College English Listening and Speaking Course 4 Text file 第三单元听力原文完整版

Unit 12 Opinion PollsPart A Pre-listening TaskAdditional questions for discussion1. What factors make an opinion poll successful?There are several key factors in order to make an opinion poll successful. First, there must be a large enough sample. Second, the sample of a poll must be well selected and highly representative. Third, interview questions must be properly designed and presented. And finally, the data collected from a poll must be correctly analyzed and reported. To achieve all those things, people who conduct an opinion poll must have relevant training and experience, take their work seriously, and perform their duties in a responsible as well as skillful manner.2. Do you think opinion polls are a true reflection of public opinion? Why or why not?I believe opinion polls do reflect public opinions. As to how true the reflection is, or how reliable the poll data are, it depends to a large extent on how scientific the selection of the sample, the design of the questions, and the operation of the polling process are. There has been abundant evidence throughout the world over the years that good opinion polls give accurate results and bad polls produce unreliable information that would not be useful at all. So if you want reliable information, you have to make sure that the opinion poll is done right.3. How much can policy makers rely on opinion polls to help them make decisions?Policy makers can make good use of the information from public opinion polls to help them make decisions. Opinion polls often provide valuable information about the public's priorities and viewpoints. Policy makers may become better informed if they include the results of such polls in their assessment of the overall situation. Of course, the policy-making process is a complicated one and it involves aspects that go beyond the public sentiment. As a result, policy makers cannot be expected to make their decisions by solely relying on opinion polls.Part B Listening Tasks ILanguage and Culture:1. Background information: An opinion poll is a survey of public opinion on a certain subject. The making of a poll involves five essential steps: 1) the research design, or how to plan a poll; 2) the sample or whom to ask; 3) the question design, or what to ask; 4) techniques of collecting data, or how to ask; and 5) the analysis of the findings. Opinion polls were used as early as 1824 by two American newspapers to test the strength of the presidential candidates. The polling methods used in those polls, however, were very crude as the samples were haphazardly selected. It was not until the 1930s that more scientific methods were introduced in public opinion polling, which led to the huge popularity of polls inNational and statewide polls regularly sample public opinion on different topics and publish the results in newspapers and magazines. The best-known polls are the Harris Poll and the Gallup Poll. In our country, opinion polls have also become more widely used and accepted. And it is likely that they are to play a more important role in our life in the future.2. In some car parks it now costs ... for half an hour.Parking a car in a public car park can be very expensive, especially in downtown areas. For example, parking a car for half an hour may cost you $10 in lower Manhattan, New York City. So most people will not go to a public car park unless they can't find a parking space in the street. Or they simply take trains or other means of transport when they go downtown.3. ... I don't see what you're getting at.... I don't understand what you are trying to say.4. I don't know anyone who doesn't think they're too high.Everyone I know thinks petrol prices are too high.5. graded charging system:a charging system that is not fixed but varies (according to how far from the city center a car park is)6. So what's to stop these goods being transported by train or even via canal?Is there any reason for not transporting these goods by train or even via canal?percentage n. 百分比absurd a. 荒谬的，荒唐的inner a. 内部的nominal a. (价格或金额)微不足道的penalize v. 予以处罚prohibitive a. (价格或收费)使人望而却步的tram n. 有轨电车lorry n. (BrE)卡车，运货车via prep. 通过，凭借canal n. 运河car park (汽车)停车场Opinion PollsMan: Do you know the thing that's always struck me as odd about opinion polls? Woman: What's that?Man: The percentages. Like recently there was a survey about what people thought about traffic, and petrol prices, and public car parks. (Question 1) In some car parks it now costs something like 5 pounds to park a car for half an hour.Woman: Yeah, but I don't see what you're getting at.Man: What I mean is the percentages in the results. So there might be 70% of people whocomplained about high petrol prices, and 60% who want to see the traffic reduced, and 65% who think car park charges are too high. Does that mean that there are 35% who actually think the charges are OK and would even be prepared to pay more, (Question 2) and another 30% who think petrol prices are OK? I mean that's absurd. I don't know anyone who doesn't think they're too high.Woman: Well, actually I think we should pay more.Man: Come on, you're joking.Woman: No, seriously. I think we should pay more for petrol, even twice as much maybe, and certainly far more for inner city car parks.Man: But why?Woman: More taxes should be charged on petrol, I think, to discourage people from using cars, and a kind of graded charging system for car parks depending on how far they are from the city center.Man: What do you mean?Woman: Well, if you park your car quite far from the city center then you pay a nominal amount as a kind of reward for not polluting the city center.(Question 3 & 4) Well, the closer you get to the center, the more you are penalized. Prices in the center should be totally prohibitive. I mean with an efficient bus or tram service there's no excuse for using cars. Man: Yeah, but you can't penalize people who don't use their car to go into town. I mean if you doubled the price of petrol, it would cost people a fortune to go anywhere, even on short trips, and especially on holidays.Woman: Don't use your car then. Use a train.Man: But what about lorries? I mean they use a lot of petrol to transport goods from one place to another.Woman: So what's to stop these goods being transported by train or even via canal? Man: Well, anyway, I still can't believe (Question 5) that 30% of those people who said car park charges were OK all think the same as you.Woman: Well, maybe that's where you are wrong. Just think about what I've said and you'll realize that perhaps it's not so stupid as it sounds.Listen to the story and choose the right answers to the questions you hear. Questions:1. What items are surveyed in the opinion poll mentioned in the conversation?A. Traffic, petrol prices, and public car parks.B. Public transport, petrol prices, and car parks.C. Public transport, car parks, and vehicle taxes.D. Traffic, vehicle taxes, and road taxes.正确答案：A. Traffic, petrol prices, and public car parks.2. What does the man find absurd about the survey?A. That three different things are examined in a single survey.B. That the results of the survey are contrary to everybody's expectation.C. That it indicates there are people who are willing to pay more for petrol and car parking.D. That it indicates there are people who would rather take buses or trains than drive.正确答案：C. That it indicates there are people who are willing to pay more for petrol and car parking.3. Which of the following best reflects the woman's view about car parking?A. People should be heavily fined for parking offenses.B. The nearer to the city center you park your car, the higher the charge.C. Car park charges should be made as high as possible to deter people from using cars.D. People cannot park their cars for longer than half an hour in the city center.正确答案：B. The nearer to the city center you park your car, the higher the charge.4. Which problem is the woman most concerned about according to the conversation?A. Heavy traffic in the city.B. Pollution in the city center.C. The inefficiency of public transport.D. The high cost of building car parks in the city center.正确答案：Pollution in the city center.5. Which of the following describes the man's attitude toward opinion polls?A. Positive.B. Neutral.C. Skeptical.D. Critical.正确答案：C. Skeptical.Listen to the conversation again and decide if the statements you hear are true or false.Statements:(F) 1. Both the man and the woman have been interviewed in the poll mentioned in the text. (T) 2. The survey finds that a majority of people complained about heavy traffic.(F) 3. The woman thinks that people should pay twice as much for inner city parking. (T) 4. The woman thinks that raises in petrol price and parking charge can discourage people from using cars.(F) 5. According to the man, it's difficult for people to use public transport to go on short trips or holidays.(F) 6. The woman does not object to people's use of cars away from the town center. (F) 7. It can be inferred that 30% of those interviewed in the poll think the same as thewoman.