English Weekly CET-4 Listening Practice Test 22

　　Part III Listening Comprehension

　　Section A

　　Directions: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A)， B)， C) and D)， and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre。

　　11. M: So were meeting at eight-thirty in front of the hall, right?

　　W: Well, how about thirty minutes earlier? Would you like to get something to eat before the concert?

　　Q: What does the woman suggest?

　　12. M: I dont know, Jane--- things seem to be going from bad to worse. Some times I get the feeling that they just seem to take me for granted. If only I had a job or something---then at least Id feel I was really doing something。

　　W: Well, you know, Tom, I quite understand you。

　　Q: What have you learned about the man?

　　13. M: I heard on the news that the ocean is twice as dirty as it was a few years ago。

　　W: Thats upsetting. Its frightening to see the environment being destroyed. Ive never understood why some people would want to destroy it。

　　Q: What are they talking about?

　　14. W: Whats wrong with your car? I was told that it was stolen. Others said that it was broken. I hurried here to find that it wasnt here。

　　M: Its a mistake. Susan borrowed mine because she had an accident and broke hers。

　　Q: What does the man mean?

　　15. W: Heres this weeks schedule. On Monday, theres the board meeting. Your speech at the Lion s Club is on Tuesday. Then, on Wednesday, youre supposed to see the dentist。

　　M: Im glad I dont have to travel to the business conference until next week。

　　Q: What will the man do on Tuesday?

　　16. M: They may be proud of their new facility, but frankly, Im disappointed. The nurses are friendly, but everything seems to be running behind schedule。

　　W: Not to mention the fact that it s noisy because no one observes visiting hours。

　　Q: What are the people in the dialogue discussing?

　　17. M: Im tired of Bills remarks. I dont know why he wants to look at everything in such a negative way。

　　W: Why don t you do what I do, John, and take his comments with a grain of salt?

　　Q: According to the woman, what should John do about Bill?

　　18. M: Your new dresses are beautiful. Where did you find them?

　　W: Well, I bought three of them while I was on vacation in Chicago, but I made the other one myself。

　　Q: What can we conclude from the above conversation?

　　Now youll hear two long conversations。

　　Conversation One

　　M: Hey. Have you ever heard of the Oscars, or Academy Awards?

　　W: Well, I should say Ive done more than hear of them. I know them quite well. The Academy Awards, or Oscars, are given every year in the United States by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for excellence in the creation and production of motion pictures. First presented in 1929, the Oscars are among the film industrys most desired prizes。

　　M: That seems very interesting. I wonder whether you know the principal categories for Academy Awards winners。

　　W: They include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Special Effects, Best Sound, Best Musical score, etc。

　　M: Oh, it seems quite inclusive。

　　W: But not too many people can get one during their lifetime. And for most award categories, a maximum of five entrants are first nominated by the academy members who are in that particular field. That is, actors select actors, directors select directors and so on. From among these nominees, all academy members select the winner by a secret ballot. The winners are publicly announced at a formal ceremony each spring。

　　M: Yeah. Thats really competitive, but what will each winner get? A certain amount of bonus?

　　W: No. Actually, a gold plated bronze human figure created by the American sculptor George Stanley will be awarded to each winner。

　　M: Oh, I see. Thank you for your explanation. How do you know all this?

　　W: Well, last semester I took a course in the history of film。

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

　　19. Who will select the Best Actress winner in the Academy Awards?

　　20. Who was George Stanley?

　　21. How does the woman know so much about the Oscar Awards?

　　Conversation Two

　　W: Hey! You got a new television,

　　M: Yeah! It was delivered yesterday. What do you think of it?

　　W: Its huge. It practically takes up the entire side of the room。

　　M: I know. I know. You dont think its, well, excessive, do you?

　　W: I didnt say that. I mean, if you enjoy it, why not? What happened to your old TV, anyhow?

　　M: It just stopped working last Friday. It was pretty old and didnt work well. I thought I can afford it. Why not get a new one?

　　W: It must be expensive。

　　M: Well, not as much as you might think. I got it on sale for 50% off。

　　W: Really? Where?

　　M: At the Stereo City on Route 20. You know at first I just wanted to replace what I had. A TV of about the same size and quality, but the salesman was pushing these because they were 50% off。

　　W: Yeah. But 50% off what?

　　M: 2,400 dollars。

　　W: You spent $1,200 on a TV?

