听力题Receptionist; English Language Center

听力题Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard

听力题 London taxi drivers know the capital like the back of their hands. No matter how small or indistinct the street is, the driver will be able to get you there without any trouble. The reason London taxi drivers are so efficient is that they all have gone through a very tough training period to get a special taxi driving licence. During this period, which can take two to four years, the would-be taxi driver has to learn the most direct route to every single road and to every important building in London. To achieve this, most learners go around the city on small motorbikes practicing how to move to and from different points of the city. Learner taxi drivers are tested several times during the training period by government officers. The exams are a terrible experience. The officers ask you "How do you get from Birmingham Palace to the Tower of London?" and you have to take them there in the direct line. When you get to the tower, they won''t say "well done". They will quickly move on to the next question. After five or six questions, they will just say "See you in two months'' time." and then you know the exam is over. Learner drivers are not allowed to work and earn money as drivers. Therefore, many of them keep their previous jobs until they have obtained the licence. The training can cost quite a lot, because learners have to pay for their own expenses on the tests and the medical exam. London taxi drivers know the capital like the back of their hands. No matter how small or indistinct the street is, the driver will be able to get you there without any trouble. The reason London taxi drivers are so efficient is that they all have gone through a very tough training period to get a special taxi driving licence. During this period, which can take two to four years, the would-be taxi driver has to learn the most direct route to every single road and to every important building in London. To achieve this, most learners go around the city on small motorbikes practicing how to move to and from different points of the city. Learner taxi drivers are tested several times during the training period by government officers. The exams are a terrible experience. The officers ask you "How do you get from Birmingham Palace to the Tower of London?" and you have to take them there in the direct line. When you get to the tower, they won''t say "well done". They will quickly move on to the next question. After five or six questions, they will just say "See you in two months'' time." and then you know the exam is over. Learner drivers are not allowed to work and earn money as drivers. Therefore, many of them keep their previous jobs until they have obtained the licence. The training can cost quite a lot, because learners have to pay for their own expenses on the tests and the medical exam.

听力题 The leisure industry which was a largely unknown concept in China just a few years ago has now become a commonplace and popular topic this year. Leisure, vacation and consumption have become hot topics of conversation that have attracted the attention of both the government as well as ordinary citizens. Following the increase in consumption groups comprising mainly urban citizens, China''s leisure industry has been flourishing rapidly. According to statistics from China''s National Tourism Administration, as a major representative of the leisure industry, China''s domestic tourism industry recorded 1.2 billion in tourist volume and 768.6 billion yuan in total tourism revenue in 2005. Because the tourism industry is a significant impulse to consumption and economic growth, 24 Chinese provinces have taken the tourism industry as a pillar industry, leading industry or advantageous industry. The leisure industry refers to the industry that is closely related to people''s leisure lifestyle, leisure activities and leisure requirements, including primarily the economic forms and industry systems such as the entertainment, tourism, service, culture and sports industries and the industry groups that are generated from such industries. Statistics show that when per capita GDP reaches US$ 1,000, the demands for leisure come into being. In 2005, China''s per capita GDP amounted to US$1,700, which indicated that China has entered the era of phenomenal development of the leisure industry. As many as 110 days of holidays further stimulates those with spending power and desire to engage in leisure activities. The leisure industry which was a largely unknown concept in China just a few years ago has now become a commonplace and popular topic this year. Leisure, vacation and consumption have become hot topics of conversation that have attracted the attention of both the government as well as ordinary citizens. Following the increase in consumption groups comprising mainly urban citizens, China''s leisure industry has been flourishing rapidly. According to statistics from China''s National Tourism Administration, as a major representative of the leisure industry, China''s domestic tourism industry recorded 1.2 billion in tourist volume and 768.6 billion yuan in total tourism revenue in 2005. Because the tourism industry is a significant impulse to consumption and economic growth, 24 Chinese provinces have taken the tourism industry as a pillar industry, leading industry or advantageous industry. The leisure industry refers to the industry that is closely related to people''s leisure lifestyle, leisure activities and leisure requirements, including primarily the economic forms and industry systems such as the entertainment, tourism, service, culture and sports industries and the industry groups that are generated from such industries. Statistics show that when per capita GDP reaches US$ 1,000, the demands for leisure come into being. In 2005, China''s per capita GDP amounted to US$1,700, which indicated that China has entered the era of phenomenal development of the leisure industry. As many as 110 days of holidays further stimulates those with spending power and desire to engage in leisure activities.

