2023年7月18日发(作者：)

Unit 1

OL2 (A)

Jack: I think we should buy a bigger car. Big cars are safer.

Kayla: Yes, but on the other hand, they consume more oil.

Jack: They also look really cool.

Kayla: That’s true, but there are some SUVs which are not big but also very

beautiful.

Jack: And I think big cars are more fun to drive.

Kayla: But then again, it’s very expensive.

Jack: Well, let’s get more information about several kinds of cars, okay?

OL2(B)

My country has two very famous buildings called the Petronas Towers. The buildings

are made of glass, steel, and concrete. They were designed by an American architect,

but he used a Malaysian style. They were finished in 1998, and they were the tallest

buildings in the world at that time. Each tower has 88 floors, and is 452 meters high.

I really like the Petronas Towers. They show both the modern and the traditional side

of my country

OL3

Modern buildings: We love them, We hate them

The world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris is almost 500 years old, and it faced

a very modern problem: There simply wasn’t enough space for six million visitors each

year. In 1989, American architect I.M. Pei designed a striking glass pyramid in the

building’s center to be a visitor entrance and shopping arcade. But he also started

an angry debate. Some people felt his glass building was a piece of art, like the ones

inside the museum. Others said it was just an ugly, modern mistake.

Kyoto, Japan, is the country’s ancient capital, and the heart of its culture.

Its railroad station was too small for the millions of visitors. In 1997, the city

completed a new station in a huge shopping center, right in the oldest part of the city.

Designed by Hiroshi Hara, the building also contains a hotel and department store.

Before it was built, critics said that the high, wide, modern building would destroy

the city’s traditional look. On the other hand, supporters said it would bring new

life into the city center.

OL4

The future building boom?

Interviewer: What do you think is the biggest problem facing our cities?

Erika: I think it’s overcrowding. Talk to anyone living in a major

metropolitan area and they will say the same thing: There’s no space. Even the suburbs

are getting crowded.

Interviewer: Well, in some places there simply isn’t any land left for building,

right?

Erika: Yes, that’s true, but you have to think creatively. You can’t give

up so easily.

Interviewer: Think creatively? What do you suggest?

Erika: What I’m saying is that we can build more structures underground. We can add parking lots, malls, hotels, and even apartment buildings. There’s plenty

of space.

Interviewer: Isn’t it expensive?

Erika: Yes, it can be. In the past building underground has been very

expensive. However, we have new technology that will bring the cost down. It involves

using robots. You don’t have to pay robots a salary!

Interviewer: Isn’t “building down” more dangerous than other kind of

construction?

Erika: Actually, I think it’s safer than building skyscrapers, for

example. Remember, we already do it. We have subways and underground shopping malls.

I’m just suggesting we invest in a variety of bigger projects and that we dig deeper.

Interviewer: What would you say to people who doubt your idea?

Erika: I can understand their feelings. Whenever there’s a new idea, it

can cause controversy. But “building down” is not some kind of impractical idea. It

makes sense. There is so much space underground: it can accommodate a lot of traffic,

storage, and people. With the new technology we have, we’d be crazy not to consider

the idea---it’s the wave of the future!

Unit 2

OL2 (A)

Penny: Hello. Your Computer World sales department.

Ted: Hi, Penny. It’s Ted.

Penny: Oh, hi, Ted. What’s up?

Ted: Well, my computer has crashed again.

Penny: Oh no!

Ted: Oh, yes. That’s why I’m calling. You know, it’s five years old. And

I need

to speak to Scott about getting a new one.

Penny: Well, you’ve called at a good time. We have some attractive new models.

Ted: Great! I’m looking for something affordable. And I want to get something

portable this time.

Penny: I’m sure Scott can help you with that…Let’s see, he is in a meeting

until 3:30. I’ll ask him to call you.

Ted: No, that’s OK. I’ll call him after 3:30. Please give him the message.

OL2 (B)

E-mail is my favorite way to communicate. I think it is as fast as a fax machine,

and it is as easy as a cell phone. Of course e-mail has some problems, too. It isn’t

as

affordable as ordinary mail, because you need a computer and Internet service. And

I

don’t think it is as reliable as a fax machine. Sometimes e-mail messages get lost.

But

in my opinion, e-mail is as convenient as a cell phone. I can send a message from

my

home or office, and my friends can read it when they have time.

OL3 In today’s report, we look at a new technology called pervasive computing.