(F) 8. The man finally agrees with the woman that opinion polls are not so stupid as he first thought.Speaking Task I:What do you think of the text you've just heard? Exchange views with your partner. Reflections:Reflections:Comment on the conversation in which two speakers were discussing the reliability of opinion polls. What does the man feel odd about the results of the poll? What is the woman's opinion with regard to petrol prices and car park charges? What does the conversation tell you about the functions and limitations of opinion polls? Exchange views with your partner. You may mention the following points in your discussion.1. different views held by the two speakers about certain poll results2. opinion polls reflecting highly diversified views3. poll results -- expressed in percentages4. interpretation of the percentages -- reasons why certain choices are made in a pollObviously the man's view that petrol prices and car park charges were too high was shared by the majority of people interviewed in the poll. What he found odd was that there was not a complete consensus. The survey seemed to suggest that there were people who were willing to pay more, which he found absurd because it was contrary to what he believed people really thought.The woman, however, held the very view that the man dismissed as absurd. She thought it would be necessary to impose higher taxes on petrol and charge more for inner city parking to discourage people from using their cars. And the survey showed that she was not alone in thinking so.From the conversation, we can see how people's views on a certain issue may differ if they approach it from different perspectives. For example, while the man responded to the survey questions from a personal perspective, the woman approached the problem from the perspective of society as a whole and therefore reached a very different conclusion. This diversity of opinion is represented in polls, which provide a platform where different voices, especially those of the minority, are heard.Of course, opinion polls also have their limitations. Polling questions usually belong to yes-or-no or agree-or-disagree types and the results, expressed in percentages, fail to inform the public of the reasons why certain answers are chosen. In the text, if the woman hadn't explained to the man what she thought about the matter, he wouldn't have had the chance to know that those with different views did have a good reason for their choice. Opinion polls might do a better job if more open questions were asked so that the public could know better why those who are interviewed in a poll think the way they do.Speaking Tasks II:Read the following table that shows the results of an opinion poll conducted amongresidents in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou on their attitudes toward different forms of education. Describe to your partner the results of the poll and analyze thereasons behind the data.The table shows that people's views on the three types of school vary at different stages of education. At the preschool stage, the percentage of people who are for private schools is 56.5%, as compared with 43.5% for public schools. Many parents favor private kindergartens because of their qualified teachers and better facilities. Apparently they think it is worthwhile to invest in education right at the beginning. The percentage of people who are for overseas study at this stage is naught, which is understandable, considering how young the children are.For the 9-year compulsory education stage, an overwhelming majority (96.5%) of the respondents are for public schools. None of the respondents in the survey is for private schools. This is because our country has a well-established compulsory education system and the public schools are generally quite good. This also explains why only 3.5% are for overseas study at this stage. Since local schools are very good, there is no point in spending a lot of money sending children abroad to study.At the senior middle school stage, the public school is still the first choice for a majority of people. The percentage of people who are for overseas study, however, increases to 18.5%. Perhaps they think that children are now mature enough to take care of themselves and are ready for some cross-cultural experience.For college and higher learning, the percentage of those who are for the public school equals that of those who are for overseas study. Both are considered advantageous at this stage. Many colleges and universities in our country have a dedicated teaching staff and a fine tradition of learning, which are what appeal to prospective students. On the other hand, overseas schools have better equipment and facilities for doing research and there is a greater chance for students to be exposed to current development in science and technology. Moreover, with the quickening pace of globalization, overseas experience can serve as a big advantage in the global labor market.The above data will be useful to educators who must decide what types of school to establish and how to raise the quality of education at every level. Part C Additional ListeningListen to the passage and choose the right answers to the questions you hear.become weary of 厌烦；疲倦pollster n. 民意测验专家random a. 任意的，随意的digit n. 数字hypothetically ad. 假设地，假想地sampling error 取样误差census statistics 人口普查数据finalize v. 把(计划、稿件等)最后定下来anomaly n. 异常；反常buck n. (美俗)美元respondent n. 回答者How These Pollsters Do Those PollsVoters can become weary (疲倦的) of polls as a campaign winds down (接下), and in public, candidates invariably (总是) declare that they ignore them -- at least, the candidates who are losing. But the fact is, pollsters are good and getting better.Most election-eve polls in 1992 predicted the voting percentages eventually won by Clinton, Bush and Perot well within the sampling margin of error. Of some 300 such polls, none projected Bush or Perot as the winner.Typically, these polls are generated by telephone interviews with 600 to 1,000 "likely voters", who are 18 or older, as determined by answers to initial questions. The phone numbers are selected as random (任意的) digits by a phone-dialing computer.Hypothetically (假设地), almost every person in America has an equal chance of being called since most households have phones. The samples may seem small, but the techniques used in polls are proven enough to be regularly accepted as evidence by the courts when election results are legally challenged. No sample is as accurate as interviewing 100 percent of the people in an election district, of course. A "sampling error" (取样误差) or "margin of error" accompanies every significant result. It is the largest possible difference that could(Question 3) Often, after a random sample is collected, it's compared with US Census (人口普查) statistics to determine the degree of agreement before the poll is finalized. This can help polling professionals correct anomalies so that they can get clients that pay them the big bucks.The "exit polls" that play a key part in election night drama in American homes are even more accurate than other forecasts because the specially trained interviewers are using respondents who are known voters.Questions:1. How is a typical election poll conducted in the US?A. By telephone.B. By face-to-face interviews.C. By mail.D. By door-to-door interviews.正确答案：A. By telephone.2. How large is the sample for a typical election poll?A. 600 - 1,200.B. 300 - 600.C. 600 - 1,000.D. 800 - 1,200.正确答案：C. 600 - 1,000.3. If a poll shows a 50% support for a candidate with a 3% margin of error, what would be the probable percentage of support for him?A. 47%.B. 53%.C. 47 - 53%.D. It depends on how large the voting population is.正确答案：C. 47 - 53%.4. Why are "exit polls" especially accurate?A. Because the interviewers are specially trained.B. Because the respondents are known voters.C. Because the interviewers know the respondents personally.D. Because a large sample of respondents are polled.正确答案：B. Because the respondents are known voters.5. What is the passage mainly about?A. Polls are remarkably accurate in predicting election results.B. Polling organizations make a lot of money from their clients.C. American voters are losing interest in election polls.D. The development of technology contributes greatly to the accuracy of polls.正确答案：A. Polls are remarkably accurate in predicting election results.Leisure TimeQuotable Quotes1. The world is not run by thought, nor by imagination, but by opinion.-- Elizabeth Drew2. The only sin which we never forgive in each other is difference of opinion.-- Ralph Emerson3. New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common.-- John Locke4. A government can be no better than the public opinion which sustains it.-- Franklin Roosevelt5. So many men, so many opinions.-- Terence6. It were not best that we should all think alike: it is difference of opinion that makes horse races.