听力题 Robert Edwards was blinded in an automobile accident nine years ago. He was also partially deaf because of old age. Last week, he was walking near his home when a thunderstorm approached. He took shelter under a tree and was struck by lightning. He was knocked to the ground and woke up some 20 minutes later, lying face down in water below a tree. He went into the house and lay down in bed. A short time later, he awoke; his legs couldn’t move and he was trembling, but, when he opened his eyes, he could see the clock across the room in front of him. When his wife entered, he saw her for the first time in nine years. Doctors confirm that he has regained his sight and hearing apparently from the flash of lightning, but they are unable to explain the reason. The only possible explanation offered by one doctor was that, since Edwards lost his sight as a result of a hard blow in a terrible accident, perhaps the only way it could be restored was by another blow. Robert Edwards was blinded in an automobile accident nine years ago. He was also partially deaf because of old age. Last week, he was walking near his home when a thunderstorm approached. He took shelter under a tree and was struck by lightning. He was knocked to the ground and woke up some 20 minutes later, lying face down in water below a tree. He went into the house and lay down in bed. A short time later, he awoke; his legs couldn’t move and he was trembling, but, when he opened his eyes, he could see the clock across the room in front of him. When his wife entered, he saw her for the first time in nine years. Doctors confirm that he has regained his sight and hearing apparently from the flash of lightning, but they are unable to explain the reason. The only possible explanation offered by one doctor was that, since Edwards lost his sight as a result of a hard blow in a terrible accident, perhaps the only way it could be restored was by another blow.

听力题 A new study reports the common drug aspirin greatly reduces life threatening problems after an operation to replace blocked blood vessels to the heart. More than 800,000 people around the world have this heart surgery each year. The doctors who carried out this study say giving aspirin to patients soon after the operation could save thousands of lives. People usually take aspirin to control pain and reduce high body temperature. Doctors also advise some people to take aspirin to help prevent heart attacks. About 10-15 percent of these heart operations end in death or damage to the heart or other organs. The new study shows that even a small amount of aspirin reduced such threats. The doctors said the chance of death for patients who took aspirin would fall by 67%. They claimed this was true if the aspirin was given within 48 hours of the operation. The doctors believe aspirin helps heart surgery patients because it can prevent blood from thickening and blood vessels from being blocked. However, the doctors warned that people who have stomach bleeding or other bad reactions from aspirin should not take it after heart surgery. A new study reports the common drug aspirin greatly reduces life threatening problems after an operation to replace blocked blood vessels to the heart. More than 800,000 people around the world have this heart surgery each year. The doctors who carried out this study say giving aspirin to patients soon after the operation could save thousands of lives. People usually take aspirin to control pain and reduce high body temperature. Doctors also advise some people to take aspirin to help prevent heart attacks. About 10-15 percent of these heart operations end in death or damage to the heart or other organs. The new study shows that even a small amount of aspirin reduced such threats. The doctors said the chance of death for patients who took aspirin would fall by 67%. They claimed this was true if the aspirin was given within 48 hours of the operation. The doctors believe aspirin helps heart surgery patients because it can prevent blood from thickening and blood vessels from being blocked. However, the doctors warned that people who have stomach bleeding or other bad reactions from aspirin should not take it after heart surgery.

