Practice Test One

Section A

Directions: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D).

News Report One CARACAS, Venezuela — Some Venezuelan city dwellers are trying to grow their own produce to offset the country’s severe shortages following socialist President Nicolás Maduro’s calls for “food sovereignty.” But in a country where families are going hungry as a result of government mismanagement and sky-high inflation, many view the “Great Agro-Venezuela Mission”with skepticism. Critics have taken to social media to accuse the government of downplayingthe country’s critical situation, and ridicule Maduro for trying to solve Venezuela’s dire food crisis through getting urbanites to farm small plots of land. Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard. 1. What does the President of Venezuela call the people to do? 2. What is the attitude of many critics toward Maduro’s call? News Report Two In the drought-plagued suburbs east of San Francisco Bay, John Baker watches his home’s water meter more closely than his TV. Having lived through two other major droughts over the past four decades, the 67-year-old software engineer once again is doing everything he can think of to save water. Laundry is washed once every three weeks, water for daily tasks is meted out drip by drip, and the long, hot showers Baker used to love are now history. This regime has cut his family’s water use in the past year to fewer than 40 gallons per person each day, less than half of the state average. But as California’s four-year-and-counting dry spell wears on, Baker and other drought veterans say this one is unlike anything they have experienced before. Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard. 3. What is the problem of California? 4. According to the news report, which of the following is NOT included in the things Baker does to reduce his water use? News Report Three The 26th Annual Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival presented by Transportation Impact will take place on Saturday, March 11th from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. Admission and parking are free for the festival. This year’s festival will feature over 75 arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, clowns and static displays along with amusement rides, a climbing wall, face painters, and many other fun, family-oriented activities. As always, the festival will feature delicious foods such as corned beef and cabbage, shrimp burgers, hamburgers and hot dogs, Mediterranean cuisine, BBQ, funnel cakes, fried peanuts, cotton candy and much, much more. Festival goers can also enjoy a beer garden. Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard. 5. When will the 26th St. Patrick’s Festival be held? 6. According to the news report, which of the following will NOT be included in the festival? 7. What food can you get during the festival? Section B Directions: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Conversation One M: Hey, Susan, you are not really reading it, are you? W: Pardon? M: The book! You haven’t turned the page in the last ten minutes. W: No, Ben, I suppose I haven’t. I need to get through although, but I keep drifting away. M: So it doesn’t really hold your interest? W: No, not really. I wouldn’t bother with it, to be honest, but I have to read it for a seminar. I’m at the university. M: It’s a labor of labor then rather than a labor of love. W: I should say, I don’t like Principles of Psychology at all. I am starting to like the whole course less and less. M: It’s not just the book, it’s the course as well? W: Yeah, in a way, although the course itself isn’t really that bad and the lecturers are fine. It’s me, I suppose. You see, I wanted to do sociology rather than psychology, but my parents took me out of it. M: So the course is OK. It’s just that hadn’t been left to you. You would have chosen a different one. W: Oh, they had my best interest at heart, of course, my parents. They always do, don’t they? They believe that my job prospects would be pretty limited with the degree of sociology. Plus they give me really a generous allowance, but I am beginning to feel that I’m wasting my time and their money. They would be so disappointed though if I told them I was quitting. Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard. 8. What is the relationship between Susan and Ben? 9. What is Susan’s problem about her study? 10. Which major does Susan like? 11. What is Susan worrying about? Conversation Two W: Didn’t you write a paper about classical music last semester? M: Yes, for my history of music class. W: Oh, I am taking it now and I have to do some research on Beethoven. I need to read up on Beethoven’s works. So I would like to see what you wrote about him. M: I don’t think my paper will help. I focus on different periods of the development of classical music, but you are interested in Beethoven’s works he is famous for. W: Yes, he is best known for his symphonies, especially his 3rd, 5th and 6th symphonies. He made a breakthrough in musical history. You know he is deaf himself but he was so talented that he had composed three sonatas when he was 11. M: I remember reading that previously. He composed altogether 9 symphonies, 5 piano concertos, 1 violin concerto, 32 piano sonatas and 16 string quartetsin his life. He also had some other works like his great Mass the Missa Solemnis and one opera, Fidelio. W: You seem to know a lot of his works. M: Actually even though I wrote about classical music, I read a lot about those famous composers. And Beethoven is one of my favorite composers. Let me see if I can dig up some papers about him for you. There are also some books and articles included in my bibliography that you might want to look up at the library. W: Great, thanks a lot. Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard. 12. What did the man write a paper about last semester? 13. Why does the woman want to read the man’s paper? 14. How many piano concertos did Beethoven compose? 15. How does the man help the woman with her paper? Section C Directions: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Passage One The gender gap in computing jobs has got worse in the last 30 years, even as computer science job opportunities expand rapidly, according to new research from Accenture and Girls Who Code. In 1984, 37 percent of computer science majors were women, but by 2014 that number had dropped to 18 percent, according to the study. The computing industry’s rate of U.S. job creation is three times the national average, but if trends continue, the study estimates that women will hold only 20 percent of computing jobs by 2025. The study offers insight into factors that create either positive and negative associations with computer science for girls at the middle school, high school and college levels, as well as strategies for educators to make computer science more appealing to girls. Researchers found that computing appeal for girls peaks in middle school, where having an inspiring teacher and thinking that coding is “for girls” are instrumental in sparking interest. The appeal dips in high school in what researchers call the “high school trap” because of a lack of friends in coding classes or the lack of those classes at all. Interest then spikes in college, where having inspiring teachers and positive role models is key. Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard. 16. What is the passage mainly about? 17. What was the trend of female computer science majors in the last 30 years? 18. According to the passage, which of the following is true? Passage Two Two new studies by researchers at the University of California, Irvine and NASA have found the fastest ongoing rates of glacier retreat ever observed in West Antarctica and offer an unprecedented look at ice melting on the floating undersides of glaciers. The results highlight how the interaction between ocean conditions and the bedrock beneath a glacier can influence the frozen mass, helping scientists better predict future Antarctica ice loss and global sea level rise. The studies examined three neighboring glaciers that are melting and retreating at different rates. The Smith, Pope and Kohler glaciers flow into the Dotson and Crosson ice shelves in the Amundsen Sea embayment in West Antarctica, the part of the continent with the largest decline in ice. UCI and NASA researchers found that the Smith Glacier’s grounding line had retreated 1.24 miles (2 kilometers) per year since 1996. The Pope Glacier’s grounding line receded more slowly, at 0.31 miles (0.5 kilometers) annually since 1996. And the Kohler Glacier’s grounding line, which had gradually retreated, actually readvanced 1.24 miles (2 kilometers) since 2011. The question remains whether other glaciers in West Antarctica will behave more like Smith or more like Pope and Kohler. Many glaciers in this sector of Antarctica are on beds that deepen farther inland, like Smith’s. However, Khazendar and Scheuchl said, researchers need more information on the shape of the bedrock and seafloor beneath the ice, as well as more data on ocean circulation and temperatures, to be able to better project how much ice these glaciers will contribute to the ocean in a changing climate. Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard. 19. What are the studies of the researchers from UCI and NASA about? 20. Which of the following is the finding of the researchers? 21. Which of the following is NOT included in the information the researchers need to better project the result? Passage Three In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. In many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration has lost much of its original religious significance; instead, it now centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends. Turkey, a Thanksgiving staple so ubiquitous it has become all but synonymous with the holiday, may or may not have been on offer when the Pilgrims hosted the inaugural feast in 1621. Today, however, nearly 90 percent of Americans eat the bird — whether roasted, baked or deep-fried — on Thanksgiving, according to the National Turkey Federation. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Volunteering is a common Thanksgiving Day activity, and communities often hold food drives and host free dinners for the less fortunate. Parades have also become an integral part of the holiday in cities and towns across the United States. Presented by Macy’s department store since 1924, New York City’s Thanksgiving Day parade is the largest and most famous, attracting some 2 to 3 million spectators along its 2.5-mile route and drawing an enormous television audience. It typically features marching bands, performers, elaborate floats conveying various celebrities and giant balloons shaped like cartoon characters. Beginning in the mid-20th century and perhaps even earlier, the president of the United States has “pardoned” one or two Thanksgiving turkeys each year, sparing the birds from slaughter and sending them to a farm for retirement. A number of U.S. governors also perform the annual turkey pardoning ritual. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard. 22. When did Thanksgiving become a national holiday? 23. What was the reason Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621? 24. Which of the following food is also popular on Thanksgiving Day apart from turkey? 25. Which of the following is NOT one of the celebration activities on Thanksgiving Day?