-- Mark TwainMovie TimePublic OpinionOprah: Recently, you all have seen the story on the news, I'm sure, a Brinks armored truck overturned on a Miami freeway, spewing over 3.7 million dollars and causing a near riot as people snatched up the cash, some standing in the streets screaming "Hallelujah, Jesus!". Um, we did an informal poll of is audience, and found out that many of you said that you would keep any cash that you had found. What did you say?Woman: I would not.Oprah: You would not keep the cash. Even if, let's say, your rent was in due, your mortgage payment...overdue...Woman: I've been there.Oprah: Been there? Would not?Woman: Lived in my car.Oprah: Lived in your car?Woman: With my children.Oprah: So if you've been living in your car at the time the Brinks truck overturned in front of you and dropped the cash all over the street...Woman: No.Oprah: You would have returned it.Woman: No, against God's rules.Oprah: It's against God's rule. OK. Yes, Ma'am?Woman 2: Uh, I would have considered it an act of God, perhaps, and kept the money. Oprah: You would have considered it an act of God?Woman 2: Yes.Oprah: An act of God? OK. I, I question that. Do the money, the truck turning over at that moment and time, in that particular, you know, part of town...Woman 2: It's a chance of a lifetime.Oprah: Chance of a lifetime, you would have thought. OK.Woman 2: Sure, sure.Oprah: So, you would have taken the money.Woman 2: I think so, yes.Oprah: OK, now, if they had done as they're doing now in Miami, going on the news, asking people to please return the money, and we have you on film, would you have still kept he money?Woman 2: Perhaps. I think I would have.Oprah: Perhaps you would have. OK, OK, whether you really needed it or not?Woman 2: It's such an opportunity.Oprah: An act of God, you say. OK, yes, yes.Woman 3: I teach a Sunday school class of 4- and 5-year-olds, and our subject class Sunday was what would we do if we were on the street and we found money? Would we return it? And, ur, the bottom line was it's God's rules. You always return money.Oprah: OK. Being on the street and returning money is a little different than the Brinks truck turning over in front of you.Woman 3: Yes, but they still...Oprah: I don't know how a Sunday school teacher explains it, but, you do see a little difference. Is there a little difference?Woman 3: Well, not really, it's still the bottom line.Oprah: OK.Woman 3: You know, they need to know what's right, what's wrong.Oprah: I agree. (The) bottom line is what's right, what's wrong.Woman 3: Right.Oprah: Brinks truck has turned over in front of you. Your gas and electric bill is due. You are two months behind in your mortgage payments; they're coming to take your car, and there it is, right in front of your face, you happen to be walking down the street, you're minding your own business, the Brinks truck overturns in front of you. What do you do?Woman 4: Oprah, I would have kept every dime I could have my hands on.Oprah: You would kept every dime.Woman 4: Yes, I would have. I have a two-year-old child, I'm a single mother. That money would provide a wonderful future in college for my child.Oprah: Even if they were on television saying: "Please, ma'am, give the money back"? Woman 4: No.Oprah: OK. If you knew that the money belonged to somebody, another person who had lost eh money, would that have made you feel differently about it?Woman 4: Yes.Oprah: Or is it because it's the Brinks truck and you think it's just the Brinks' truck money? Woman 4: And it's insured. That means a lot, too.Oprah: That means a lot, too.Woman 4: Yeah. It's insured. So...Oprah: If you found money on the street that you know belonged to somebody else? Woman 4: It would have been different, sure. I would have given it back because I would have wanted someone to do the same thing for me.Oprah: For you?Woman 4: Yes.Oprah: But it's the Brinks truck factor.Time to TalkLook at these pictures and describe them one by one. If possible, try also to find something relevant to talk about.This chart shows the results of a Gallup poll on death penalty. Opinions vary from year to year. Generally speaking, however, the number of people in favor of the death penalty kept increasing from 1972 to 1994, as the percentages rose from about 57% in 1972 to 80% in 1994. Then after that the support rate of the death penalty started to drop. In six years' time, the figures dropped from 80% to around 65% in the year 2000. The poll was done in the year 2000 and I wonder if the Americans would give the same response after 911 terrorist attacks on the US.This picture shows the result of an opinion poll on people's attitude towards the issue of immigration. About 30% of the people say they would like to keep it at the present level, while 58% would like to have it decreased; 8% hope that it will be increased and 4% give no opinion. Perhaps the people who were polled were worried that the immigrants would take the jobs away from the local people. I heard that in Germany and France, some local people are against having more immigrants and are quite hostile to them for the same reason. This picture shows Bush's approval ratings in four aspects -- overall job, international affairs, economy and environmental issues. The chart also shows that in the eyes of those who were polled, Bush has done a good job, as theapproval ratings are higher than the disapproval ones in all four aspects. Even though he is low in economy and environment issues, the president is quite impressive in the overall job and in the international affairs -- about 68% versus 32%. I suppose this has something to do with his tough international policies. Part D Home Listeningbooth n. 小亭；小房间newsworthy a. 有新闻、报道价值的methodology n. 方法论；一套方法delinquency n. 违法；不法行为socialization n. 适应社会；社会化Use of Public Opinion PollsPublic opinion polls are regularly conducted and published in many countries. They measure not only support for political parties but also public opinion on a wide range of social and political issues. They are frequently published in major newspapers and are generally accepted as useful tools by businesses, political organizations, the mass media and government, and academic research groups. Hundreds of public polling firms operate around the world. The Gallup Poll (盖洛普民意测验) and Harris Poll (哈里斯民意测验法) are among the best known in the US.In business, polls are used to test consumers' preferences and to discover what gives a product its appeal. Responses to commercial polls help businesses in planning marketing and advertising strategies and in making changes in a product to increase its sales.In politics, polls are used to obtain information about voters' attitudes toward issues and candidates, to put forward candidates with winning potential, and to plan campaigns. Polling organizations have also been successful in predicting the outcome of elections. By polling voters on Election Day, it is often possible to determine the probable winner even before the voting booths close.Newspapers, magazines, radio and television are heavy users of public opinion polling information, especially political information that helps to predict election results or measure the popularity of government officials and candidates. The public's attitude toward various social, economic, and international issues is also considered newsworthy.Governments use opinion polls to find out public sentiment (情绪) about issues of interest. They also use polling methodology (方法论) to determine unemployment rates, crime rates, and other social and economic indicators.Opinion polls have also been employed extensively in academic research, particularly in the social sciences. They have been valuable in studying delinquency (行为不良, 错失), socialization (社会主义化), political attitudes, and economic behavior. Among the prominent (卓越的, 显著的) organizations that primarily serve academic research purposes are theSurvey Research Center at the University of Michigan and the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago.Questions:1. By whom are public opinion polls generally accepted as useful tools?By businesses, political organizations , the mass media and government and academic research groups.2. For what are opinion polls used by businesses?To test consumers' preferences and to discover what gives a product its appeal. Responses to commercial polls help businesses in planning marketing and advertising strategies and in making changes in a product to increase its sales.3. For what are opinion polls used in politics?To obtain information about voters' attitudes toward issues and candidates, to put forward candidates with winning potential, and to plan campaigns, Polling organizations have also been successful in predicting the outcome of elections.4. For what are opinion polls used by governments?To find out public sentiment about issues of interest. They also use polling methodology to determine unemployment rates, crime rates, and other social and economic indicators.5. What new media are heavy users of the information from opinion polls? Newspapers, magazines, radio and television.6. For what are opinion polls used in academic research?To study delinquency, socialization , political attitudes, and economic behavior / behaviour.。

