全新版大学英语听说教程2答案1-14

Unit 1 Sports

Part A

Listening Strategy

Identifying Numbers

Numbers appear very often in every kind of listening material. The ability to catch the exact numbers spoken in English is an important but difficult skill for a Chinese learner. A good way is to practice over and over again the pronunciation of the numbers, particularly the different ways to say thirteen and thirty, fourteen and forty, etc. It also helps to practice writing down the numbers you hear quickly in numerical forms, without translating them into Chinese.

You’re going to hear a passage about Michael Jordan, a retired American professional basketball player. Listen carefully and fill in the blanks with the missing numbers.

Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. He was born on Feb. 1) 17, 2) 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. He is 3) 1.98 meters tall and weighs 4) 216 pounds. Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls team for the 5) 1984 season. In the 6) 1986 season he shot 7) 3041 points, the 8) third highest score ever. He was named NBA Slam Dunk Champion (扣篮冠军) in 9) 1987 and won the Most Valuable Player Award in 10) 1988, an honor repeated 11) four times in the next 12) ten years to 13) 1998. Jordan guided his team to win 14) six NBA championships during the 15) 1990s, scoring 16) 45 points during the 17) sixth and last game of the 18) 1998 NBA finals. In 19) 1999, he was named the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century.

Jordan left the NBA at the beginning of the 1993-1994 NBA season to pursue a career in baseball. Since his baseball game wasn’t quite as good as his basketball games, he finally gave it up to rejoin the Bulls in 1995. Yet, after playing for 20) five more years, he once again announced his retirement in 21) 1999. But he returned for two more NBA games in 22) 2001 as a member of the Washington Wizards. Part B

Pre-listening Task

Questions for Discussion

You are going to talk about sports. Read the following questions and discuss them with your partner. 1. Do you like sports? What is your favorite sport? 2. What sports do most young people go in for? 3. What sports are suitable for old people? 4. Do you like jogging? Why or why not? 5. Why do people need to play sports? Demo:

2. What sports do most young people go in for?

Well, people in different parts of the world may prefer different kinds of sports. For example, many Chinese people play ping-pong or table tennis, and it is considered to be our national sport. Chinese ping-pong players have won numerous championships in world competitions, which boosts the enthusiasm for the game among young people in China. However, in North America, many young people like playing American football and basketball. Almost every teenager has his or her own idol in these games. For example, Michael Jordan has a lot of fans in the US.

Additional Question for Discussion

What do you know about the Olympic Games? Demo:

The Olympic Games are one of the most important international events in the world today. The modern Olympic Games are named for athletic contests held in ancient Greece for almost 12 centuries. They were banned in AD 394 but were revived and made international in 1896. The Winter Games were added in 1924. World War I and World War II forced cancellation of the Olympics in 1916, 1940, and 1944, but they resumed in 1948 and are held every four years. After 1992 the Winter and Summer Games were no longer held within the same calendar year. Winter Games were scheduled for 1994, after only a two-year interval, and every four years thereafter. The Summer Games were scheduled for 1996, and every four years thereafter. Beijing successfully hosted the 2008 Olympics.

Language Focus

Here are some sentences and structures that you might find useful in discussing the above questions.

I like sports a lot / very much.

I enjoy / am keen on / am fond of playing sports. I like swimming / jogging / fishing / tennis, etc.

My favorite sport is basketball / volleyball / football, etc.

Young people go in for such sports as running / playing basketball / tennis / football, etc. Jogging / Walking / Fishing is good for old people.

Jogging is considered a healthy sport for both the young and the old / people of all ages.

Many people begin jogging because they believe it is a very good form of exercise / can make their hearts stronger / can help them lose weight.

Listening Tasks

Why Don’t You Join Me at the Gym Sometime?

Word Bank

gym n. a special hall or room with equipment for doing physical exercise 体育馆 head

Jogging against the cold wind is also a test of one’s will power. Playing sports can help us to relax.

Sitting in a chair all day has made me very lazy. I can get my figure back if I play a sport. I can make new friends when I play sports.

People play sports because they want to keep fit / live an active life. Playing a sport we like is an essential part of our life.

v. to go to 到……去

cycle v. to ride a bicycle 骑自行车 stay in shape to keep a good figure 保持体形

work out to exercise to improve physical fitness 进行健身锻炼

guest pass a card or permit giving authorization for the holder’s friend (a guest) to enter or have access to a place 贵宾

卡

Script:

Peter: Hi Laura. Where are you heading with that big bag?

Laura: Hi, Peter. I’m off to the gym. I’ve got to stay in shape, you know. I try to go three times a week, but I’m busy so I can’t

always make it.