Pervasive computing means putting tiny computers into everyday electronic

appliances, such as toasters and microwaves. With pervasive computing, appliances can

communicate with their users – and with other appliances!

Some companies now sell pervasive computing products like a “smart” toaster. It

remembers your favorite kind of toast: light or dark. Companies are designing a

“smart” coffee maker and a “smart” clock. The coffee maker can measure the water

and coffee. It can even put milk in your breakfast coffee and make black coffee in the

afternoon. The clock will check the time on other clocks in your house, and give

information about other appliances. For example, it can tell you, “Your coffee maker

needs more water.”

And that’s only the beginning. One company is now advertising “Save time – phone

your washing machine!” Engineers are making a “smart” house. In this house, the

lights, heater, and air conditioner change automatically when family members come home.

This makes the home comfortable, and it saves a lot of energy. Pervasive computing could

change many parts of our daily lives.

But do people really want pervasive computing? Do they really need technology

everywhere? One company asked people about their opinions on “smart” appliances.

There were surprises. A “smart” refrigerator can buy more food on the Internet, but

people didn’t want it, because it might make mistakes.

“Pervasive computing is as important as a telephone,” says Rebecca Blair,

president of InnoTech Corporation. But some of these products are not useful, or even

practical. Companies should learn more about the technology that people really want.

OL4

Local girl rescued

She may have a broken leg, but she can’t be happier. Morgan Bailey, 11, is

happy to be alive.

Tuesday was like any other day for Morgan. She was at school. It was fourth period,

and she was the first student to arrive in the gymnasium for her physical education

class.

Suddenly there was a loud noise.

“There was a sharp cracking noise and then a loud boom. After that, I don’t

remember anything,” said Morgan.

The roof of the gymnasium had collapsed under the heavy snow. Morgan was trapped

underneath. She couldn’t escape.

“I woke up and there was a big piece of wood on my leg. I couldn’t move it. I

was starting to get cold.”

Fortunately, help was nearby. A new program using “rescue robots” was tried for

the first time.

“We were nervous about using the robot,” said Derrick Sneed, the man in charge

of the program. “But in the end, the robot gave us reliable information. It went

extremely well.”

The rescue robot was able to go into the gym and locate Morgan’s exact position.

“We send in robots first because it may not be safe for humans,” said Mr. Sneed.

“Human beings are not as useful as robots in some situations. A gas leak, for example,

could kill you or me but wouldn’t hurt a robot.”

Although it didn’t happen in Morgan’s case, some rescue robots can bring fresh

air or water to people who are trapped.

Rescue robots go into rough, dangerous places. They work in life or death situations. Amy: How great! I have an aunt with the same name. I love the name Olivia…Who’s

They have to be durable.

Doctors say that Morgan is doing well. She should be going home in two or three

days. What is the first thing she wants to do after she gets out of the hospital?

“I want to meet my hero,” laughs Morgan. “That little robot that saved my life!”

Unit 3

OL2

Amy: John, I’ve never notice this old photo of your family before.

John: My mother just found it in the attic. She decided to hang it up.

Amy: It’s a nice picture of your family.

John: I think it’s embarrassing. And I look stupid.

Amy: Well, you could’ve combed your hair…it’s a nice shot, though. Look at

how young you are! How old were you in the photo?

John: Eight…no wait, I’d just turned nine.

Amy: I guess these two people are your parents.

John: Yep. They were married when that picture was taken. Now they’re divorced.

Amy: Oh. What do they do?

John: My father’s retired. Mom works in a hospital.

Amy: What are their names?

John: Well, my father’s name is Joseph. My mother is Olivia – she was named

after a popular actress.

that guy?

John: Which one?

Amy: The guy standing behind you. Is that your brother, Tom?

John: No, that’s my Uncle Randy. He’s only two years older than my brother.

Amy: He’s cute. I love a guy with a mustache.

John: Um, sorry, but he’s married now. his wife just had a baby.

Amy: I was just making a comment…So the other young guy must be your brother.

John: Yes. That’s Tom.

Amy: How old is he in the picture?

John: Let’s see…he’s nine years older than me,… so he would’ve been 18 then.

Amy: And there’s your little sister, Tina. She’s so cute!

John: Yeah. She’s two years younger than me. It’s hard to believe she’s in high

school now!

OL3

A bank robbery in Virginia, USA, was stopped when the robber and the bank teller

couldn’t reach an agreement. The robber pushed a holdup note under the window, but

the teller looked at it, said, “I can’t read this,” and gave it back. The robber

pushed the note through a second time. The teller crumpled the note up and threw it

at the robber. He picked it up and walked out of the bank.