u校园研究生英语听说教程English:The "College English Listening and Speaking Tutorial for Graduate Students" is designed to help graduate students improve their English listening and speaking skills. The course covers a wide range of topics, including academic presentations, public speaking, group discussions, and job interviews. By focusing on these areas, students can enhance their communication abilities and prepare for future academic and professional endeavors. The tutorial utilizes a variety of teaching methods, such as audiovisual materials, role-playing exercises, and real-life simulations, to engage students and provide them with practical speaking and listening opportunities. Additionally, the course incorporates authentic materials, such as TED talks and academic lectures, to expose students to natural English speech and provide them with authentic language input. Overall, the "College English Listening and Speaking Tutorial for Graduate Students" aims to equip students with the necessary skills and confidence to effectively communicate in English in academic and professional contexts.中文翻译:《研究生英语听说教程》旨在帮助研究生提高英语听力和口语能力。

2024年广东高考英语听说考试模拟题032024 Guangdong College Entrance Examination (GCEE) English Listening and Speaking Simulation Test 03Listening SectionPart A: Questions 1-5Listen to the following five short conversations and answer the questions below. Write the correct answers in your answer sheet.1. Man: Would you like to go to the movie theater with me tonight?Woman: I’d love to, but I have a lot of homew ork to do.Question: What does the woman say she has to do?2. Woman: Are you going to the concert on Saturday?Man: No, I’m going to a birthday party instead.Question: Where is the man going on Saturday?3. Man: Do you want to join me for lunch at the new restaurant down the street?Woman: Sure, I’ve been wanting to try it.Question: Where are they going for lunch?4. Woman: Have you finished studying for the history exam?Man: No, I still have a lot to go through.Question: What does the man say about the history exam?5. Woman: Do you mind if I open the window? It’s quite hot in here.Man: No problem, go ahead.Question: How does the man respond to the woman’s request?Part B: Questions 6-10Listen to the following conversations and monologues. Answer the questions below by choosing the best answer from the options provided.6. Speaker: In today’s lesson, we will be discussing the impact of climate change on polar bear populations.Question: What is the main topic of the speech?A. The life of polar bearsB. The effects of climate change on polar bearsC. The types of bears found in the Arctic7. Speaker: The bus for Guangzhou will be leaving in 15 minutes from platform 3.Question: What can you infer from the announcement?A. The bus is leaving soonB. The bus is going to ShanghaiC. The bus is delayed8. Conversation:Man: What do you think about going to the beach this weekend?Woman: That sounds like a great idea. I would love to relax by the sea.Question: What are they planning to do this weekend?A. Go to the cinemaB. Stay at homeC. Visit the beach9. Conversation:Woman: I finally finished reading the novel you recommended. It was so captivating!Man: I’m glad you liked it.Question: How did the woman feel about the novel?A. She found it boringB. She thought it was captivatingC. She didn’t finish reading it10. Monologue:Good morning, everyone. Today, we will be discussing the importance of recycling in our daily lives. Recycling not only helps to reduce waste, but it also conserves natural resources and protects the environment.Question: What is the main purpose of recycling?A. To increase wasteB. To conserve natural resourcesC. To harm the environmentSpeaking SectionPart C: Questions 11-15In this section, you will have to answer five questions based on the given topics. You will have 20 seconds to prepare your answer and 40 seconds to speak.11. Describe a place you would like to visit and explain why.12. Discuss the benefits of learning a second language.13. Talk about a hobby or activity that you enjoy doing in your free time.14. Describe an important lesson you have learned in life and how it has affected you.15. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of social media in today’s society.Final ThoughtsThe 2024 Guangdong College Entrance Examination English Listening and Speaking Simulation Test provided a comprehensive assessment of students’ listening and speaking skills. This test evaluated their ability to understand spoken English and communicate effectively on various topics. By practicing and improving these skills, students can enhance their overall English proficiency and prepare themselves for success in the GCEE. Good luck to all the test takers!。

大学英语教材题库推荐书目在大学英语学习过程中，选择一本合适的教材对学生的英语水平提高起到至关重要的作用。

本文将为大家推荐一些备受好评的大学英语教材题库，旨在帮助学生在英语学习中取得更好的成果。

一、《大学英语综合教程》（College English Integrated Course）《大学英语综合教程》是一套由全国大学英语教学指导委员会主持编写的大学英语教材。

这套教材严格按照《大学英语教学大纲》的要求编写，内容涵盖了听力、口语、阅读、写作和翻译等方面。

教材采用分级教学，针对不同水平的学生进行适当的设置。

二、《新编大学英语》（New College English）《新编大学英语》是一套广泛使用的大学英语教材，适用于各个层次的学生。

该教材内容内容实用、丰富，充分考虑到学生的实际需求。

教材中配有大量的听力材料和实用的口语训练，能够帮助学生提高听说能力。

同时，阅读和写作部分针对学生的语法和词汇背景进行了精心设计，能够有效提高学生的阅读和写作水平。

三、《大学英语视听说》（College English Listening, Speaking）《大学英语视听说》是一本以听说训练为主的大学英语教材。

该教材以生动的视听材料为基础，通过听力和口语锻炼来提高学生的英语交流能力。

教材内容涵盖了各个话题，包括日常生活、学习、工作等方面，能够帮助学生在真实场景中提高听力和口语能力。

四、《大学英语阅读》（College English Reading）《大学英语阅读》教材注重培养学生独立阅读的能力和阅读理解能力。

教材内容以丰富的阅读材料为基础，涵盖了各个领域的知识，如科技、环境、文化等。

每篇文章都配有生词解释和习题，能够帮助学生巩固所学的词汇和阅读技巧。

五、《大学英语写作》（College English Writing）《大学英语写作》教材旨在帮助学生提高英语写作能力，内容涵盖了各种写作形式，如议论文、说明文、应用文等。