Peter: I know more women who work out than men. What’s the main reason you work out? For your health, or to look good? Laura: To be honest, for both. With women, good looks are always a very important consideration.

Peter: If they were honest, most men who work out would admit that they also do it to look better, and not merely for health

reasons.

Laura:

How about you? Do you get any regular exercise?

Peter: I do a lot of walking, for exercise and enjoyment — sometimes ten to twenty kilometers at a time — but I never go to

the gym like you do.

Laura:

Well, walking is good exercise. How about sports?

Peter: Not since my school days. I used to love playing baseball, but it’s impossible to get enough people together for a

game now. Mostly I just watch sports on TV.

Laura: I play tennis fairly regularly with my friends, and sometimes go swimming and cycling by myself.

Peter: Oh, I forgot about that. I go cycling sometimes too. And I often go swimming on vacation, but only recreational

swimming.

Laura:

Why don’t you join me at the gym sometime? I can get you a guest pass.

Peter: Well, maybe someday, but I’m pretty lazy about things like that.

Language and Culture Notes 1. Background information

Nowadays many people work in offices, spending most of their time indoors. In the evening they usually sit watching TV or reading newspapers. Their daily activities do not provide them with the exercise needed to keep them fit and healthy. Therefore, many of them devote part of their spare time to doing regular physical exercises and playing some sports. Some people go to the gym for a workout three times a week in the evening. The exercises they do there can help them stay in shape and feel relaxed. 2. I’m off to the gym. I’m going to the gym. 3. I can’t always make it

Sometimes I can’t go to the gym for exercise (probably because I have no time). 4. recreational swimming

swimming for exercise rather than for competition 5. guest pass

You need to pay for a membership pass to go and work out in a gym. But sometimes the gym will allow you to invite a friend to go with you. A free guest pass will be issued for your friend.

Exercise 1

Listen to the conversation and choose the right answers to the questions. 1. What do you know about Peter?

a. He is an active sportsman. b. He is a keen cyclist. c. He enjoys playing baseball. d. He exercises regularly. 2. Where might the two speakers be having this conversation? a. In Peter’s home. c. In the gym.

b. In the street.

d. On their way to the gym.

Exercise 2

Listen again and write down answers to the following questions. 1. Why is Laura so keen on sports?

Because she wants to enjoy good health. She also wants to stay in shape and look good. 2. What sports do Peter and Laura go in for?

Both Peter and Laura like cycling and swimming. Laura also plays tennis regularly.

Speaking Tasks

Listen to the following conversations and repeat after the recording. Then role-play them with your partner. Conversation 1

A: What’s your plan for this evening?

B: Well, there’s a good game at the stadium but I haven’t got a ticket yet.

A: I’m going to the gym. Would you like to come along? I can get a guest pass for you. B: That’s wonderful. I’d always wanted to work out in the new gym. Thank you very much.

Conversation 2

A: Hi, Xiao Wang. Fancy meeting you here! How are you doing?

B: Can’t complain. I’m busy with my experiments in the lab. But after work I often play some sports. A: Like what?

B: Like swimming, running and sometimes tennis.

A: Tennis? That’s my favorite game. Say, what’re you doing this weekend? B: Nothing particular. I guess I’ll probably just work in the lab. A: Come on. You need to relax. What about a game of tennis? B: OK.

Conversation 3

A: Are you doing anything special tomorrow, Bob? B: Not really. Why do you ask?

A: Some of us are going motorcycling. Would you like to join us? B: Motorcycling? I’ve never done that. Isn’t it a bit dangerous? A: Maybe, but it’s really exciting. B: I enjoy jogging. It’s more relaxing.

A: That’s a good form of exercise. It can help you stay in shape. B: Yes, it’s also safer. Exercise

Now make similar conversations according to the given situations. Use the structures and expressions above in your conversations where appropriate.

1. Ask your friend about his/her plans for the weekend. Then suggest playing a certain kind of sport.

2. Ask your partner whether he/she intends to go to the basketball game in the city stadium. Say that you’ve got an extra ticket. Part C

Test Your Listening

Short Conversations

You’re going to hear five short conversations. Listen carefully and choose the right answers to the questions you hear. 1. a. Basketball. b. Volleyball. c. Table tennis. d. Tennis. 2. a. Boxing is one of his favorite sports. b. Boxing is the only kind of sport he likes. c. He doesn’t like boxing at all.

d. He doesn’t like boxing very much. 3. a. He finds it too long.

b. He thinks it could be more exciting. c. He doesn’t like it at all. d. He likes it, but not very much. 4. a. He doesn’t know how to play chess. b. He doesn’t like playing chess very much. c. He can’t play chess well. d. He’s a good chess player.