A professional ice hockey player will miss the rest of this season’s games because he injured himself. National Hockey League goalie Jean-Louis Blanchard went on the

injured list after he fell and seriously hurt his back. He was walking out of a restaurant

in Ottawa, Canada, when he slipped on some ice.

The first international camel beauty contest was held last week in Alxa, in western

China. More than 100 dressed-up camels entered the contest. The judges examined them

Mr. Middleton, an expert veterinarian, said that Lulu’s story is rare. “I have

never seen a kangaroo act like that. Maybe Lulu helped Ken Richards because the Richards

family is the only family she has ever known.”

Lulu has always followed Ken around the farm. She’s a loyal, friendly, and very

intelligent kangaroo. After Ken leaves the hospital, he is planning to go everywhere

for shiny hair, tall humps, and beautiful costumes. Unlike human beauty contests, though, with Lulu.

there were no interviews with the contestants.

Police in Sheffield, England, arrested a 41-year-old man for stealing five cars.

Graham Owens went to car dealers and said he wanted to buy a car, and borrowed a car

to test-drive. Each time, he drove the car around, then cleaned it inside and washed

it outside – before leaving it at the side of the road, and walking home.

OL4

Nutty news

Lulu is a kangaroo. For 10 years she has lived with the Richards family. Lulu was

adopted by the family after they found her next to her dead mother.

Mr. Ken Richards is a farmer. He was working on his farm when a heavy tree branch

suddenly fell on top of him.

Lulu stood next to Mr. Richards’ body. She started barking and didn’t leave Mr.

Richards’ side.

“I’ve never heard Lulu bark like that ---she sounded like a dog. She barked and

barked and she didn’t stop,” said Celeste, Mr. Richards’ daughter.

After 15 minutes, the Richards family went to investigate. They found Ken on the

ground and he was unconscious.

“Lulu is a hero,” said Celeste, “She saved my father.”

Nutty news

Approximately 175,000 people live in the Republic of Vanuatu, an island chain

east of Australia. It is a popular tourist destination because ther’s a lot to do there:

you can visit waterfalls, go horseback riding, take an aerial tour, or visit a

traditional Ni-Vanuatu village. Vanuatu is most famous for its scuba diving and

snorkeling.

In an effort to draw attention to these popular water sports, Vanuatu has created

a world’s “first”: the government has opened an underwater post office. You have

to be a certified scuba diver to work there. The office is three meters below the surface

in an area on the outskirts of Port Vila, the capital city. So far, the post office

has hired four workers. They will work in a room surrounded by the beauty of Vanuatu’s

underwater world. Customers will buy waterproof postcards on land and then dive down

to the post office to receive a special waterproof stamp.

Unit 4

OL2 (A)

I plan to become a teacher after I finish my studies. I decided to study at this university because the teaching program is very good. We have a lot of practice working

with children. I love to work with young kids. I expect to graduate from the university

next June, and I hope to find a job in a kindergarten. I’ll try to start working in

September.

OL2 (B)

G: Hello, Ms. Hale. I’m Mr. Grant, the advertising manager for the company. Do

you have a resume or curriculum vitae to give to me?

H: Yes, Mr. Grant. Here it is.

G: Thank you. Now, let me tell you a little bit about the job. We need someone

to design brochures on the computer. Do you have up-to-date computer skills?

H: Yes, I do. In my present position I use computer graphics all the time. I have

experience with animation as well.

G: Oh, that’s very good. We hope to launch a new group of animated ads next spring.

Can you work with others in a pleasant manner, Ms. Hale?

H: My co-workers seem to think so. I can also work independently by myself.

G: That’s necessary, too. What about flexibility in working long hours on a

project?

H: I have a lot of energy and I’m willing to get the job done. The work I did

last year won two awards at a national conference.

G: Excellent. That’s very impressive. By the way, did I mention that we need

someone to start next week?

H: No, you didn’t, but it might be possible.

G: Good. Thank you for coming today. We’ll be I touch soon.

OL3

You’ve never met Malissa Hayes, and you don’t know her name, but you know her

voice. Melissa records information messages for the telephone company. When you hear

The number you called has been changed… -- that’s Melissa!

“Yes, it’s true,” she says. “I’m the voice talent for National Telephone.”

At least 50,000 people hear her voice everyday. “I try to sound warm and friendly,

even when I’m saying, I’m sorry, that number is incorrect. Please try again.”

