s been
more five years, almost six, since we were married.
Bill: &Yes, time has gone so
fast, but they’ve been good years.
Amy: I know, but I want to have a baby—I want us to have
Bill:& I know you do. But
remember, we said we’d wait until we could afford it.
Amy: But five years is a long time to wait.
Anyway, it’s long enough.
Bill: &I’m this close to getting a
promotion.
Amy: What has that got to do with it? We could wait
forever if we wait for the “perfect” moment. Soon we’ll be too old
to enjoying having a baby.
Bill: &You know, you have a
good point. This report can wait. I’ll do it tomorrow morning.
Let’s open a bottle of wine and enjoy ourselves.
Now Your Turn
SAMPLE DIALOG
A: I’ve got something important to tell you: I’m
B: What? You’re pregnant? Wow, I’d love to have a
A: Well, I understand you want to be a father. It’s been
more than three years, almost four, since we were married.
B: Yes, time has passed so quickly, but we still didn’t
have a baby.
A: I know, but we can’t afford to have one now. If I
leave my job for more than two weeks, I’ll lose it forever.
B: I know you will. But remember, if we don’t have one
now, it’ll be too late. We’ll be busier in future.
A: There is something in what you said. Four years is a
long time to wait. But I really like my job. What’s more, I’m very
close to getting promotion.
B: But a baby borne by a woman in her 30s may be
physically and intellectually less healthy. If we wanted to hold
onto your job, we would wait forever. Soon we’ll be too old to
enjoy a baby.
A: You really have a point. I’ll choose the baby over the
B: Good, I’ll try harder to make both ends meet
MODEL2 So many people in the United States get
Kim: Hi Amy.
Amy: Hi! Look at this headline, Kim.
Kim: Wow! So many people in the United States get
Amy: But this is not uncommon in west. In some places,
the divorce rate can be as high as 50 percent.
Kim: It seems strange to me that Westerners fall head
heels in love quickly, i but they also
leave each other quickly.
Amy: Is it the same in your country?
Kim: I don’t think so. In my country, some marriages
break up, but most couples stay together.
Amy: Do people get married young?
Kim: Not really. Not many people get married
before the age of 20.
Amy: Hmm. Do woman usually work after they get
Kim: No, a lot of women stay home to take care of
their families. But more women work now.
Now Your Turn
SAMPLE DIALOG
A: It seems strange to me that Westerners fall head heels
in love quickly, but they also leave each other quickly.
B: Is it the same where you live?
A: I don’t think so. In my country, most couples stay
B: What is the divorce rate in your homeland?
A: The divorce rate can be as low as 10 percent.
B: That’s quite lower than in our country.
A: Well, what’s the divorce rate in your country?
B: About 50 percent, if I’m not mistaken.
A: Oh, that’s really high!
B: Do people get married young?
A: Not really. Not many people get married before the age
B: Many of our young people get married before 20. Is it
common for women in your country to work after they marry?
A: Yes, most wives work even after they’ve got a
B: In my country, a lot of wives stay home to look after
their families.
MODEL3 Why not have both our parents here for Christmas?
Amy: You know, Christmas is coming. And I haven’t seen
Dad for ages—he always has such great stories to tell.
Bill: &I know we went t my folks’ last
year, but my Mom’s been pretty sick. This might be her last
Christmas.
Amy: She’s been ill, but don’t exaggerate. You
just don’t like my mother. That’s why you don’t want to go to my
Bill: &She’s never liked me. Never
thought I was good enough for you.
Amy: Well, you’re not… But seriously, Mom’s not so
sad. She’s just got a thick skin and likes to hide her
Bill:& I don’t think so.
Amy: Why not have our both families here for
Christmas?
Bill:& That would make twenty-two of us
if we invited everybody.
Amy: Why not just have our parents here for
Christmas?
Bill: Good idea. Just don’t sit me next to your
Now Your Turn
SAMPLE DIALOG
A: You know, the Spring Festive is coming, and we have to
consider where to have the Spring Festive Eve dinner.
B: What have you got in mind?