5. a. He was a good football player in high school.

b. He kept track of the football players and games when he was in high school. c. He shows no interest in football now.

d. He’s busy playing golf as well as football now. Script:

1. W: I like playing basketball, volleyball and table tennis. What about you? M: Well, tennis is my favorite sport. Q: Which sport does the man like?

2. W: You don’t like boxing very much, do you? M: It’s far from being my kind of sport. Q: What does the man mean?

3. W: I think yesterday’s football game was quite exciting. What about you, John? M: You said it. But it was a bit long.

Q: What does the man think about the football game? 4. W: Do you like to play chess?

M: I like the game, but I don’t play it often enough. I’m afraid I’m not a very good chess player. Q: What does the man mean?

5. M: I knew the names of all the football players and the dates of all the games in my high school days. But recently I have

failed to keep up with football.

W: Now you’re busy with your golf games.

Q: What do you know about the man from the conversation?

Unit 2 Food and Drinks

Part A

Listening Strategy

Listening “Between the Lines”

People do not always say directly what they mean. Very often, we have to listen “between the lines”. The English language offers many ways for people to imply, rather than directly state, their meaning. To find out what a speaker really means, we can rely on such things as the context, the meaning of an idiom, and the intonation used. For example, if someone says “I have an essay to write” in answer to an invitation to go somewhere, we can infer from the context that he cannot accept the invitation. And if someone says “Andrew passed with flying colors” in reply to an inquiry about how Andrew did on a test, we can infer from the meaning of the idiom “to pass with flying colors” that Andrew did very well on the test. Often, intonation

also helps to reveal the real meaning of a message. For example, “He is very clever” said with an ironic tone means just the opposite.

You are going to hear eight short conversations between two speakers. Listen carefully and write down “Yes” or “No” to each of the following questions.

1. Q: Does the woman enjoy the food in that restaurant? 2. Q: Is the man satisfied with the restaurant’s service? 3. Q: Do the children like the cake? 4. Q: Does the man like chicken best? 5. Q: Does the woman like the wine? 6. Q: Does John want a soda? 7. Q: Does the man like the fish?

Yes No Yes No Yes No No

8. Q: Will Sue eat out with the man tonight? No Script:

1. M: Have you ever been to that big restaurant opposite the school gate?

W: Yes, many times. Whenever my friends come to visit me, I’ll take them there to eat. 2. W: Is there something wrong, sir?

M: My wife and I have been kept waiting for nearly an hour for our meal. 3. W: Where is the cake I made this morning?

M: We ate it, mom. Can you make another one for us? 4. W: I hear you like chicken very much. M: Next to beef.

5. M: Have you tried this wine before?

W: No, never. It’s my first time, but it’s really to my taste. 6. M: John, do you want a soda? W: Soda? I think it tastes like medicine. 7. W: Why, the fish is left almost untouched. M: Well, it would be good if it were less salty. 8. M: Hi, Sue, would you like to eat out tonight?

W: Oh, I’d really like to, but my sister may come to visit me this evening. Part B

Pre-listening Task

Questions for Discussion

You are going to talk about food and drinks. Read the following questions and discuss them with your partner. 1. Where do you usually have your meals? What do you think of the food there? 2. What do you usually have for breakfast, lunch and supper? 3. Do you sometimes eat out? What kind of place do you like to go to? 4. What is your favorite food / dish / drink? 5. How do you like health food?

Demo:

4. What is your favorite food? (Why do you like it?)

I am not picky about food and it is hard for me to decide which food I like most. Meat, bread, vegetables, fruit, fish …, I like them all. It can be said that my favorites change with the season. For example, in spring, my favorite food includes vegetables and fruit. I like them because they are tasty, nutritious and easy to digest.

Additional Question for Discussion

Are there any differences or similarities between Chinese table manners and Western table manners? Demo:

Chinese table manners are different from Western table manners in several aspects. One example is that, to show kindness and hospitality (好客), many Chinese would put food with their own chopsticks (筷子) onto their guests’ bowls or plates even though the guests indicate they do not want the food or so much of it. However, very few Westerners would do this. They would ask their guests to help themselves to the food they like.

Language Focus

Here are some sentences and structures that you might find useful in discussing the above questions.

I usually have meals at the school canteen. The food there is not expensive / good / delicious / not bad. There is always a variety of things to choose from / little choice. I sometimes eat out at a fast food restaurant / snack bar for a change. Hamburgers and French fries are my favorites.

