Lesson 7
PART A
1. W: Could you post this parcel for me when you go out for lunch?
M: I wish I could, but there’s always a very long queue during lunch time.
Q: What does the man mean?
2. W: Has Jimmy returned from Tokyo yet?
M: Yes, he came back just a couple of days ago. But he’s leaving Paris for London tomorrow.
Q: Where is Jimmy now?
3. M: Didn't you go shopping this morning? Where's the cake you promised to bring me?
W: I meant to, but the car broke down so I did some sewing instead.
Q : What did the woman do this morning?
4. M: The Students' Club is having a party this evening. Can you come and help with the drinks?
W: I'd be glad to, but it's my evening to work at a restaurant nearby.
Q : Why can't the woman go to the party?
5. W: How long does it take you to drive home?
M: Usually about 20 minutes when there is not much traffic. But if I can't leave before 5 p.m. it takes me fifteen minutes more.
Q : How long does it take the man to drive home after 5?
6. M: Would you like to join us for a potluck?
W: No, not today. I have to do some gardening at home, but can we get together next Saturday?
Q : What does the woman mean?
7. M: Could you lend me a pen?
W: I'm afraid not. Would a pencil do?
Q : How did the woman respond to the~ man's request?
8. W: We'd better hurry, Jack. There isn't much time left. The match is to begin at 9.
M: Don't worry. We still have half an hour to get to the stadium.
Q: What time was it when the conversation took place?
9. M : I hope I could see Jack and his wife here.
W : They intended to come. But a moment ago Jack's mother called to say that he had to take his daughter to hospital.
Q: Who was ill?
10. M: John's not going to San Francisco this summer.
W: But with his new schedule, he could.
Q : What does the woman say about John?
PART B Macro-Listening
Passage 1
Doll's Day
Tapescript
The third of March is an exciting day for little Japanese girls. They know it as Doll's Day. On that day, any household which has a daughter aged between three and seven decorates the house with traditional dolls. They represent the royal family and members of the court. They are extremely delicate and finely dressed.
The dolls may have been in the family for several generations, or -they may have been newly presented to the daughter of the house, usually by the grandparents.
The little girls do not merely look at the dolls displayed in the houses. They themselves are dressed in elaborate kimonos, again of traditional design. Then their parents accompany them to the sacred shrines. After they come back home, special rice cakes are eaten.
Doll's Day in Japan is for the girls, but the boys have their own turn later. Their festival occurs on May 5th, and this time the houses are decorated with armour, emphasizing: a traditional male role.
Passage 2
Australia Day
Tapescript
The 26th of January is a national holiday in Australia. It is called simply Australia Day. The official purpose of the holiday is to commemorate the founding of the first settlement. That occurred in the year 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip first raised the British flag in Sydney Cove.
In Sydney itself a flag-raising ceremony takes place. Throughout the country there are also parades and official speeches. Since January is a summer month in Australia something which seems rather strange to Europeans many people take advantage of the holiday and flock to the beaches.
Australia is a continent in itself, and is nearly as large as the U. S. A. It has a tiny population, however, compared with the densely populated European countries. The standard of living in the country is high and there is little doubt that Australians feel justifiably proud when they celebrate their National Day. |