A: Since I’ve been busy, I haven’t seen mom for quite
some time—she’s always been so kind to us.
B: I know we went t my folks’ last year, but my mom’s
been sick. She needs comfort.
A: My parents also need company. If I don’t have the
Spring Festive Eve dinner with them for two years running, they
will be extremely disappointed. As a matter of fact, my mom is
already blaming me for neglecting them.
B: What can we do then?
A: Let me think. Why not invite our parents here for the
B: But they live so far away from us. It’s inconvenient
for old people.
A: Then we can invite four of them to a restaurant near
B: Good, idea. On the next morning we can visit both our
A: And don’t forget to bring gifts.
V. Let’s Talk
If you want me to tell you why I remarried, that’s my story.
Remarried is the last thing I’d consider for two years after my
divorce. I had heard about the high rate of remarriage failure.
More importantly, I wondered how remarrying would affect my
10-year-old son. My heart ached when I saw my son draw a picture of
himself, my ex-wife and me holding hands, with sadness on our
faces. Since my parents have married and divorce eight times
altogether, I hope my son would not have to go through the same
pain I had experienced. As a result, my primary focus after divorce
was my relationship with my son John, not finding a wife.
As time went by, my son gradually grew up, and he became of my
loneliness and anxiety. One day he asked me to consider dating. The
first timer he said this, I ignored him. The second time he brought
it up, I reconsidered my reservations about dating. I began to date
Maria. As our relationship developed over the following year, I was
concerned about my son would actually respond to her. At first,
John’s affection for Maria was lukewarm. For instance, he would hug
her, but the act seemed mechanical. But after several times, he
warmed up to her. Seeing that the time was ripe, I asked Maria to
marry me. She accepted, so our family of two smoothly became a
family of three. Thinking back, I believe my remarrying was the
right choice.
Some single-parents are still besitant about remarrying. Now
that you’ve heard my story, I hope you won’t hesitate and let
golden opportunities slip through your fingers.
Changes in the Speaker’s Attitude to Remarriage
Reasons or Detailed Description
For two years after my divorce, remarriage was the last word
I’d consider.
High rate of remarriage failure.
Remarriage would affect my son.
①&&&&
He drew a picture of the three of us.
②&&&&
My parents married and divorced eight times and I hope my
son would have no such pain.
③&&&&
My primary focus was my son, not a wife.
I ignored my son’s suggestion that I consider dating.
He grew up and became conscious of my loneliness and
I reconsidered m reservation about dating and began to
date Maria
The second time he brought the issue
I was concerned about my son’s respond to her.
At first his affection for her was lukewarm: his hug was
mechanical; but several months later he warmed up to
I asked Maria to marry me and she accepted.
Seeing time was ripe.
Our family of two became a family of three.
I believe my remarrying was the right choice.
A: On the whole I don’t support remarriage. Too many
remarriages have turned out to be unsuccessful and end in
B: If you say many remarriages have failed, that means
other remarriages have survived, or even bloomed. We should not
only look at the dark of the issue.
A: But there’re too many factors contribute to the
failure of a second marriage. For example, as you become older, you
may find it increasingly difficult to adjust to a different pattern
of life with a new mate. Once there’s a conflict neither is willing
to give in.
B: There’re conflicts everywhere, but you should not
neglect that an adult has psychological and physical needs. Without
a companion, one may feel lonely and anxious.
A: In a new family the husband tends to compare his new
wife’s weak point with his ex-wife’s strong point. And the wife
does the same.
B: I wish you’d seen the film The Sound of Music.
The governess Maria blended so smoothly into the Captain’s
A: It is not easy for children to accept the new mother
or father. It is simply impossible for them to forget their
birth-mother’s loving care and the happy moments in their
childhood.
B: But how happy are the Captain’s seven children with
their adopted mother Maria! If the new mother shows genuine care
for the kids, they will gradually warm to her. On the other hand,
many children in a single-parent family are under psychological
pressure and suffer from anxiety attack. So, the single life is not
the right choice.