I don’t like fast food. It’s junk food and has little body-building nutrition. I like fast food a lot. I know it’s not very nutritious but it tastes good.

I prefer health food, which is rich in vitamins and minerals and low in calories. I’d prefer to go to a restaurant where the food is good, even though it costs more. I like / fancy / crave for / can’t stand / hate hot and spicy food / sweet and sour dishes． This dish is delicious / tasteless / too salty / awful.

For breakfast, I usually have meat stuffed buns (肉包) and soybean milk (豆奶) / milk and two slices of whole-wheat bread / porridge and pancakes / instant noodles.

Listening Tasks

What about Dining Out?

Word Bank

heavy a. (of food) rather solid and difficult to digest 难以消化的 skip

For lunch, I have rice with one meat dish and one vegetable dish or vegetable soup. I occasionally have dumplings / noodles / fried rice for lunch / supper.

I’m a vegetarian (素食者) and I like many kinds of vegetables, especially greens and mushrooms.

v. to intentionally miss 故意略去；有意不去

sushi n. a Japanese dish consisting of small balls or rolls of vinegar-flavored cold rice served with a garnish of

vegetables, egg, or raw seafood 寿司（做成丸状或卷状的冷米饭，拌有醋，常配以蔬菜、鸡蛋、生海鲜等菜肴）

Script:

Peter: Hi, Kate. Kate:

Hi, Peter. How have you been?

Peter: Oh, OK, I guess. And you? Kate:

Not too bad. We haven’t seen each other for a while, have we?

Peter: No, we haven’t. So that makes me ask. Do you have any plan for this Saturday? Kate:

No, not yet, I don’t think so. Why?

Peter: What do you think about getting together and going out to dinner this weekend? Kate:

That would be great. Do you have any particular place in mind?

Peter: Well, I think I’d like to eat something that’s not too heavy. I’ve been eating a little too much lately. Kate:

Me too.

Peter: I love Italian food, but maybe we should skip that this time. They always seem to serve so much food in Italian

restaurants, and you end up eating more than you wanted to.

Kate:

Chinese food would be good.

Peter: Yes, or maybe some Japanese sushi. That style uses a lot of natural flavors, and not much oil or cream or heavy

sauces.

Kate: Yes, either of those choices would be good. Let’s just meet on Saturday night, and decide then where to eat. Peter: That’s fine by me.

Language and Culture Notes 1. Background information

In large cities such as New York and London, you can always find different styles of cuisine. And you have a variety of choices as to what to eat, from French food, Italian food, Chinese food, Japanese food, and Mexican food, to Malaysian or Thai food. Italian cuisine uses a lot of tomato sauce, cheese, and cream, and its food is more on the heavy side. Pizza and pasta (for example, spaghetti and macaroni) are popular with diners. Our own Chinese cuisine is noted for its combination of color, flavor and smell, and Sichuan-style spicy food and Chinese snacks are much favored by foreigners for their delicious taste. Japanese cuisine lays great emphasis on artistic presentation of its dishes. Compared to Italian and Chinese cuisine, the Japanese style of cooking is probably lighter. It uses a lot of raw food, especially raw fish, all kinds of seafood, and soy sauce with less oil and fat. 2. for a while for quite some time

3. Do you have any particular place in mind?

Do you want to go to any particular restaurant to eat? “Do you have any particular … in mind?” can be used for various situations. For example, “Do you have any particular place / movie / idea / plan / book, etc. in mind?” 4. natural flavors

the original tastes of food, without being altered by sauces or seasonings 5. That’s fine by me.

This is an informal way to show agreement to some suggestion, meaning “I like that” or “I have no objection to that”. Exercise 1

Listen to the conversation and complete the following sentences. 1. Peter and Kate haven’t seen each other for a while. 2. Kate doesn’t have any plans for this Saturday.

3. Peter suggests to Kate that they have dinner together during the weekend.

4. Peter loves Italian food, but he thinks they serve too much food in Italian restaurants. 5. Both Peter and Kate like Chinese food and Japanese food.

Exercise 2

Listen to the conversation again and write down answers to the following questions. 1. What does Peter say about Japanese food?

It uses natural flavors, not much oil or cream or heavy sauces. 2. When and where will Peter and Kate have dinner together?

They will have dinner on Saturday either at a Chinese or a Japanese restaurant.

Speaking Tasks

Listen to the following conversations and repeat after the recording. Then role-play them with your partner. Conversation 1

(At the school canteen) A: What a crowd!

B: This is the worst time. The morning classes are just over. Everybody is hungry and rushes here to have lunch. A: That’s true. I’m starving and I can’t wait. I’d rather not stand in a long line. B: Why don’t we have some fried noodles?