Melissa works only three days a week, but she has to practice a lot. “My voice

has to sound the same at the end of eight hours.” She’s very careful about her voice.

“I don’t drink lots of hot water with honey. I can’t go to horror movies because

I always scream, and I might hurt my voice!”

How did she get her job? “A friend told me about it. I listened to all the telephone

company messages on my phone and then I recorded a cassette of those messages. After

I sent it to the company, I called them every day for a month!”

She’s done this work for three years now, and she loves it. “It’s fun! And I’m

helping people by using my voice.” Plus, people are always surprised when they hear

about Melissa’s job. They say, “you’re a real person? I thought it was computer!”

OL4

Interview 1

Interviewer: What is your job, Ken?

Ken: I’m a V.J. or “video jockey.”

Interviewer: How would you describe your job?

Ken: I’m on TV. I introduce music videos and talk about them. I also interview singers who appear in videos.

Interviewer: What is the best part of your job?

Ken: I get to meet a lot of famous people. That’s very exciting. Also,

I love music, so it’s a lot of fun.

Interviewer: What is the worst part of your job?

Ken: I get to meet a lot of famous people. Some of them are not very nice.

They think they are better than me. They can be very demanding.

Interviewer: What was your most memorable moment?

Ken: last year, I presented an award on TV at a video music awards show.

I couldn’t believe it. They flew me out to Los Angeles and I stayed in Beverly Hills.

I was on the TV show for a whole 45 seconds! I got to meet a lot of stars.

Interviewer: I want to be a V.J. How do I get the job?

Ken: Well, first you have to make a videotape about yourself. You need

to talk about certain things on the video. In my case, there was a list of questions,

like “What did you do last weekend?” and “What’s in your CD player right now?”

After you talk about yourself, you send the videotape in to the TV station. They call

you if they like the tape.

Interview 2

Interviewer: What is your job, Steven?

Steven: I’m a car courier.

Interviewer: How would you describe your job?

Steven: Sometimes a person or a company needs a car moved from one place

to another. They may not have time to do it themselves. They hire me to drive the car.

Interviewer: What is the best part of your job?

Steven: I like to drive, so it’s fun for me. Last summer, I drove all the

way from New York to California. The weather was great. I had the radio on and enjoyed

my trip very much.

Interviewer: What is the worst part of your job?

Steven: I have to be very punctual. If I say I’ll arrive on Monday at 6:00,

I have to be there by Monday at 6:00. I have to be dependable. It’s stressful at times.

Interviewer: What was your most memorable moment?

Steven: I drove across the desert as the sun was setting. It was incredible!

Interviewer: I want to be a car courier. How do I get the job?

Steven: That’s a good question. My mother started this business, so she

hired me. You’d have to call my mother to find out!

Unit 5

OL2

Microsoft Corporation is a multinational computer technology corporation that

develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products for

computing devices. Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA, its best selling flagship

products are the Microsoft Windows operating system and the Microsoft Office suite.

Microsoft ships products to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. It manages branch offices

in more than 60 countries. It has nearly 90,000 employees in 105 countries by 2020.

Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April 4, 1975. in the

mid-1980’s, it rose to dominate the home computer operating system market with MS-DOS. Since 1985, Microsoft has released an upgrading line of Windows operating systems

featuring a friendly user interface. The latest one, Windows Vista, was released in

January 2007 and has sold 140 million copies to date.

As one commentator notes, Microsoft’s original mission was “a computer on every

desk and in every home, running Microsoft software,” and now it is a goal near

fulfillment. Microsoft also makes profits in other markets such as computer hardware

products and home entertainment products.

OL3

Advertising is everywhere. It’s on race cars and subway trains, on T-shirts and

billboards. Everyday, you see hundreds of ads, and each advertiser wants you to buy

their product. But do we really need all these products?

A group in Canada says “NO.” In 1991, they started an event called Buy Nothing

Day, to protest against consumerism and waste. Every year, on the last Friday in November,

no one should spend any money for 24 hours. The event has spread to over 15 countries

around the world, including Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

In the United States, Buy Nothing Day takes place on the Friday after the

Thanksgiving holiday. This is usually the busiest day of the year in department stores

and shopping malls. Traditionally, it’s the first day of the Christmas shopping season,

when Americans buy gifts for family and close friends.