　　M: Its got a lot of special features. Look at this remote control。

　　W: I am sure. But thats still a lot of money for a television. I didnt think you watched TV that much。

　　M: Well, I dont. Do you think I ought to return it? If I do it within a week of purchase, I can get my money back。

　　W: Honestly, yes and you know that. I think you ought to read up on TVs first and choose the make and model you want before you go to the store. That way you will get what you want。

　　M: I think you are right。

　　Questions 22 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard。

　　22. What is the main topic of the conversation?

　　23. What does the woman suggest the man do?

　　24. What will the man probably do as a result of the conversation?

　　25. What is the mans attitude towards the television?

　　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

　　Smoking can be harmful to your health. But why do people smoke?

　　One reason is that people become addicted to cigarettes. To be addicted means that your body comes to need them. The addictive substance in cigarettes is nicotine. When people smoke, the nicotine goes right into the blood stream and makes people feel relaxed. A smokers body gets accustomed to the nicotine and if he stops smoking he feels nervous. Many smokers try to stop smoking, but because of the addiction to nicotine they feel so uncomfortable that they often find it too difficult to stop。

　　Another reason is that people simply enjoy smoking and what it symbolizes. Having a cigarette for many people means taking a break. For some people smoking becomes part of certain social rituals, for example, the cigarette after dinner. Many people enjoy smoking because it gives them something to do with their hands. Reaching for a cigarette, lighting it, flicking the ashes are especially comforting in situations where a person feels tense。

　　Many people also like the taste of tar in cigarettes. However, it is the tar that causes cancer. While governments and health experts have tried to get people to give up smoking entirely, cigarette manufacturers have tried to keep selling them by producing cigarettes with less tar. Many people in Western countries have welcomed these cigarettes since they find it hard to stop smoking but want to reduce the risk to their health。

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

　　26. What is the substance in cigarettes that causes cancer?

　　27. What are health experts trying to do?

　　28. What is the best title for this passage?

　　Passage Two

　　A poor farmer had a friend who was famous for the wonderful apple trees which he grew. One day, his friend gave the farmer a young tree and told him to take it home and plant it. The farmer was pleased with the gift, but when he got home he did not know where to plant it. He was afraid that if he planted the tree near the road, strangers would steal the fruit. If he planted the tree on one of his fields, his neighbours would come at night and steal some of the apples. If he planted the tree near his house, his children would take the fruit. Finally he planted the tree in the woods where no one could see it. But without sunlight and good soil, the tree soon died。

　　Later the friend asked the farmer why he had planted the tree in such a poor place。

　　Whats the difference? the farmer said angrily. If I had planted the tree near the road, strangers would have stolen the fruit. If I had planted the tree on one of my fields, my neighbours would have come at night and stolen some of the apples, if I had planted it near my house, my own children would have taken the fruit。

　　Yes, said the friend, but at least someone could have enjoyed the fruit. Now you have robbed everyone of the fruit and you have also destroyed a good tree。

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

　　29. What was the gift that the farmers friend gave him?

　　30. Why did the tree die?

　　31. What is the best title for this passage?

　　Passage Three

　　There are different ideas about pets in different parts of the world. In most cultures, animals have an inferior position to human beings. However, some people treat their pets like members of their families, or perhaps better. In the United States and Europe, where pets are very popular, there are special shops that sell jewelry, clothing, and delicious food for cats and dogs. There are shops on fashionable streets in New York City, for example, that sell gold and diamond collars, fur jackets, mittens and hats for pets。

　　Of course, in most parts of the world, pets dont live in such wealth and luxury. There is a more practical and functional attitude toward pets. People own cats and dogs because they keep away mice and other unwanted animals. Certainly owners generally have some affectionate feelings for their pets. However, they do not see them as equal to family members. Some even have to work for their masters. So we can say that pets around the world live in a great variety of ways, just as people do。

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

　　32. What kinds of shops are mentioned in the United States and Europe?

　　33. Why do most people own cats and dogs according to the writer?

　　34. What is not true according to the passage?

　　35. Do pets around the world all live in the same way?

　　Section C

　　Directions: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 36 to 43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in your own words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written。

　　Chinese students are generally willing to study very hard for long hours. This is an excellent characteristic, but it is often an inefficient method of study. An efficient student must have enough food, rest and relaxation. You need to play ball, or sing a song, or go out with friends, see a movie, or visit some scenic spots. When you return to your studies your mind will be refreshed and youll learn more. Shorter, more intense study sessions are more effective than endless hours nodding over your books。

　　Finally, be realistic. If you set impossible goals for yourself you can only be disappointed in your progress. Psychologists have determined that learning takes place this way: First, you make a lot of progress and you feel very happy. Then your language ability seems to stay the same; this period can last for days or even weeks. But you mustnt be discouraged. Perhaps we can say that learning English is like taking Chinese medicine. We dont mean that its bitter. We mean that, like Chinese medicine, the effects of your study come slowly but surely. So, dont give up along the way。

　　English Weekly CET-4 Listening Practice Test 22

　　Part III Listening Comprehension

　　Section A

　　Directions: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A)， B)， C) and D)， and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre。

　　11. M: So were meeting at eight-thirty in front of the hall, right?

　　W: Well, how about thirty minutes earlier? Would you like to get something to eat before the concert?