A: Noodles are sold at No. 2 Box. No queue there, you see. B: That’s great.

(At No. 2 Box)

Counter hand: What can I get you? A: B:

One plate of fried noodles, please. Make it two.

Counter hand: OK. Two plates of fried noodles. Anything else? A:

How much is the tomato soup?

Counter hand: It’s free. It goes with the noodles. A: B:

I see. (To B) Do you want any soup? Yes.

A: (To Counter hand) Two bowls of soup, please.

Conversation 2

(At a fast food restaurant)

Counter hand: What can I do for you?

Customer: I’ll have one order of chicken nuggets and a chicken sandwich. Counter hand: Anything to drink?

Customer: A small Sprite. No ice, please. Counter hand: Okay. For here or to go? Customer: For here.

Conversation 3

(At a Chinese restaurant)

Waitress: Are you ready to order?

A: Do you have any recommendations?

Waitress: Yes. The Sichuan-style crispy whole fish is very good. It’s today’s special. A: B:

Mary, would you like to try that? I hear it’s very good.

Why not? And I’d like shrimp in black bean sauce, too. It’s my favorite.

Waitress: Okay. Anything else?

A: What about some vegetables, Mary? B: Yes. How about spinach? A:

Spinach is fine with me.

Waitress: Anything to drink? A: B:

Yes. I’d like one Bud Light, please. What’ll you have, Mary? Orange juice, please.

Waitress: One Bud Light and one orange juice. Is that right? A: Exercise

Right.

Now make similar conversations according to the given situations. Use the structures and expressions above in your conversations where appropriate.

1. It is noontime. You are at the school canteen. Practice buying and selling a meal at the canteen with your partner. 2. You and your friend are at a Chinese restaurant / an American fast food restaurant. Practice ordering / getting a meal. One will be the waiter / waitress and the other the customer. Part C

Test Your Listening

A Conversation

Listen to the conversation and choose the right answers to the questions. 1. What is the relationship between the two speakers? a. Classmates. b. Co-workers. c. Waiter and diner. d. Strangers.

2. Where does the conversation take place? a. At McDonald’s.

b. At Kentucky Fried Chicken. c. At an Italian restaurant. d. At Pizza Hut. 3. What will they order?

a. Pizza, salad and iced water. b. Soup, hamburger and coffee. c. Sandwich, spaghetti and red wine.

d. Spaghetti, salad, coffee, Coke and iced water. Script:

A: Well, here we are, not too crowded.

B: Great! Let’s order quickly so we can chat a little. A: OK. What are you in the mood for?

B: Something light. I had a huge breakfast and I’m still full.

A: There are three salads. Or you could have soup and a sandwich. B: What are you having? A hamburger, I suppose.

A: No, actually I ate out last night. We had pizza at Pizza Hut, then a late snack at Kentucky Fried Chicken. B: Oh, dear. Well, maybe you should have a salad.

A: Yes, I think so. Look, the daily special is spaghetti. That sounds good. B: Oh, the prices are great too. I’ll have that as well. A: Now let’s decide on drinks.

B: I’ll just have coffee and a glass of iced water. A: Italian food needs red wine, you know. B: But we have to go back to work. A: OK, a Coke for me then.

B: Here comes the waitress. Let me order first.

Unit 3 Weather

Part A

Listening Strategy

Listening for Important Details

Besides understanding the main idea of a listening text, we often find it necessary to grasp the important details as well. What counts as important details depends on the kind of information we want. Generally speaking, if we are listening to the narration of an event, we need to sharpen our ears not only for what happened, but also when and where, how and why it

happened. In listening to a weather report, on the other hand, the important details we should watch out for are the current weather conditions, temperature, and weather outlook.

You’re going to hear two short passages about weather. While listening, pay attention to such details as the weather conditions, temperature, weather outlook, damage caused by bad weather and so on, and write them down in note form. Then complete the exercises in your book.

1. a. General weather conditions for today: Fine and pleasant. b. Temperature: High: 18 °C (64 °F) c. Weather outlook:

Mostly cloudy with heavy showers moving in from the west. 2. a. When did the storm start and how long did it last? It started around 8 p.m. and lasted for about three hours. b. How damaging was the storm?

It caused four deaths and serious damage including a widespread power failure. Script:

1. The weather today: a fine day is in store nearly everywhere, with the best of the sunshine in southern and central areas of Britain. A pleasant day, then, with long sunny periods developing. There will be light winds with a maximum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

Look at the outlook for the next few days: it will become mostly cloudy with heavy showers moving in from the west.