VI.& Further Listening and Speaking
Task1: Early Marriage
At the age of 12, Lisa has been married for three years to a
young man she met just after finishing secondary school. He treated
her well. She almost died during the birth of their first child,
born a year after their marriage. The second child, born 18 months
later, was also a girl. Lately she and her husband quarrel
frequently. She wants to go to vocational school to learn skills to
add to the family income, but his mother insists she stay home and
produce a son.
This example is by no means exceptional. Early marriage is
common in many parts of the world. Early marriage leads to early
motherhood. In some developing countries, 20 percent or over half
of the women give birth to their first child before the age of
18.Expectations from parents, in-laws and society are to produce a
child as soon as possible. Many young wives feel pressure to bear
son. This typically results in early and frequent pregnancies.
In developing countries, more than half a million women die
every year from causes related to pregnancy. There are four
important reasons for these deaths. Birth are either “too soon, too
close, too many, or to late”. According to statistics, it is young
women who most die during pregnancy.
11.& At what age did Lisa give birth to her
first child?
12.& What does Lisa want?
13.& Why do women in some developing countries
have babies early?
14.& What are the reasons women die from
childbirth?
15.& What is the main idea of the passage?
Keys: 1.B 2.D3.A 4.D 5.C
Task 2: Nuclear Family Living Patterns
A nuclear family is typical in high-industrialized
societies. Beginning in the early 20th century, the
two-parent family known as the nuclear family was the
predominant American family type. Generally children live
with their parents until they go away to a college or university,
or until they acquire their own jobs and move into their own
apartment or home.
In the early mid-20th century, the family typically
was the sole wage earner, and the mother was the children’s
principle care giver. Today, often both parents hold jobs.
Dual-earner families are the predominant type for families with
children in the United States. Increasingly, one of the parents
has a non- that is, a shift that does not start in
the morning and end in later afternoon. In these families, one of
the parents manages the children while the other works.
Prior to school, adequate day care of children is necessary
for dual-earner families. In recent years, many private
companies and home-based day care centers have sprung up fulfill
this need. Increasingly, a company’s arrangement of day care as
well as government assistance to parents requiring day care is
occurring.
Task3: They are coming for Christmas,
A man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before
Christmas and says, “I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell
you that your mom and I are divorcing, Forty-five years of misery
is enough..”
“Dad, what are you talking about?” the son screams.
“We can’t stand the sight of each other any longer,” the father
says. “We’re sick of each other, and I’m sick of talking about
this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her.”
Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the
“Oh, heck, they’re getting divorced,” she shouts. “I’ll take
care of this.” Losing no time, she call her father and screams at
him, “You are not getting divorced. Don’t do a single thing until I
get there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll both be there
tomorrow. Until then, don’t do anything! DO YOU HEAR ME?” Then she
quickly hangs up.
The old man hangs up his phone and heaves a sigh of relief. He
turns to his wife and says merrily, “Okay, they are coming back for
Christmas and paying their own way.”
For Reference:
1. He and the boy’s mother are divorcing.
2. Forty-five years of misery is enough. They can’t stand the
sight of each other any longer. They’re sick of each other.
3. He gets frantic and calls his sister.
4. They will come back home and stop the parents from
divorcing.
5. He is happy, for his son and daughter will come back for
Christmas and pave their own way.
News Report
Prince More Precious Than the Diamond
People have long known the saying “Diamonds are a girl’s
best friend.” But this may be changing. There’s a new stone
on the gem market, tanzanite, and it is giving diamonds some
serious competition.
Tanzanite was one of a number of gems discovered in East Africa
in the 1960s. The new colors and varieties changed the gem
market. But the real gem among these stones was tanzanite,
discovered in 1967 in Tanzania. The stone was named after
its country of origin by New York’s Tiffany and Co. which
introduced it to the world. It draws one’s attention quickly
with its color—blue, purple or bronze, depending on the direction
it is viewed from.
More important for its value, though, is its rarity. Tanzanite
has been found in only one small area, near Mount Kilimanjaro, in
Tanza