问答题
A Letter from a Student
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to strongly urge the university to adopt a three-day fall break immediately before midterms during Fall Semester. There are two good reasons for this measure. First, after all the stress of beginning a new semester, the students need a break before the added pressure of midterms. This is especially so for freshmen like myself who are feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole college experience. The second reason is that a break will give busy students time to get ready for those midterm exams. The professors want us to do a lot of work all at once, so a couple of days free would give us the opportunity to do our assignments and get ready for the exams.
Question: The woman expresses her opinion about the student's proposal of adding a three-day fall break. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.
Now hear a conversation between two students.
【正确答案】A letter from a student suggests that the university should give a three-day break before midterm exams. The female student agrees with the idea for two reasons.
On the one hand, college life is very different from high school. Students have to learn a good deal of information in a fairly short time. A three-day break before exams would let students relax and get ready and rested for their midterms.
On the other hand, for the hard-working, the three-day break could be put to good use. Students could study for exams or write papers during this time. In either event, free time seems to both students to amount to a blessing.
【答案解析】[听力原文]
M: Look Linda, your friend Randy got another letter printed in the college paper.
W: I knew he was writing something. What did he say?
M: He wants the university to add a three-day break before midterms. He thinks we need time to get ready for exams.
W: I think the proposal is great! You know all first-year students need time getting adjusted to college life. They have to work harder and learn a lot of material much faster than they did in high school. So a three-day break would give everybody time to really relax, and then study hard for midterms. Midterms are our first big college test.
M: That is true. I have that big English essay I still haven't written.
W: Yeah and we'll have about five or six exams just in that one week. Plus we have papers to write for two or three classes. Therefore, students with three days off can have time to do assignments and research and finish their projects and papers.
M: Exactly!
Alternative Wording(替换表达)
Synonyms (a)break—hiatus (b)agree—concur
(c)learn—assimilate (d)get ready—prepare for
(e)papers—essay
Paraphrases 1. One has to master a deluge of information on short notice.
2. For the diligent, the three days could offer an occasion for an orgy of work.