2. A storm in Changchun, capital of Northeast China’s Jilin Province, claimed four lives on Sunday. The storm lasted about three hours from around 8 p.m. The winds reached speeds of over a hundred miles an hour, causing serious damage and a widespread power failure. Part

B

Pre-listening Task

Questions for Discussion

You are going to talk about weather and weather forecasts. Read the following questions and discuss them with your partner. 1. What’s the weather like now?

2. What’s the weather forecast for today? 3. How do you get weather information? 4. What kind of climate do you like or dislike? 5. Which season do you like best? Why? Demo:

4. What kind of climate do you like or dislike?

I like the climate of Shenyang City in the northern part of China. In spring it’s neither too hot nor too cold, with the temperature between 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer there is cool and pleasant. In the fall the leaves change colors with the temperature around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Perhaps the winter there is the best time, for the scenery is gorgeous. The snow is like powder covering the ground everywhere and that makes it an amazing place for skiing and snowboarding.

Additional Question for Discussion

Do you think it is possible or impossible to give accurate weather forecasts? Demo:

I think it is too much to ask for accurate weather forecasts at present. There are still quite a few things about the weather that we just don’t understand. We have to further develop meteorological (气象的) science and related technologies. There is a long way to go before we can hope to have very accurate weather forecasts.

Language Focus

Here are some sentences and structures that you might find useful in discussing the above questions.

It’s fine / sunny / warm / rainy / cloudy / snowy / windy / freezing / foggy / dry / chilly today. The air is close / oppressive.

A storm is coming up / building up / in the making. It’s raining off and on / cats and dogs. The rain / snow has stopped / let up. It’s going to cloud over.

It’s going to be a cold day with damaging northwesterly winds / hot and humid day with a high of 36 degrees Centigrade. It seems to be clearing up.

The weather forecast says it’s going to be clear and sunny / muggy and humid / cold and wet. The high will be … and the low will be …

The temperature will reach a high of ... in the afternoon / drop to a low of … at night.

I often tune in to the radio or TV / read newspapers /go online to check on weather conditions. I like mild / warm / cool / dry climate.

I dislike / cannot stand hot / humid / wet / very dry / bitterly cold climate.

I like spring best. In spring the weather is mild and pleasant, and nature is at its loveliest.

Summer is my favorite season because I like swimming / enjoy watching the glorious sunrise and sunset on a summer day.

I like autumn very much because I love watching the change of color in leaves / the weather is just right, neither cold nor hot / it is the season of harvest.

Winter is the season of snow and ice. In snowy weather I can go skiing in the mountains / like to play throwing snowballs with my friends.

Listening Tasks

Did You Hear the Weather Forecast?

Word Bank

annual a. once a year 年度的 shade

n. shelter from direct sunlight 荫

participate in to take part in 参加

doze off to have a short sleep, esp. during the day 打瞌睡 cool ... off to cause ... to become less hot 使……凉下来 Script:

Alan: Oh, look at the sky, Michelle! It’s starting to get cloudy.

Michelle: I see it. I hope it doesn’t rain. I thought it was going to be a fine day today.

Alan: That’s certainly what the department was hoping for when they chose today as the date for the annual picnic. Michelle: You can’t have a picnic without good weather. You need sunshine for all the eating and games and entertainment. Alan: Yeah, sunshine — but not too much! Do you remember last year?

Michelle: I sure do. It was so hot all we did was look for shade, look for ways to escape from the sun.

Alan: And no one wanted to participate in any of the planned activities. All we wanted was cold drinks. And then we

dozed off.

Michelle: If there had just been the tiniest breeze to cool us off.

Alan: But there wasn’t. Just that burning sun, without a cloud in the sky, and the temperature just seemed to climb higher

and higher.

Michelle: Well, we don’t have that problem this year, apparently. Alan, did you hear the weather forecast? Is it supposed to

rain?

Alan: I don’t know. I didn’t catch the weather report. But maybe if it rains, it will only be a short shower which cools things

off a little. That might not be bad.

Language and Culture Notes 1. Background information

Weather affects our life in many ways. It can influence our moods. Good weather makes us happy and high-spirited, while bad weather often makes us feel depressed. More importantly, weather plays a crucial role in agriculture, in air and sea travel, and in many other aspects of our life. Failing to make an accurate forecast of weather conditions, especially in the case of an approaching storm, can result in great loss of life and property. In order to provide weather information as accurately and far in advance as possible, governments spend huge sums of money to introduce new technology into their weather services. Satellites and powerful computers are used to collect data for meteorologists, who make weather forecasts based on careful analysis of the data. However, meteorologists often find that the weather is not as predictable as they had hoped due to the complexity of weather systems. 2. I sure do.