Practice Test Two

Section A

Directions: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). News Report One SAMAQA, IRAQ — When Islamic State insurgents fired mortar bombs at Iranian Kurdish women fighters holding a desert position in northern Iraq, the women first hit back by singing through loudspeakers. Then the women opened fire with machine guns. “We wanted to make them angry. To tell Daesh that we are not afraid,” said Mani Nasrallahpour, 21, one of about 200 female fighters. Islamic State prohibits singing and music. It has also imposed tight restrictions on women and took hundreds of them as sex slaves since sweeping through northern Iraq in 2014 and declaring a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria. The Kurdish women are part of a larger armed unit of 600 fighters aligned with the Kurdistan Freedom Party. This group has joined an array of Iraqi and Kurdish forces who are backed by a U.S.-led coalition in an offensive designed to push Islamic State out of their stronghold of Mosul. Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard. 1. How did Kurdish women fight back first? 2. According to the news report, which of the following is NOT one of the situations of women in the areas controlled by Islamic State? News Report Two ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia’s tourism sector is suffering. The impact of a year of violent protests and state of emergency has led to a decline in tourists visiting the country. Ethiopia has been showing signs of becoming a popular new tourism destination in recent years, attracting people not only for its historical sights, but also for its reputation as one of the safest African countries. Ethiopia has seen the number of tourists steadily increase in the last decade. But any development disturbing the reputation of a tourist destination takes a long time to rebuild. The ongoing protests in Ethiopia resulted in clashes with security forces and hundreds of deaths. Several tour operators say they have about 50 percent less business than last year and some actually welcome the state of emergency in the hope that the protests will quickly stop and tourists will return. Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard. 3. What is the news mainly about? 4. Why do some tour operators welcome the state of emergency? News Report Three The last unemployment report before Americans elect their next president shows businesses added 161,000 new nonfarm jobs in October, nudging the unemployment rate down to 4.9 percent from 5 percent the previous month. The latest jobless report is another indication of a durable but lukewarm economy. Monthly job gains have now averaged about 191 thousand jobs every month, just slightly below last year’s pace of over 200 thousand jobs each month, but enough to make up for natural population growth and enough to lower the national unemployment rate. A tighter labor market seems to produce wage growth, with the average hourly pay rising 10 cents an hour to an average $25.92. Wages are now 2.8 percent higher than they were a year ago, the biggest 12-month increase in seven years. Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard. 5. What happened to the unemployment rate in October? 6. What is the situation of monthly job gains? 7. What is the result of a tighter labor market? Section B Directions: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Conversation One M: Are you ready for “The Windy City”? W: Excuse me? M: You know, Chicago. You are going to Chicago with us, aren’t you? I want to show everybody around my old neighborhood. W: Oh sure! I wouldn’t miss it especially when the tour guide is a native from Chicago. M: I thought we could start at the Art Institute of Chicago. There are many magnificent art works in it. Right now there’s an exhibition on modern American Arts. W: Fine with me. What else can we do in Chicago? M: We can have lunch at Navy Pier, then take a cruise on Lake Michigan and enjoy the splendid night view of the skylines at the Skydeck of Willis Tower. W: Sounds great. But why is Chicago called “The Windy City”? M: It is a nickname for Chicago. The term “Windy City” came into common usage when it was popularized by New York City editor, Charles Dana, in The Sun during the bidding for the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Chicago won the Exposition, which did not please Dana. And of course, since it is near Lake Michigan, it is always windy in Chicago. W: Oh, I see. Just can’t wait to see this beautiful city. Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard. 8. What is the nickname for Chicago? 9. What can we know about the man from the conversation? 10. Where will they spend the night in Chicago? 11. Which of the following is true about Chicago’s nickname? Conversation Two W: Please have a seat, Mr. Thompson. I received your résumé last week, and was very impressed. M: Thank you! W: We are a small trade company dealing mostly with imports and exports. May I ask why you are interested in working for us? M: Your company has a very good reputation and I prefer to work for a smaller company. W: That’s good to hear. Would you tell me a little bit about your present job? M: I’m currently working in an international trade company in charge of a team of 6 persons. We mainly import raw materials from all over the world. W: Why do you think you are the right candidate for this position? M: I have a lot of experience in trade companies and as a team leader, I know how to encourage my team members to do their best. I am good at working with people. W: Well, you might just be the person we are looking for. Do you have any questions? M: Hmmm, if I were hired, how many members would I have in my team? W: Four. M: And who would I report to? W: To the general manager directly. M: I see. What kind of benefits package do you offer? W: Two weeks of paid vacation in your first year, and you will have your medical and dental insurance. Do you have any other questions? M: No, not at the moment. W: OK, I will discuss your application with my colleagues and our general manager and we’ll get back to you early next week. M: OK, thanks, it’s been nice meeting you! W: Nice meeting you too! And thanks for coming in today. Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard. 12. What is the relationship between the two speakers? 13. What is the man’s advantage to get the position? 14. Which of the following is NOT included in the benefits package? 15. Did the man get the position? Section C Directions: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Passage One Compare unemployment rates, and America’s job market looks much stronger than Europe’s. The U.S. rate for August is near normal at about 6 percent. In the 18 countries that use the euro currency, by contrast, it’s a collective 11.5 percent. Yet by some measures, Europe is doing better. It’s been more successful in keeping people working, letting the disabled stay on the job and boosting the proportion of women in the workforce. And Europeans in their prime working years — ages 25 to 54 — are more likely to be employed than Americans are. Fewer than 77 percent of prime-age Americans have jobs, compared with 80 percent in Belgium, 81 percent in France and 82 percent in the Netherlands, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Though the Eurozone’s overall unemployment rate is 11.5 percent, individual countries include low-rate nations like Germany and Austria (4.9 percent) as well as some with much higher unemployment than the United States: Portugal (14 percent), Italy (12.6 percent), France (10.3 percent), Belgium (8.5 percent). The fall in the U.S. unemployment rate has been exaggerated by rising numbers of adults neither working nor looking for work. The government counts people as unemployed only if they’re looking for a job. When many stop looking, the unemployment rate can fall even if few people are hired. Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard. 16. What is the passage mainly about? 17. Why does the passage say Europe is doing better? 18. What causes the fall in U.S. unemployment rate? Passage Two Music for Social Change Since 2008, Palestine Community Music has grown to become a multifaceted program that empowers youth to express themselves and serve their communities. The project offers uplifting, music-based activities to young people who lack social or cultural opportunities, and reaches thousands of the most marginalized children of the West Bank. Our programs include Music and Nonviolence Leadership training, Rap for Social Change, music workshops for the deaf and children with special needs and the Musical Playground. The Musical Playground program maximizes impact with our limited staff, while retaining the rich diversity of activities and target groups. Thousands of school children each year benefit from regular music workshops including dancing, singing, rapping and body percussion, empowering and engaging children, school staff and families in a festive celebration. We work in close cooperation with Sounds of Palestine, supporting the program with training and musical resources. Sounds of Palestine uses music education as a medium for long-term social change, offering regular lessons per week to the many participating children. Hundreds of children from Aida and al-Azzeh refugee camp in the Bethlehem area participate in music appreciation lessons, instrument instruction, folk dancing, choir, music theory lessons and orchestral training. Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard. 19. What is Palestine Community Music? 20. Which of the following is NOT included in the program of Palestine Community Music? 21. What does Sounds of Palestine do? Passage Three Seattle is a West Coast seaport city and the seat of King County, Washington. With an estimated 684,451 residents as of 2015, Seattle is the largest city in both the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest region of North America. As of 2015, it is estimated to be the 18th largest city in the United States. In July 2013, it was the fastestgrowing major city in the United States and remained in the Top 5 in May 2015 with an annual growth rate of 2.1%. The Seattle metropolitan area is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the United States with over 3.7 million inhabitants. A major gateway for trade with Asia, Seattle is the third largest port in North America in terms of container handling as of 2015. The Seattle area was previously inhabited by Native Americans for at least 4,000 years before the first permanent European settlers. Logging was Seattle’s first major industry, but by the late-19th century, the city had become a commercial and shipbuilding center as a gateway to Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush. By 1910, Seattle was one of the 25 largest cities in the country. However, the Great Depression severely damaged the city’s economy. Growth returned during and after World War II partially due to the local Boeing company, which established Seattle as a center for aircraft manufacturing. Seattle is also home to several colleges and universities, most notably the University of Washington. The Seattle area developed as a technology center beginning in the 1980s, with companies like Microsoft becoming established in the region. In 1994, Internet retailer Amazon was founded in Seattle. The stream of new software, biotechnology, and Internet companies led to an economic revival, which increased the city’s population by almost 50,000 between 1990 and 2000. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard. 22. According to the passage, what do we know about Seattle? 23. Which of the following is true about Seattle? 24. Which was Seattle’s first major industry? 25. Which of the following companies is NOT based in Seattle?

接上文， Practice Test 1 和 Practice Test 2