听力题 American scientists are developing maps that can identify areas of future flooding. The maps also may help scientists estimate the possibility of extremely dry weather and severe storms. Tom Jackson of the United States Department of Agriculture prepared the map after the April flood. He used information provided by satellites in Earth orbit. The maps are produced from dish receivers on the satellites. Each dish receiver measures the wetness of the soil by capturing the natural release of microwave radiation from the soil. The receivers turn rapidly. This provides complete coverage of each area the satellite passes over. Mr. Jackson and other scientists have tested Aqua''s equipment in airplanes and satellites flying over several states. The scientists used the tests to develop ways to change the information gathered into maps. Mr. Jackson now plans to compare the microwave dish receiver findings with information from tests on Earth''s soil. He will use instruments at Agricultural Research Service centers in four states. He also will study information provided by forty ground observation centers across the country. American scientists are developing maps that can identify areas of future flooding. The maps also may help scientists estimate the possibility of extremely dry weather and severe storms. Tom Jackson of the United States Department of Agriculture prepared the map after the April flood. He used information provided by satellites in Earth orbit. The maps are produced from dish receivers on the satellites. Each dish receiver measures the wetness of the soil by capturing the natural release of microwave radiation from the soil. The receivers turn rapidly. This provides complete coverage of each area the satellite passes over. Mr. Jackson and other scientists have tested Aqua''s equipment in airplanes and satellites flying over several states. The scientists used the tests to develop ways to change the information gathered into maps. Mr. Jackson now plans to compare the microwave dish receiver findings with information from tests on Earth''s soil. He will use instruments at Agricultural Research Service centers in four states. He also will study information provided by forty ground observation centers across the country.

听力题 Many people think that nothing happens when they sleep. Doctors have studied sleep for many years. They think that a lot happens when people sleep. Doctors say that people have five kinds, or stages, of sleep. People may go through each stage about every 10 minutes. During the first two stages, you sleep lightly. That is, if someone calls you or puts his hand on you, you wake up quickly. Your body rests quietly, you breathe more slowly than when you are awake. Your heart beats slowly. During stages three and four, you sleep deeply. That is, if someone puts his hand on you, you don’t wake up. Your heart beats more slowly than that in stages one and two. You don’t hear sounds. Lights don’t wake you up. The last stage of sleep is called REM (Rapid Eye Movement). During REM sleep you breathe faster, and your heart beats faster than that in stages one through four. Your eyes move under your eyelids. All of this happens because you are dreaming. Doctors say that everyone dreams. Some dreams are short; some dreams are long. Some people are good at remembering their dreams; others forget theirs. Many people think that nothing happens when they sleep. Doctors have studied sleep for many years. They think that a lot happens when people sleep. Doctors say that people have five kinds, or stages, of sleep. People may go through each stage about every 10 minutes. During the first two stages, you sleep lightly. That is, if someone calls you or puts his hand on you, you wake up quickly. Your body rests quietly, you breathe more slowly than when you are awake. Your heart beats slowly. During stages three and four, you sleep deeply. That is, if someone puts his hand on you, you don’t wake up. Your heart beats more slowly than that in stages one and two. You don’t hear sounds. Lights don’t wake you up. The last stage of sleep is called REM (Rapid Eye Movement). During REM sleep you breathe faster, and your heart beats faster than that in stages one through four. Your eyes move under your eyelids. All of this happens because you are dreaming. Doctors say that everyone dreams. Some dreams are short; some dreams are long. Some people are good at remembering their dreams; others forget theirs.

听力题People enjoy taking trips

听力题Were you the first or last child in your family

听力题A few years ago it was (36)____to speak of a generation gap, a division between young people and their elders. Parents (37)____that children did not show them proper respect and (38)____, while children complained that their parents did not understand them at all. What had gone wrong? Why had the generation gap suddenly appeared? (39)____, the generation gap has been around for a long time. Many (40)____argue that it is built into the fabric of our society. One important cause of the generation gap is the opportunity that young people have to choose their own life-styles. In more (41)____societies, when children grow up, they are expected to live in the same area as their parents, to marry people that their parents know and (42)____of, and often to continue the family (43)____. In our society, young people often travel great distances for their educations, move out of the family home at an early age, marry or live with (44)___________________________. In our upwardly mobile society, parents often expect their children to do better than they did: to find better jobs, to make more money, and to do all the things that they were unable to do. Often, however, (45)____________________. Finally, the speed at which changes take place in our society is another cause of the gap between the generations. In a traditional culture, (46)_________________.