新一代大学英语(提高篇)视听说教程1答案——第二单元New Generation College English (Advanced Level) Listening and Speaking Course 1 Answer - Unit 2Unit 2: Travel and TourismIn this unit, we will focus on the topic of travel and tourism. We will explore different aspects of travel, such as popular tourist destinations, cultural experiences, and travel planning. Through various listening and speaking activities, we will enhance our understanding of this topic and improve our English language skills. Let's begin!Part 1: Listening Comprehension1. Listening Activity 1: Global LandmarksIn this activity, you will listen to a conversation between two friends discussing their favorite global landmarks. Listen carefully and answer the questions accordingly.Question 1: What is the man's favorite landmark?Question 2: What is the woman's favorite landmark?2. Listening Activity 2: Cultural ExperiencesListen to a tour guide talking about cultural experiences in different countries. Answer the following questions based on the information you hear.Question 1: What is recommended as a cultural experience in Japan?Question 2: According to the tour guide, what cultural activity should visitors try in India?Part 2: Speaking Practice1. Speaking Activity 1: Travel PlanningImagine that you and your friend are planning a trip to an English-speaking country. Discuss the following questions together.Question 1: Which country would you like to visit and why?Question 2: What are some must-see attractions in that country?Question 3: What cultural experiences would you like to have during your trip?2. Speaking Activity 2: Sharing Travel ExperiencesShare your personal travel experiences with a partner. Discuss the following questions.Question 1: Where is the most memorable place you have visited?Question 2: Why was it memorable?Question 3: Would you recommend others to visit? Why or why not?Unit 2 Review:In this unit, we have delved into the topic of travel and tourism. We have developed our listening comprehension skills by listening to conversations about global landmarks and cultural experiences. Furthermore, we have practiced our speaking skills by planning a trip and sharing personal travelexperiences. By engaging with the material in this unit, we have expanded our knowledge of different travel destinations and improved our ability to communicate effectively in English.Note: This article is a sample, and the specific content and format may vary based on the actual New Generation College English (Advanced Level) Listening and Speaking Course 1 material.。

新大学英语视听说教程1简介《新大学英语视听说教程1》（New College English Listening and Speaking Course 1）是为大学英语专业的学生设计的一本视听说教材。

本教材旨在帮助学生提高英语听力、口语和语音能力，培养学生的英语交际能力，提升英语应用能力。

本文档将介绍该教材的特点、组成以及适用对象。

特点《新大学英语视听说教程1》具有以下几个特点：1.综合性：该教材通过听力、口语和语音训练三个模块全面提高学生的英语水平。

2.渐进性：教材内容按照难易程度逐步推进，帮助学生逐渐提高听力理解和口语表达能力。

3.实用性：教材选取了丰富多样的真实语料，包括各种场景下的对话和讲座等，使学生能够更好地运用所学知识。

4.兴趣性：教材内容紧密结合学生的兴趣爱好，引入了一些有趣的话题和案例，激发学生学习英语的积极性。

组成《新大学英语视听说教程1》由以下几个部分组成：Unit 1: Getting Along with Others该单元主要介绍与他人相处的基本技巧和礼仪，培养学生有效沟通的能力。

其中包括听力材料、口语练习和语音训练等。

Unit 2: Daily Life该单元围绕日常生活展开，让学生学会用英语进行简单的日常交流。

内容包括日常生活场景对话、生活习惯的表达和相关语音训练。

Unit 3: Education and Learning该单元介绍教育和学习相关的话题，帮助学生提高学术英语能力。

内容包括学习方法、课程设置以及学习经验的分享等。

Unit 4: Entertainment该单元主要介绍娱乐活动和文化体验，让学生了解不同类型的娱乐方式，并能用英语进行相关交流。

内容包括电影、音乐、体育和旅游等话题。

Unit 5: Health and Well-being该单元探讨健康和幸福的话题，让学生了解关于健康和保健方面的知识，并能用英语表达个人的观点和建议。

Unit 6: Technology and the Internet该单元介绍科技与互联网的发展，并提供相关课题的听力和口语训练。

大学英语视听说教程1答案Unit1~10Unit 1: Introduction to College English Listening and Speaking1. What is the purpose of this course?To improve your listening and speaking skills in English.2. What are the main topics covered in this unit?Greetings and introductions, asking and answering questions, and basic conversation skills.3. How can you benefit from this course?Unit 2: Everyday CommunicationHello, Hi, Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening, and How are you?2. How can you introduce yourself in English?You can say, "Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I am from [Your Country]."How old are you? Where are you from? What do you do? What are your hobbies?Unit 3: Making Requests and Offers1. How can you make a request in English?You can say, "Could you please [action]?" or "Would you mind [action]?"2. How can you make an offer in English?You can say, "Can I help you?" or "Would you like [offer]?"Sure, no problem. I'd be happy to. Thank you.Unit 4: Describing People and Places1. How can you describe a person's appearance in English?You can say, "She has long black hair and brown eyes." or "He is tall and has short cy hair."2. How can you describe a place in English?You can say, "The park is beautiful with lots of trees and a big lake." or "The city is bustling with tall buildings and busy streets."Beautiful, tall, short, long, cy, straight, bustling, quiet, peaceful.Unit 5: Talking about Likes and Dislikes1. How can you express your likes in English?You can say, "I like [activity/food/place] very much." or "I enjoy [activity/food/place]."2. How can you express your dislikes in English?You can say, "I don't like [activity/food/place] at all." or "I hate [activity/food/place]."Activities: playing sports, watching movies,travelingFoods: pizza, sushi, chocolatePlaces: beaches, mountains, citiesUnit 6: Making ComparisonsYou can say, "[Thing A] is better than [Thing B]." or "[Thing A] is more [adjective] than [Thing B]."Better, worse, bigger, smaller, taller, shorter, older, younger.3. How can you express a preference in English?You can say, "I prefer [Thing A] to [Thing B]." or "I like [Thing A] more than [Thing B]."Unit 7: Expressing Opinions1. How can you express your opinion in English?You can say, "In my opinion, [statement]." or "Ithink that [statement]."In my opinion, I think, I believe, I feel, I agree, I disagree.3. How can you ask for someone's opinion in English?You can say, "What do you think about [topic]?" or "Do you have any opinions on [topic]?"Unit 8: Making Predictions1. How can you make a prediction in English?You can say, "I predict that [event] will happen." or "I think [event] will happen."I predict, I think, I believe, It is likely that, It is possible that.3. How can you express uncertainty in English?You can say, "I'm not sure about [event]." or "It is uncertain whether [event] will happen."Unit 9: Discussing Future Plans1. How can you talk about your future plans in English?You can say, "In the future, I plan to [action]." or "I hope to [action] in the future."Traveling, studying abroad, starting a new job, getting married, having children.3. How can you ask about someone's future plans in English?You can say, "What are your future plans?" or "Do you have any plans for the future?"Unit 10: Review and Practice1. What are some important skills covered in this course?2. How can you practice these skills?By listening to and speaking with native English speakers, watching English movies and TV shows, and using English in everyday situations.3. What are some resources you can use to improve your English?English language courses, language exchange programs, English language books and magazines, and online resources such as language learning websites and apps.。

