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 centre.
11.W: We’ll wait here by the door and look at the sea. We can change our rooms if we don’t like them.
M: Oh, I would like a room facing the sea. I’ve been looking forward to that ever since we left London.
Q: Where does the conversation most probably take place?
12.M: We’ll be here in London sitting in a newspaper office or teaching in a classroom full of chalk dust.
W: Well, George, you’ll be able to go out in the sunshine sometimes. You are a journalist. I’m the one who has to stay in the classroom. Don’t forget.
Q: What is the woman’s profession?
13.W: Do you think you could give me a ride to the library tonight?
M: I’d like to, but I’m heading in the other direction. I’m meeting Jean tonight...
Q: What does the man mean?
14.M: When do you want to start working?
W: Right away. Yesterday I spent all day long making phone calls. But nobody wanted a secretary.
Questions 19 to 21 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
19.What are the two speakers doing?
20.Why did the couple ahead of the woman give up waiting?
21.At what time of the day does the conversation most probably take place?
Conversation Two
W: Ok, last night you were supposed to read an article about human bones. Are there any comments about it?
M: Well, to begin with, I was surprised to find out there was so much going on in bones. I always assumed they were pretty lifeless.
W: Well, that’s an assumption many people make. But the fact is that bones are made of dynamic living tissue that requires continuous maintenance and repair.
M: Right. That’s one of the things I found so fascinating about the article---the way the bones repair themselves.
W: Ok. So can you tell us how the bones repair themselves?
M: Sure. See, there are two groups of different types of specialized cells in the bone that work together to do it. The first group goes to an area of the bone that needs repair. This group of cells produces the chemical that actually breaks down the bone tissue, and leaves a hole in it. After that the second group of specialized cells comes and produces the new tissue that fills in the hole that was made by the first group.
W: Very good. This is a very complex process. In fact, scientists who study human bones don’t completely understand it yet. They are still trying to find out how it all actually works. Specifically, because sometimes after the first group of cells leaves a hole in the bone tissue, for some reason, the second group doesn’t completely fill in the hole. And this can cause real problems. It can actually lead to a disease in which the bone becomes weak and is easily broken.
M: Ok, I get it. So if the scientists can figure out what makes the specialized cells work, maybe they can find a way to make sure the second group of cells completely fills the hole in the bone tissue every time. That’ll prevent the disease from ever occurring.
Questions 22 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
22. What is the conversation mainly about?
23. What is the function of the first group of specialized cells discussed in the conversation?
24. What does the woman say about scientists who study the specialized cells in human bones?
25. According to the man, what is one important purpose of studying specialized cells in human bones?