　　Q: What does the woman suggest?

　　12. M: I dont know, Jane--- things seem to be going from bad to worse. Some times I get the feeling that they just seem to take me for granted. If only I had a job or something---then at least Id feel I was really doing something。

　　W: Well, you know, Tom, I quite understand you。

　　Q: What have you learned about the man?

　　13. M: I heard on the news that the ocean is twice as dirty as it was a few years ago。

　　W: Thats upsetting. Its frightening to see the environment being destroyed. Ive never understood why some people would want to destroy it。

　　Q: What are they talking about?

　　14. W: Whats wrong with your car? I was told that it was stolen. Others said that it was broken. I hurried here to find that it wasnt here。

　　M: Its a mistake. Susan borrowed mine because she had an accident and broke hers。

　　Q: What does the man mean?

　　15. W: Heres this weeks schedule. On Monday, theres the board meeting. Your speech at the Lion s Club is on Tuesday. Then, on Wednesday, youre supposed to see the dentist。

　　M: Im glad I dont have to travel to the business conference until next week。

　　Q: What will the man do on Tuesday?

　　16. M: They may be proud of their new facility, but frankly, Im disappointed. The nurses are friendly, but everything seems to be running behind schedule。

　　W: Not to mention the fact that it s noisy because no one observes visiting hours。

　　Q: What are the people in the dialogue discussing?

　　17. M: Im tired of Bills remarks. I dont know why he wants to look at everything in such a negative way。

　　W: Why don t you do what I do, John, and take his comments with a grain of salt?

　　Q: According to the woman, what should John do about Bill?

　　18. M: Your new dresses are beautiful. Where did you find them?

　　W: Well, I bought three of them while I was on vacation in Chicago, but I made the other one myself。

　　Q: What can we conclude from the above conversation?

　　Now youll hear two long conversations。

　　Conversation One

　　M: Hey. Have you ever heard of the Oscars, or Academy Awards?

　　W: Well, I should say Ive done more than hear of them. I know them quite well. The Academy Awards, or Oscars, are given every year in the United States by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for excellence in the creation and production of motion pictures. First presented in 1929, the Oscars are among the film industrys most desired prizes。

　　M: That seems very interesting. I wonder whether you know the principal categories for Academy Awards winners。

　　W: They include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Special Effects, Best Sound, Best Musical score, etc。

　　M: Oh, it seems quite inclusive。

　　W: But not too many people can get one during their lifetime. And for most award categories, a maximum of five entrants are first nominated by the academy members who are in that particular field. That is, actors select actors, directors select directors and so on. From among these nominees, all academy members select the winner by a secret ballot. The winners are publicly announced at a formal ceremony each spring。

　　M: Yeah. Thats really competitive, but what will each winner get? A certain amount of bonus?

　　W: No. Actually, a gold plated bronze human figure created by the American sculptor George Stanley will be awarded to each winner。

　　M: Oh, I see. Thank you for your explanation. How do you know all this?

　　W: Well, last semester I took a course in the history of film。

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

　　19. Who will select the Best Actress winner in the Academy Awards?

　　20. Who was George Stanley?

　　21. How does the woman know so much about the Oscar Awards?

　　Conversation Two

　　W: Hey! You got a new television,

　　M: Yeah! It was delivered yesterday. What do you think of it?

　　W: Its huge. It practically takes up the entire side of the room。

　　M: I know. I know. You dont think its, well, excessive, do you?

　　W: I didnt say that. I mean, if you enjoy it, why not? What happened to your old TV, anyhow?

　　M: It just stopped working last Friday. It was pretty old and didnt work well. I thought I can afford it. Why not get a new one?

　　W: It must be expensive。

　　M: Well, not as much as you might think. I got it on sale for 50% off。

　　W: Really? Where?

　　M: At the Stereo City on Route 20. You know at first I just wanted to replace what I had. A TV of about the same size and quality, but the salesman was pushing these because they were 50% off。

　　W: Yeah. But 50% off what?

　　M: 2,400 dollars。

　　W: You spent $1,200 on a TV?

