English Weekly CET-4 Listening Practice
Part III Listening Comprehension
Section A
Directions: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause.During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the center.
11.
M: Where should I change and leave my clothes?
W: There is a locker room right past the information desk and main exercise room.
Q: Where does this conversation most probably take place?
12.
W: I really don’t see why football players get such high salaries.
M: Neither do I. After all, how much work do they do? A couple of hours a week?
Q: What can you infer from this conversation?
13.
W: I don’t think you quite appreciate the way we do things here. You are, if I may say so, a stranger.
M: Thank you, but it’s by no means my first trip to the Middle East.
Q: What have you learned about the man?
14.
W: Would you prefer to stay in a house or an apartment?
M: My wife would rather stay in a house, but actually I prefer an apartment. Then I don’t have to worry about looking after a garden.
Q: Why does the man prefer an apartment to a house?
15.
W: While the children are at the movie, I think I’ll drop into Drake’s Department store and do a little shopping.
M: Good idea. While you’re there, will you pick up a couple of white shirts for me, and I need some cigarettes, too.
Q: What is the woman going to buy for herself?
16.
M: Since you don’t like your boss, why are you still hanging around him?
W: I’m not. I’m going to stop hanging around and quit.
Q: What does the woman mean?
17.
W: Dr. Richards wants you to confirm his appointment on the 28th in the morning.
M: Yes, that’s OK. Can you wire him?
Q: What does the man ask the woman to do?
18.
W: When I was in Mexico, I was surprised at what real Mexican food is like. It is so different from what the restaurants serve here.
M: When I was in Italy, the same thing happened to me, too.
Q: What does the man mean?
Now you’ll hear two long conversations.
Conversation One
M: Hello, International Airlines, reservations.
W: Hello. I’m calling to reconfirm my flight to London on Monday.
M: Your name, please?
W: Lydia Smith.
M: One moment, please. Yes, Mrs. Smith, your economy class seat has been reconfirmed.
W: And my connecting flight to Paris?
M: According to my monitor, that hasn’t yet been confirmed on Air Scandia.
W: Oh, why is that? I made these reservations last week.
M: There have been some computer problems the last few days, but they are being cleared up now.
W: It’s vital that I make that connection. What do you suggest I do?
M: Don’t worry, Mrs. Smith. I have your telephone number here. As soon as the information comes through, I will personally call you back.
W: That’s very kind of you. Thank you very much.
M: It’s my pleasure. And thank you for flying International Airlines.
Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
19. What is the purpose of the telephone call?
20. Which of the woman’s flights have been reconfirmed?
21. What difficulty with the system does the airline clerk mention?
22. How does the airline clerk promise to help?
Conversation Two
M: Good morning, Doctor.
W: Good morning, Mr. Smith. What can I do for you?
M: I feel there’s something wrong with me, but I’m not sure.
W: Could you explain more?
M: I usually get a runny nose, watery eyes, scratchy throat and other symptoms on Monday. It will last for the following five days. And since I am terribly busy with my work, I won’t have time to see the doctor. But when I do have time to see the doctor on weekends, the symptoms will disappear all of a sudden!
W: And you will get the same symptoms again next Monday?
M: Exactly.
W: How long have you been like this?
M: About one month.
W: Did anything special happen during the past four weeks?
M: Nothing special. Oh, wait! My company has moved from the old address to the present Mount Plaza.
M: That is it. When a new building is just finished, the chemical vapors being given off by glue, paint and other construction materials and moisture can’t escape. The building, just like people, can’t breathe properly. So it gets sick.
W: Well, I see. Thank you, Doctor.
M: Good luck.
Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
23. How long has the man suffered from the symptoms he described?
24. Why didn’t he go to see the doctor immediately?
25. What happened during the past four months?