《大学英语视听说（二）》教学大纲（I类学生适用）一、课程基本信息英文名称：College English Viewing, Listening and Speaking II课程编号：050220036课程学时：16学时课程学分：1学分适用专业：非英语专业本科一年级考研学生课程性质：必修开课单位：外国语学院开课学期：（一年级下学期）先修课程：大学英语视听说（一）二、课程教学目标本课程是我校非英语专业本科生的一门必修基础课，该课程以英语语言知识与应用技能、学习策略和跨文化交际为主要内容。

目标1：本课程结合了视听、口语课程的一些基本功能，通过对学生进行听力、口语等英语视听说技能的训练，提高学生的听力理解水平、口语表达能力和对语言运用的分析理解能力。

目标2：培养学生英语听力的能力的同时着重发展学生的英语听说能力。

使学生在今后的研究生学习中和社会交往中能用英语有效地进行信息交流。

目标3：增强其自主学习能力和综合文化素养，以适应我国经济发展和国际交流的需要。

课程教学目标与毕业要求对应关系表注：“毕业要求指标点”是指人才培养方案中“二、毕业要求”的相关内容；请在相应的表格内打“√”。

三、课程要求本课程以英语语言知识与应用技能、学习策略和跨文化交际为主要内容。

听力理解能力：能听懂英语授课，能听懂日常英语谈话和一般性题材的讲座，能听懂语速较慢(每分钟130 ~150词)的英语广播和电视节目，能掌握其中心大意，抓住要点。

能运用基本的听力技巧。

口语表达能力：能在学习过程中用英语交流，并能就某一主题进行讨论，能就日常话题用英语进行交谈，能经准备后就所熟悉的话题作简短发言，表达比较清楚，语音、语调基本正确。

能在交谈中使用基本的会话策略。

通过本课程的学习，为后阶段的考研英语系列课程打好基础。

四、教学内容Unit 1 Education（2学时）知识要点：对比中西方教育体系的不同，教学方式的差异；学会谈论国外留学的优点和弊端，听懂关于“Education”的会话和语篇，抓住听力材料的大意和重点信息，学习掌握如何获得主旨大意的技巧。