I certainly do (remember that). 3. Is it supposed to rain? Is it likely to rain?

Exercise 1

Listen to the conversation and choose the right answers to the questions. 1. What are Alan and Michelle mainly doing? a. They are planning a picnic for the department.

b. They are wondering what the weather will be like at the annual picnic. c. They are discussing how to escape from the sun.

d. They are having cold drinks and talking about the weather. 2. What do you know about Alan?

a. He thinks the department has misjudged the weather situation for the day. b. He dismisses the idea of having an annual picnic as silly.

c. He dislikes pre-arranged activities and would rather go somewhere on his own. d. He prefers a short little sleep after drinking. 3. What can you infer from the conversation?

a. Alan is expecting a gentle breeze to cool things off. b. They haven’t had much sunshine recently.

c. Much to their delight, the weather turns out to be just fine for the picnic. d. The annual department picnic is usually held on a summer day.

Exercise 2

Listen to the conversation again. Then write down answers to the following questions. 1. What happened to Alan and Michelle last year?

They went to the department picnic but their fun was spoiled by the hot weather. 2. Why won’t Alan worry even if it rains?

Because he thinks it’ll only be a short shower that cools things off a little.

Speaking Tasks

Listen to the following conversations and repeat after the recording. Then role-play them with your partner. Conversation 1

A: What lovely weather we’re having! Nice and cool. B: Yeah, I really like this kind of weather. A: What’s the temperature today?

B: The high is 26 and the low is 20. The weather forecast says the good weather is likely to last, too. A: I hope so.

Conversation 2

A: It seems to be clearing up. All the dark clouds are gone and the sun is coming out. B: Yes. Let’s just hope it stays this way. I hate rainy days.

A: I think it will continue to be fine for the next few days. Anyhow, that’s what the weatherman says. B: That’s great. Let’s go for a walk, shall we? A: All right.

Conversation 3

A: It’s hot and humid, isn’t it? I can hardly breathe. B: Yeah. I feel suffocating too.

A: Are summers always this hot here? It’s almost like in the desert. B: Yes, especially in July and August. A: Well, what did the weatherman say? B: He said another heat wave is on the way. A: Oh no! I hope not.

B: How about going out to the beach to cool off?

A: Good idea. Maybe it’s the only place for this sort of weather. Exercise

Now make similar conversations according to the given situations. Use the structures and expressions above in your conversations where appropriate.

1. Ask your friend about today’s weather forecast. Then say something about what kind of weather you like. 2. Tell your friend that you hope the good weather will last. Then suggest going somewhere to enjoy yourselves. Part C

Test Your Listening

Short Conversations

You’re going to hear five short conversations. Listen carefully and choose the right answers to the questions you hear. 1. a. Snowy and windy. b. Cold and rainy. c. Snowy and icy. d. Windy and rainy. 2. a. It will get warmer soon. b. It may get even colder.

c. This is the coldest winter ever.

d. The weather has never been so bad before. 3. a. The man is sure the weather will be fine soon. b. According to the forecast the weather will be fine soon.

c. If it keeps raining, they will cancel what they have planned to do. d. If it rains hard, they will postpone what they have planned to do. 4. a. It’s cold in New York now. b. It’s very hot in New York now.

c. The woman thinks New York and Beijing have similar weather. d. The man is going to visit New York.

5. a. They’d better change their mind about playing tennis tomorrow. b. They shouldn’t change their plan. c. They can play tennis in the morning. d. They won’t play tennis long. Script:

1. W: It’s been freezing for the last few days.

M: Yes. And the forecast says there will be more snow next week, accompanied by strong winds. Q: What will the weather be like next week?

2. M: We haven’t had such a severe winter for a long time, have we? W: No, and the forecast says it’s going to get worse before it warms up. Q: What can we learn from the conversation? 3. W: What if it rains hard? What are we going to do?

M: I think it will clear up soon. But if it keeps raining, the whole thing will have to be cancelled. Q: What can we learn from the conversation? 4. M: How was the weather when you left New York?

W: It was very much like the weather in Beijing. You don’t have to take a lot of clothes. Q: What can we learn from the conversation?

5. W: If it is this hot tomorrow, we may have to give up the idea of playing tennis in the afternoon. M: The weather forecast says it will cloud over by noon. Q: What does the man mean?