听力题 A team of scientists recently began a project to measure the effects of loud noises on sea animals. If the sounds don''t harm the animals, then the researchers can go ahead with a plan to transmit sound waves through the Pacific Ocean to take the earth''s temperature. Sound travels faster through warm water than cold water. By analyzing the speed of sound through the ocean over a time, the scientists will be able to determine if our planet is warming up. The experiment was nearly cancelled more than a year ago because environmental groups feared that the sound will confuse or harm the sea-animals. So, scientists are conducting tests on the animals first. The researchers lowered a loud speaker that emits low frequency sound about 1,000 meters beneath the ocean. Scientists at the site transmit sound waves into the ocean. Radio transmitters attached to some of the sea-animals help the researchers keep track of the animals'' movements. If sea-animals are distressed by me sounds, they would swim away from the speakers. So far, there aren''t any signs that the animals are being harmed. Researchers at the site noticed that large numbers of sea-animals swim near the speaker whether it was turned on or off, but it is still too soon to know for sure, the scientists admit. The test will continue through September. "If all goes well," they say, "we can begin measuring temperature changes on our planet." A team of scientists recently began a project to measure the effects of loud noises on sea animals. If the sounds don''t harm the animals, then the researchers can go ahead with a plan to transmit sound waves through the Pacific Ocean to take the earth''s temperature. Sound travels faster through warm water than cold water. By analyzing the speed of sound through the ocean over a time, the scientists will be able to determine if our planet is warming up. The experiment was nearly cancelled more than a year ago because environmental groups feared that the sound will confuse or harm the sea-animals. So, scientists are conducting tests on the animals first. The researchers lowered a loud speaker that emits low frequency sound about 1,000 meters beneath the ocean. Scientists at the site transmit sound waves into the ocean. Radio transmitters attached to some of the sea-animals help the researchers keep track of the animals'' movements. If sea-animals are distressed by me sounds, they would swim away from the speakers. So far, there aren''t any signs that the animals are being harmed. Researchers at the site noticed that large numbers of sea-animals swim near the speaker whether it was turned on or off, but it is still too soon to know for sure, the scientists admit. The test will continue through September. "If all goes well," they say, "we can begin measuring temperature changes on our planet."

听力题W: Midwestern Bank. Good morning. M: Hello

听力题Questions 3 to 4 are based on the new report you have just heard

听力题Doctors perform transplant operations to replace tissue or organs in a person who is sick or injured. Organ transplants help save (36)________of lives each year. The year of 2004 marked the (37)________anniversary of the first successful transplant of a human organ. An American medical team performed the first successful organ transplant on December 23, 1954. The patient, Richard Herrick, was (38)________ from a kidney (39)________. Doctor Joseph Murray gave Richard a kidney from his twin brother, Ronald. Ronald had the same (40)________as Richard. Richard survived for eight more years with the kidney. In 1990, Doctor Murray was given the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work. The first transplant operation was carried out in (41)________. A German doctor placed skin from a woman''s leg on her nose. By 1863, a (42)________ scientist showed that the body rejects tissue transplants from one person to another. Forty years later, a German scientist found that this rejection was carried out by the body''s defense system (43)________the foreign tissue. Rejection continued to be a problem well into the 20th century. In 1958, French doctor Jean Dausset discovered a system for tissue matching. (44)________________________. In 1972, Swiss scientist Jean Borel discovered that the drug cyclosporine (环孢菌素)could stop the body from rejecting the new organ or tissue. (45)________________________. Experts say (46)________________________.

听力题M: Can I arrange the policy over the phone

听力题W: Hi, Mike, do you have a minute to spare

听力题M: Cindy! Have you heard the news? W: No, Steve

听力题The Gulf War changed the lives of ordinary people

听力题More than two thousand years ago