Unit 2 Dealing with Cultural DifferencesUnit 2Part A Pre-listening TaskAdditional questions for discussion1. Comment on the proverb "Do in Rome as the Romans do."This is a very wise saying and makes a lot of sense. It is always advisable for visitors to a new place to be sensitive to people's ways of doing things there and try to behave in a similar way themselves where necessary. By doing in Rome as the Romans do, you will be appreciated by the local people and considered to be a person who understands the local customs. You will have a better chance of being accepted as one of them instead of being treated as an outsider. And more often than not, you will be able to get things done that way.2. What does "culture shock" mean?Culture shock is a painful feeling people experience when they encounter entirely different ways of life in another culture. It often happens to people who have been suddenly transplanted (迁移) abroad. The foreign culture has such a strong impact on newcomers that they may become extremely anxious. They may find it hard to understand people's behavior, customs and value systems there. Sometimes they may feel like fish out of water and confused as to what is proper and what is not proper, and even what is right and what is wrong.3. In what ways can we cope with culture shock?There are several things we can do to prevent or reduce the negative effects of culture shock. Before we enter a strange culture, we can learn about it and prepare ourselves for the new experience. When we are in the new culture, we should maintain an open attitude toward people and things, and try to adjust to the new environment. When we run into problems, we should not panic but keep calm, and try to get assistance from the natives. Finally, if we are going to have a long stay in the culture, we should make an effort to gradually blend in the new surroundings and make ourselves comfortable there.Part B Listening TasksEmbarrassing Experiences (Part One)Interviewer: Rob, you went to Brazil, didn't you?Rob: Yes, I did.Interviewer: So, what happened?Rob: Well, I went into this meeting and there were about, er... seven or eight people in there and I just said 'Hello' to everybody and sat down. Apparently, what I should have done is togo round the room shaking hands with everyone individually. Well, you know, it's silly of me because I found out later it upset everyone. I mean, I think they felt I was taking them for granted.Kate: Well, I know that because when I was in France the first time, I finished a meeting with 'Goodbye, everyone!' to all the people in the room. There were about half a dozen people there but I was in a hurry to leave, so I just said that and left. Well, I later found out that what I should have done is shake hands with everyone in the group before leaving. Now, apparently, it's the polite thing to do.Interviewer: Well, people shake hands in different ways, don't they?Rob: Oh, yes, that's right, they do. See, normally I shake hands quite gently when I meet someone. So when I went to the US for the first time, I think people there thought my weak handshake was a sign of weakness. Apparently, people there tend to shake hands quite firmly. Kate: Oh, gosh, you know, that reminds me: on my first trip to Germany, it was a long time ago, I was introduced to the boss in the company when he passed us in the corridor. Well, I wasn't prepared, and I mean, I had my left hand in my pocket. And when we shook hands I realized my left hand was still in my pocket. Well, that was, you know, very bad manners and I was quite embarrassed.Interviewer: And how about using first names? Have you made any mistakes there?Rob: Oh, yes, I have! When I first went to Italy I thought it was OK to use everyone's first name so as to seem friendly. And I later discovered that in business you shouldn't use someone's first name unless you are invited to. Oh, and you should always use their title as well.Kate: Hm, yeah, well, when I met people in Russia, you know, they seemed to be puzzled when I shook hands with them and said 'How do you do?' Well, what they do when they greet a stranger is to say their own names, so I had that all wrong!Rob: Oh, yes, I agree with that. Remembering names is very important.Interviewer: Shall we take a break? When we come back we'll move on to our next topic. Kate & Rob: OK.Listen to the interview and choose the right answers to the questions you hear. Questions:1. What is the conversation mainly about?A. Different ways of greetings in different countries.B. Interesting experiences of Kate and Rob during their visits to some foreign countries.C. The importance of knowing how to greet a stranger properly when we are in a new country.D. Embarrassing mistakes made by Kate and Rob due to ignorance of cultural differences. 正确答案：D2. Who might be the people Rob and Kate met in various countries?A. They were probably their foreign guides.B. They were probably their business associates.C. They were probably total strangers to them.D. They were probably their bosses.正确答案：B3. What can we infer about Kate and Rob from the conversation?A. They are business partners.B. They are travelling salespeople.C. They are both British.D. They are business people who travel a lot to other countries.正确答案：D.4. Which countries has Kate visited, according to the conversation?A. France, Germany and Italy.B. Germany, Sweden and Russia.C. Russia, Germany and France.D. Brazil, Italy and France.正确答案：C.5. Which countries has Rob visited, according to the conversation?A. Italy, the US and France.B. Brazil, Germany and Italy.C. France, Russia and the US.D. Italy, the US and Brazil.正确答案：D6. What is the main message that the speakers want to tell us?A. The importance of recognizing cultural differences.B. The difficulty of cross-cultural communication.C. The importance of regarding all cultures as equals.D. The necessity to promote effective international communication.正确答案：A.Listen again and complete the following statements with information you hear.1.In Brazil, the proper behavior is that people go round the room and shake hands witheveryone individually when you arrive.2.In France, the proper behavior is to shake hands with everyone in the group whenleaving.3.In the US, the proper behavior is to shake hands firmly .4.The proper behavior in Germany is that people do not keep their left hands in theirpockets when shaking hands.5.The proper behavior in Italy is that people do not use someone's first name unless youare invited to. They should always use their title.6.The proper behavior in Russia is that people say one's own name, not "How do you do?",when greeting a stranger.Speaking Tasks I:What do you think of the text you've just heard? Exchange views with your partner. Reflections:Comment on the experiences Rob and Kate had in some foreign countries. Do you think it is important to be aware of cultural differences? Why? Exchange views with your partner. You may mention the following points in your discussion.1. awareness of cultural differences -- to avoid misunderstanding2. importance of learning about other cultures3. importance of knowing how to deal with cultural differences -- key to successful international business and cultural exchangesHow differently people behave in different countries! What different standards they have for good manners! In the text, Kate and Rob unintentionally offended their foreign associates because they were ignorant of cultural differences. They failed to realize that what counts as good manners in one country may be bad manners in another.The world we live in is made up of a great many nations, races, tribes, and communities, each of which has its own distinctive culture. In fact, cultural diversity is what makes our world so rich and so colorful. However, failing to recognize this diversity will pose problems to people like Kate and Rob whose jobs require them to meet and do business with people from other cultures. They may probably leave a bad impression on their business associates because of a casual way of greeting, a weak handshake, or calling someone by his or her first name without being invited to. And that bad impression may cost them their chance to win a business deal.As our country becomes more and more open to the outside world, it is quite possible that we will be involved in international business transactions or cultural exchanges after we leave school. I think it is important that we improve our awareness of cultural differences so as to prepare ourselves for successful cross-cultural communication in the future.Speaking Tasks II:Look at these pictures. They are about Chinese and Western ways of eating. Do you see any differences between them? Describe the pictures first and then discuss their differences.Several Westerners are having dinner. In front of each of them are three plates, the under plate, the dinner plate and the soup plate as well as some wineglasses. Some knives and forks are placed on the two sides of the plates. There are several bottles of wine in the middle of the rectangular table. At the side of the table is a breadbasket. Everyone has a napkin on the lap. In picture (a), we can see a large soup tureen on the table and a woman is ladling some soup into her soup plate. In picture (b), the soup tureen is replaced by a bowl of salad, and a man is passing the salad bowl to his neighbor. In picture (c), we can see a large plate of a meat dish, and a man is cutting the meat with his knife and fork. Another man is passing the pepper bottle to the woman sitting near him.A Chinese family of three are having dinner. In front of each member, there is a small bowl of rice, a small saucer on which rests a soupspoon, and a pair of chopsticks. In the middle of the round table can be seen a large bowl of chicken soup and four dishes including twovegetables, a fish and pork chops. The mother is getting some fish for her son while the father is helping himself to some soup.A group of Chinese are having dinner in a restaurant. In front of every diner, there is a small bowl and a soupspoon, an under plate and a dinner plate and a pair of chopsticks which are placed on a pretty chopstick rest. The table is quite large, and on top of it is a smaller revolving table known as lazy Susan, on which are placed a lot of dishes, a pot of jasmine tea, and several cans of beer and juice. Several pairs of extra chopsticks and two extra spoons are available for all to use. A man, who seems to be the host, is turning the revolving table with one hand and gesturing with his other to invite the woman sitting next to him to try a particular dish. Another man is picking some vegetables with one of the extra pairs of chopsticks. Still another man is getting some meat from the plate in front of him.Speaking Tasks III:In this part you'll make a comparision of pictures. Listen to a sample passage or conversation about the first picture. Then move on to the next two pictures. Use the sample as your model and carry on similar activities with your partner.A : Don't you think there are great differences between Chinese and Western ways of eating?B : Yes, they are very different indeed. We Chinese use chopsticks to help ourselves to almost everything except soup, but Westerners use a knife and fork.A : I think our chopsticks are much easier to handle. Knives and forks are so complicated to use.B : I'm afraid many Westerners wouldn't agree with you on that. It may take them quite some time to learn the skill of handling chopsticks.A : You may be right. What do you think of the food Western people eat at dinner? Seems to me a Western dinner is rather simple. There are so few courses.B : That's true. A Chinese dinner is usually much more plentiful. Even at a simple family dinner we have at least four dishes and a soup. I'm afraid I would be starving at a Western dinner.A : But the Western style of eating seems to be more hygienic. Nobody uses his own fork to get food for himself or for others. But at a Chinese dinner, some people, especially the hospitable host and hostess, often try to get food for others with their own chopsticks. They don't realize how unhygienic this is.B : It really is. Westerners usually ask others to pass some food to them if they can't reach it. If you stretch out your arm or stand up to get food, people would think you have very bad table manners.A : But the dinner table in a Chinese restaurant is so convenient. Just turn the revolving table, and you are within easy reach of the dishes.B : Mm. That's true. So the Chinese way and the Western way of eating are just different. Neither is better or worse.A : You said it. But the important thing is to be aware of the differences so as to avoid misunderstanding.Part C Additional ListeningAmerican PartiesAs you would imagine, Americans move about a great deal at parties. At small gatherings they may sit down, but as soon as there are more people than chairs in a room - a little before this point - you will see first one and then another make some excuse to get to his feet to fetch a drink or greet a friend or open a window until soon everyone is standing, moving around, chatting with one group and then another. Sitting becomes static beyond a certain point. We expect people to move about and be "self-starters". It is quite normal for Americans to introduce themselves; they will drift around a room , stopping to talk wherever they like, introducing themselves and their companions. If this happens, you are expected to reply by giving your name and introducing the person with you; then at least the men generally shake hands. Sometimes the women do so as well, but often they merely nod and smile. A man usually shakes a woman's hand only if she extends it. Otherwise he too just nods and greets her.Statements:(F) 1. We can't imagine that Americans do not like big parties and they prefer going aroundat parties.(T) 2. At small parties they may sit down, but as more people come, they would stand up and move about.(T) 3. The reason why Americans like to stand is that they like the free atmosphere of the party.(F) 4. The meaning of "self-starters" is that Americans help themselves to drinks during the parties.(to introduce tehemslves and the person with them, or talk wherever they like) (F) 5. Americans are more open-minded than British people according to the passage.(have not mention)(T) 6. If a woman doesn't extend her hand to a man at the party, he should not shakes hands with the woman.(T) 7. The passage shows a unique aspect of American culture.Leisure TimeA Cultural QuizListen to the following quiz about a certain aspect of British life and choose the appropriate answer. Then check your answer with what is mentioned in the comment.You have been working in the London office of your company for some time now. It is Friday evening and your colleagues are about to hit the pubs before heading home, as they have been doing all the time you've been here. Now that you've become one of the pals, they have asked you to join them. You generally don't drink and have a long way to travel home. What should be the correct reaction?a. Decline politely, saying that you don't drink and want to get home as soon as possible.b. React with annoyance when they persist and firmly refuse, even lecturing them for drinking too much.c. Argue with them that even after an hour in the pub you will still see rush-hour traffic, so what's the point?d. Show enthusiasm, saying that you will go along but will only have a small drink if it's all right with them.CommentThis Friday-evening visit to pubs is fairly common in Britain, especially among unmarried people who see no reason to rush home from work. It is as much a social thing as a practical action to avoid rush-hour traffic and the friendly feeling over a few drinks is important among most British workers. It is an opportunity to relax, even to get a little drunk as a reward for a hard week's work. They will not think little of you for not drinking, though a few will show surprise that you don't even drink beer, which is a national brew practically. Option D will not only give you the opportunity to get to know them but also give an insight into a typical slice of British life - the pub scene.Movie TimeEarthquakesThe first seismic detector was invented almost 2000 years ago by a Chinese mathematician. He built a device with metal balls in dragons' mouths. A pendulum in the instrument moved when it registered a quake and balls fell out into the waiting frogs' mouths below.The Chinese were unique. Other cultures rely on religion and mythology to explain earthquakes. The early Japanese spoke of a giant cat fish that fought with a god. The god won and stood in triumph on the great fish's head. From time to time the cat fish threshed around and the drumming of its huge tail shook the ground.Modern science gives us a more rational explanation. But it too shows us just how small we really are. Earthquakes happen because on a vast, slow scale, the entire surface of the planet is in motion. The earth's crust is divided into broad pieces called tectonic plates, floating above the liquid mantle, hundreds of miles below. These tectonic plates are constantly moving, driven by convection currents in the mantle. The movement is incredibly slow, about half an inch per year, or just about the speed that finger nails grow. In some parts of the world the plates collide: one plate slides under or past the other. The immense forces push up the crust, forming mountains and volcanoes.Time to TalkIn this picture we see a young woman riding a swing. She's dressed in a green blouse and a red skirt, which is fastened around the chest instead of the waist. Judging from her unique clothes, I am pretty sure she is a Korean as Korean women are known to enjoy riding swings. Though people from other cultures may have different opinions about the way she's dressed, Korean people must think that the girl's clothes look great and attractive. Different cultures are entitled to their own likes and dislikes.This picture shows three monks dressed in orange robes receiving food from two women. I remember reading a book that said young men in Thailand must serve as monks for some time before they go to work or get married. This is a unique cultural practice that can hardly be accepted in China or in many other countries. To the Thais, however, it's a way of normal life. Also to go out begging for food could be very embarrassing for most of us, but to themonks, it's nothing to be ashamed of. So the key to understand other peoples in the world is to learn to respect their cultures first.The picture shows men and women from different ethnical background are getting together. The two Asian women are wearing traditional costumes -- one on the left is dressed in kimono, and the other on the right wears a black Muslim robe as all Arab women do. The man next to the Muslim woman is half naked. His face and chest are painted in a special pattern and some feathers are stuck around his head. Maybe he wants to look like an Indian, but his skin betrays him. Anyway, the photograph is intended to convey a message that races from different cultures can coexist in harmony.Part D Home ListeningEmbarrassing Experiences (Part Two)Interviewer: Let's go on with our talk. What do you think of business cards, Rob?Rob: I found them very useful when I was in Japan not so long ago. Each person can clearly see the other's name and the job title on the card. And I found out that you have to treat business cards with respect. What you've got to do is hold them with both hands and then read them very carefully. What happened to me was the first time I just took a man's card with one hand and put it straight into my pocket.Interviewer: What other advice do you have, Kate?Kate: Well, one time I unintentionally caused some problems when I was in China. Well, I was trying to make a joke when I pretended to criticize my business associate for being late for a meeting. And he was embarrassed, I mean, he was really embarrassed instead of being amused. Now you shouldn't criticize people in China or embarrass them. I mean, you must avoid confrontation. That's for sure!Rob: Oh, I must tell you about the first time I was in Mexico! I have to admit I found it a bit strange when business associates there touched me on the arm and the shoulder. Well, I tried to move away and, of course, they thought I was being very, very unfriendly. Apparently, it's quite usual there for men to touch each other in, you know, in a friendly way. Oh ... oh, and another thing, the first time I went to Korea I thought it was polite not to look someone in the eye too much. The Koreans I met seemed to be staring at me when I spoke, which seemed, you know, a bit odd at first. In Korea, eye contact conveys sincerity and it shows you're paying attention to the speaker.Kate: Oh, well, it seemed strange because you British don't look at each other so much when you're talking to each other. I mean, you look away, you know, most of the time. I found this hard to deal with when I first came to the UK, because people seemed to be embarrassedwhen I looked at them while they were speaking to me.Interviewer: So what's the thing visitors to Britain should avoid most?Rob: Well, I don't think we're all that sensitive, do you, Kate?Kate: Ohoo, well, I'll tell you, I made a big mistake when I was in Scotland. I found myself referring to the UK as "England" and to the British as "the English". Now, I know that would be just as bad in Wales, I guess.Rob: Yes, it certainly would!Listen to the interview and fill in the blanks with the words you hear.1.In Japan, you should hold a business card with both hands and read the name and the jobtitle carefully. So do not hold the card with one hand and put it into your pocket without reading it.2. In Mexico, it is usual for men to touch each other in a friendly way and it is consideredunfriendly if you move away when you are touched.3.In Korea, eye contact means sincerity and respect to the speaker.4.In China, you should avoid criticizing people, otherwise you will embarrass them.5.Rob is from the UK but Kate is not.6.Kate pretended to criticize her Chinese business partner with the intention of amusinghim.7.In China, you should avoid confrontation with people.8.People in Scotland and Wales will be offended if you call them English. It is becauseEngland is only one part of the United Kingdom.9.Rob does not like to be touched and stared at.10.English people tend to look away when talking to each other.。