Unit 4 Music

Part A

Listening Strategy

Listening for Signal Words

The ability to identify signal words can help us follow the thread of the speaker’s thought. People often use signal words or phrases like “but”, “yet”, “on the contrary”, “however”, “because”, “therefore” and “as a result” to add a comment that contrasts with what has just been said or to signal what they are about to say is the result or cause of their previous remarks. Similarly, words and phrases like “for example”, “most importantly”, “first”, “second”, “finally” and “then” usually signal that the speaker is going to provide an illustration or emphasize a certain point or discuss several aspects of a certain topic. So we should pay attention to signal words in listening as they will prepare us for what is going to be said.

You’re going to hear four short passages. Listen carefully and write down the signal word(s) in each passage. Then choose a, b, c or d to indicate the function of the signal word(s) used in each of the passages.

The signal words in the passages you have heard may perform the following functions: a. leading towards a statement that is a contrast or an opposite to what has been said b. summarizing what has been said c. setting out the stages of the talk d. suggesting cause and effect

1. However; a 2. Because; d 3. Firstly, then, finally; c Script:

1. Most people like music. In fact, we are surrounded by it. It’s on the radio and television and can be heard in stores and restaurants. However, not everyone likes the same kind of music.

2. The manager of the music shop was called Brian Epstein. Because so many people had asked for a record by The Sun, Epstein decided to go and listen to the group himself.

3. Firstly I would like to talk about classical music and its representative composers, then I will move on to jazz music, and finally I will focus on pop music in the last century.

4. We listen to exciting music and our hearts beat faster, our blood pressure rises, and our blood flows more quickly. In short, we’re stimulated. Part B

Pre-listening Task

Questions for Discussion

4. In short; b

You are going to talk about music. Read the following questions and discuss them with your partner.

1. Do you like music? What type of music do you like best? Traditional Chinese music or Western music? Classical or popular?

2. Who is your favorite singer / composer?

3. Do you play any musical instrument? If you do, what is it? How long have you played it? If not, what instrument would you like to learn to play?

4. What do you think is the value of music? Demo:

4. What do you think is the value of music?

In my opinion, the value of music lies in its healing power. There are at least two reasons for people to listen to music. One is for pleasure and recreation. A piece of good music or a song can bring the listener a pleasant feeling and a good mood. The other reason is for health. People nowadays are becoming more and more conscious of their diet. The benefits of the healthy food and exercise are well known. However, there is one more fact that people may not be aware of. It is the positive impact of music on health. For both young and old people, music is an effective means of managing stress and hence can be an important and effective tool to facilitate healthy existence. Thus, music can play an important role throughout our lives.

Additional Question for Discussion

Do you listen to music while studying? Do you think it is a good habit?

Demo:

I sometimes listen to music while studying even though I think it might not be a good habit. Music plays a very important role in my life. It entertains me and makes me feel relaxed after a day’s work. But the bad thing about listening to music while studying is that it would make it hard for me to concentrate on my work. Sometimes the music or songs would divert my attention. This is especially true when I have to do some serious thinking.

Language Focus

Here are some sentences and structures that you might find useful in discussing the above questions.

Listening Tasks

Background Music

Word Bank intend soothing boost receipts spot overall

I enjoy rock / country / jazz / light music. I prefer chamber music to electronic music. I like classical music best.

My tastes in music are quite varied, from Italian operas to pop songs. I don’t usually like pop songs, but there’re always some exceptions. My favorite composer is … His / Her works are full of life.

I find his / her music rhythmic / melodious / sweet / moving / soothing / stimulating / harmonious / exciting. Classical / light music is soothing / calming. I play drums / the guitar / the violin / the piano. I can play a little piano / trumpet / flute.

I love to listen to the violin / the piano, but I’ve never learned to play it.

How I envy those who can play the piano very well / can sing melodiously / have a beautiful voice! How I wish I could sing well!

Music can affect our physical, mental and emotional states of being. We can express ourselves, our thoughts and feelings, through music.

Music can express not only love, longing, happiness, unity, but also sadness, sorrow and anger. Music can make us laugh, cry, feel happy / strong.

Music is the universal language. Sometimes, it communicates more clearly than words.

v. to plan 打算使……（成为）

a. calming and comforting 宜人的，使心旷神怡的 v. to increase; to raise 增加；提高

n. (pl.) amount of money received by a business during a particular period 进款，收入

v. to pick out with the eye 找出 a. total 总的

indigestion n. illness or pain caused by the stomach being unable to deal with the food which has been eaten 消

化不良

find its way into

to spread into 传入

increase by as much as to add as much as ... to the total of ... 增长多达…… have an effect on to affect 影响

slow down to become slower 慢下来，减速

本文来源：https://www.bwwdw.com/article/b0m4.html