However, this “season” has grown longer every year. Now some stores put up

their Christmas window displays in the middle of October, and Americans are pressured

to buy gifts for every one of their relatives, for all of their coworkers, and for

everyone they do business with. Many people feel that they are forgetting the real

significance of the holidays, because companies just want them to spend more money.

Of course, Buy Nothing Day supporters don’t want to change just one day. They

want the change to continue all year. But if we take a break from shopping on one day,

we can start thinking about what we really need in life. Michael Smith, British organizer

of Buy Nothing Day, says: “Our message is clear: Shop less, live more!”

OL4

Ad or no ad?

Is advertising really necessary? Billions of dollars are spent on it every year,

so it must be important. After all, it’s a busy world. You have to advertise, sell

products, and make money!

Not every company thinks that way. The NO-AD company (“no-ad” stands for “not

advertised”) avoids big advertising campaigns. The company was started in 1960 and

is successful today. Their products are still affordable because the company saves money

on advertising. They also use their savings to support a drug and alcohol awareness

program to educate high school students.

NO-AD sells by word of mouth. “Word-of-mouth advertising” happens when a person

tells another person about a good experience with a product or service. That second

person then tells another friend, family member, or colleague. And so a chain of

information is created.

Typically, advertisers talk about how good their product is. Although they say

things like, “Studies show that our product is the best,” or “Everyone loves this

product,” it can sound insincere or unconvincing. It’s much more believable to hear

about a product from someone who did not make it. Our friends’ opinions are very

important to us, so we often listen to their advice about a product.

Word-of-mouth advertising has other advantages, too. It’s cost-effective (after

all, it’s free) and a company doesn’t have to create a complex business plan to do it. Here is some advice for small business about work-of-mouth advertising:

Be prepared to talk about your company at any time. You never know who you will

meet. Always carry business cards.

Only say positive things about your company. Don’t say negative things about your

company.

Help other companies by referring people to them. The more you help others, the

more good fortune will come back to you.

Unit 6

OL4

Money from unexpected sources

The San people live in southern Africa. Scientists say that they may have been

living there for as long as 40,000 years, hunting animals and gathering plants. Until

recently, the once mighty San were broke and unemployed. They had lost their land and

were no longer engaged in traditional activities, such as hunting. The few young San

people with jobs were working as farm laborers. They were not learning about their

ancient culture and language.

That may all change. The San have struck it rich. They recently signed an

agreement with a large drug company. The San have traditional knowledge about plants.

The drug company is especially interested in a particular cactus and how the San use

it.

The San used to go on hunting trips. While away from home, they chewed on the

cactus to suppress their appetite—they no longer felt hungry afterwards. Using the

San’s knowledge, the drug company plans to make a new drug from this plant. For people

around the world who eat too much and have weight problems, this new drug could really

help them by suppressing their appetites.

The San have a positive plan for this new wealth. Their first step will be to

get jobs for their people. Their next priority will be education. Through education,

they hope to save their culture and language for future generations.

When you think of a monk, you might think of a quiet man living in an isolated place.

The “free monks” of Greece do live in a monastery, but they are anything but quiet.

In fact, they sing. They have been recording their songs and selling many records in

Greece.

Young music listeners love to listen to the “free monks.” Their songs are recorded

in different styles (digital keyboard and rock, for example), and the themes are not

only religious. The brothers also sing about problems like drugs and globalization.

The monks haven’t made a fortune from their record sales, but they have made a

profit. They use the money to pay for summer camps for teenagers. At the camps, the

teens can play soccer and go horseback riding. The monks also donate money to other

social programs that help people.

Unit 7

The shrinking family

Elisa Sanchez is a mother in Monterrey, Mexico. She and her husband are both high

school teachers in their thirties.

They have two children. They don’t plan to have any more. “I was one of six

children,” says Elisa. “My husband comes from a family of seven. People used to have

more children in the sixties and seventies. Now it’s different.”

Elisa’s husband thinks the lower birthrate is a positive change. “With a smaller

population, there will be less competition. That means there will be more job opportunities for yong people.”

Gina Moretti works hard as a TV new announcer in Milan, Italy. “My mother thinks

I work too hard. Every time I visit her she asks me the same question: When are you

getting married?”

Gina is 32 and her mother is worried about Gina’s ability to get married and raise

a family in the future. The Italian government is worried, too. In 1958, one million

babies were born in Italy. In 1998, it was half that number. The average mother in Italy

has her first child at the age of 30. after 30, experts note, there isn’t a lot of

time for women to have many children. The population is aging rapidly. Some wonder:

has population control in Italy been too successful?