　　M: Its got a lot of special features. Look at this remote control。

　　W: I am sure. But thats still a lot of money for a television. I didnt think you watched TV that much。

　　M: Well, I dont. Do you think I ought to return it? If I do it within a week of purchase, I can get my money back。

　　W: Honestly, yes and you know that. I think you ought to read up on TVs first and choose the make and model you want before you go to the store. That way you will get what you want。

　　M: I think you are right。

　　Questions 22 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard。

　　22. What is the main topic of the conversation?

　　23. What does the woman suggest the man do?

　　24. What will the man probably do as a result of the conversation?

　　25. What is the mans attitude towards the television?

　　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

　　Smoking can be harmful to your health. But why do people smoke?

　　One reason is that people become addicted to cigarettes. To be addicted means that your body comes to need them. The addictive substance in cigarettes is nicotine. When people smoke, the nicotine goes right into the blood stream and makes people feel relaxed. A smokers body gets accustomed to the nicotine and if he stops smoking he feels nervous. Many smokers try to stop smoking, but because of the addiction to nicotine they feel so uncomfortable that they often find it too difficult to stop。

　　Another reason is that people simply enjoy smoking and what it symbolizes. Having a cigarette for many people means taking a break. For some people smoking becomes part of certain social rituals, for example, the cigarette after dinner. Many people enjoy smoking because it gives them something to do with their hands. Reaching for a cigarette, lighting it, flicking the ashes are especially comforting in situations where a person feels tense。

　　Many people also like the taste of tar in cigarettes. However, it is the tar that causes cancer. While governments and health experts have tried to get people to give up smoking entirely, cigarette manufacturers have tried to keep selling them by producing cigarettes with less tar. Many people in Western countries have welcomed these cigarettes since they find it hard to stop smoking but want to reduce the risk to their health。

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

　　26. What is the substance in cigarettes that causes cancer?

　　27. What are health experts trying to do?

　　28. What is the best title for this passage?

　　Passage Two

　　A poor farmer had a friend who was famous for the wonderful apple trees which he grew. One day, his friend gave the farmer a young tree and told him to take it home and plant it. The farmer was pleased with the gift, but when he got home he did not know where to plant it. He was afraid that if he planted the tree near the road, strangers would steal the fruit. If he planted the tree on one of his fields, his neighbours would come at night and steal some of the apples. If he planted the tree near his house, his children would take the fruit. Finally he planted the tree in the woods where no one could see it. But without sunlight and good soil, the tree soon died。

　　Later the friend asked the farmer why he had planted the tree in such a poor place。

　　Whats the difference? the farmer said angrily. If I had planted the tree near the road, strangers would have stolen the fruit. If I had planted the tree on one of my fields, my neighbours would have come at night and stolen some of the apples, if I had planted it near my house, my own children would have taken the fruit。

　　Yes, said the friend, but at least someone could have enjoyed the fruit. Now you have robbed everyone of the fruit and you have also destroyed a good tree。

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

　　29. What was the gift that the farmers friend gave him?

　　30. Why did the tree die?

　　31. What is the best title for this passage?

　　Passage Three

　　There are different ideas about pets in different parts of the world. In most cultures, animals have an inferior position to human beings. However, some people treat their pets like members of their families, or perhaps better. In the United States and Europe, where pets are very popular, there are special shops that sell jewelry, clothing, and delicious food for cats and dogs. There are shops on fashionable streets in New York City, for example, that sell gold and diamond collars, fur jackets, mittens and hats for pets。

　　Of course, in most parts of the world, pets dont live in such wealth and luxury. There is a more practical and functional attitude toward pets. People own cats and dogs because they keep away mice and other unwanted animals. Certainly owners generally have some affectionate feelings for their pets. However, they do not see them as equal to family members. Some even have to work for their masters. So we can say that pets around the world live in a great variety of ways, just as people do。

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

　　32. What kinds of shops are mentioned in the United States and Europe?

　　33. Why do most people own cats and dogs according to the writer?

　　34. What is not true according to the passage?

　　35. Do pets around the world all live in the same way?

　　Section C

　　Directions: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 36 to 43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in your own words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written。

　　Chinese students are generally willing to study very hard for long hours. This is an excellent characteristic, but it is often an inefficient method of study. An efficient student must have enough food, rest and relaxation. You need to play ball, or sing a song, or go out with friends, see a movie, or visit some scenic spots. When you return to your studies your mind will be refreshed and youll learn more. Shorter, more intense study sessions are more effective than endless hours nodding over your books。

　　Finally, be realistic. If you set impossible goals for yourself you can only be disappointed in your progress. Psychologists have determined that learning takes place this way: First, you make a lot of progress and you feel very happy. Then your language ability seems to stay the same; this period can last for days or even weeks. But you mustnt be discouraged. Perhaps we can say that learning English is like taking Chinese medicine. We dont mean that its bitter. We mean that, like Chinese medicine, the effects of your study come slowly but surely. So, dont give up along the way。