新世纪大学英语视听说听力原文

新世纪大学英语视听说

听力原文

文档编制序号：[KK8UY-LL9IO69-TTO6M3-MTOL89-FTT688]

UNIT1 Our Earth

Track 4-1-1& 4-1-2

Blake: What are you working on, Mary?

Mary: I'm finishing my paper. It's due tomorrow, Blake. Blake: What's the topic?

Mary: It's about Greenland.

Blake: Greenland. Hmmm . . . that's part of Canada, right? Mary: I think you need to study your world geography, Blake. Blake: Well, isn't it near Canada?

Mary: Yes, it's off the coast of northeast Canada, but it's part of Denmark.

Blake: Oh, I didn't know that. Well, what's your paper about exactly?

Mary: In my paper, I answer the question "Is Greenland really green"

In other words, is Greenland covered by a lot of plants and trees?

Blake: Is it?

Mary: What do you think?

Blake: Let's see . . . Greenland is in the Arctic Circle-way up north. It's cold, . . . so "Is Greenland really green"

I'd answer "probably not."

Mary: You'd be correct. It's too cold there. In the north, a

lot of the ground is frozen. The summers are short, so only the surface thaws.

Blake: That sounds tough.

Mary: It's hard for the construction industry. It's not easy to build in Greenland.

Blake: It sounds so harsh. Why would anyone want to go there? Mary: There are big mountain ranges on the coasts. They're great for hiking and outdoor sports. And there are lots of animals there. You can sometimes see whales swimming in the harbors.

Blake: That sounds cool! OK,so if it's not really a "green" place, why was it named "Greenland"

Mary: The first settlers wanted to attract other people. They gave it an attractive name.

Track 4-1-3

Bart: So what exactly did you do over the summer?

Gustav: We worked as volunteers at Glacier National Park

Bart: I've never been there. What's it like?

Carolina: It's beautiful. There are mountains and lakes... and, of course, glaciers!

Bart: How was the job?

Gustav: We had to do a lot of physical work. It was kind of hard.

Carolina:That's true, but it was exciting, too! We actually saw bears!

Bart:Wow! That does sound exciting. Maybe I should apply. I'll need a job next summer.

Carolina: Sorry, Bart, but you can't apply to that program.

It's a special program for international students.

Track 4-1-4

1. Mt. Fuji is really beautiful from far away. When you climb it, it's just rocks and dirt ... but it's really beautiful from far away.

2. Last year I was in San Francisco and I had a chance to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. What an amazing feat of engineering. It gives you a chance to look through all of San Francisco and over San Francisco Bay and it's just a wonderful chance to see the city.

Track 4-1-OL-1&4-1-OL-2

Jay: Come in here, Elise. You should see this show!

Elise: What is it?

Jay: It's called "The Titanic of the Sky". It's about the Hindenburg, a great engineering feat.

Elise: The Hindenburg . . .

Jay: You know, that giant zeppelin that crashed in 1934.Thirty-five people died.

Elise: Oh yeah, I remember now. It was flying from Germany to the United States. It crashed as it was landing.

Jay: Right. It's so funny looking, don't you think It doesn't look anything like the airplanes we have today.

Elise: That's true. Why would people ride in a zeppelin anyway It seems so dangerous.

Jay: Well, some people called the Hindenburg "man's greatest achievement in flight."They thought it was safe, I guess. Elise: Who rode in it anyway?

Jay: Mostly wealthy people. It accommodated between 30 and 40 passengers and crew. One person said it was like a "flying hotel."

Elise: It sounds pretty great.

Jay: Yeah, and it was fast. That's why people rode it. They wanted to get to their destination faster.

Elise: Why didn't they just take a jet plane?

Jay: Elise! You know they didn't have jets back then. Look, in 1934 it took five days to travel from Germany to the U.S. by ship. The zeppelin could do it in half that time.It was speedy. Elise: Well, maybe I'll sit down and watch a little bit. Maybe I'll learn something . . .

Track 4-1-OL-3

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 ver y expensive.

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

Track 4-1-OL-4

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

Track 4-1-OL-5&4-1-OL-6

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 cit y’s

traditional look. On the other hand, supporters said it would bring new life into the city center.

Track 4-1-OL-7&4-1-OL-8

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! UNIT2

Track 4-2-1&4-2-2

Situation 1

Man: Oh no!

Woman: What happened?

Man: I can't believe it! I was sending a message and I accidentally clicked on "Reply to All."

Woman: So?

Man: It was a personal message for my friend, Jerry. I wanted to send it to his e-mail address only.

Woman: Oops.

Man: Exactly. ... Instead I sent it to everyone on the list.How embarrassing!

Situation 2

Man: I see you have a new keyboard. That's nice.

Woman: Yes, the company bought me a new one.

Man: That's good.

Woman: Well, actually ... I spilled coffee on my old keyboard,and it stopped working.

Man:Oh, I see.

Woman: Don't tell anyone. Drinking coffee near the computers is not allowed!

Situation 3

Woman: Have you finished working on my computer?

Man: Yes, I have. I'm afraid I don't have good news for you. Woman: Really?

Man: Really. The problem is with your hardware.

Woman: Oh. What do you suggest?

Man: I think you should probably buy a new computer. This one can't be fixed.

Woman: Well, I have had it for five years. It's time to replace it, I guess.

Track 4-2-3

Lea: I hate writing term papers! It takes forever!

Steve: You're lucky, Lea. When I was young...

Lea: Oh, I've heard this story before.

Steve: Well, when I was young, we didn't have computers. We used to write our papers on typewriters.

Lea: Oh, really That sounds difficult!

Steve: It was, especially because I made a lot of mistakes. Lea: Did it take a long time?

Steve: Yes. Computers are so much faster and easier to use. Track 4-2-4

1.I like the laptop because it's very, very thin. It's maybe less than one inch and it's about four pounds and I can carry it anywhere I want.

2.My favorite feature of my computer is the Instant Messenger. The reason for this is that it's very affordable, fun and

convenient and allows me to chat with my friends from all over the world.

Track 4-2-OL-1&4-2-OL-2

Pam: Well, Lynn, I must be going. It was great to see you –Lynn: By, Pam.

Pam: What’s that?

Lynn: Oh … that’s Ollie.

Pam: Ollie:I didn’t know you had a dog!

Lynn: Well, we don’t … really.

Pam: What do you mean?

Lynn: Come here.

Pam: Oh my goodness. It’s a robot!

Lynn: That’s right. It’s a dog robot. They call it a “dogbot.”

Pam: How inte resting! … But it’s a little strange, don’t you think?

Lynn: Well, I wanted to get an interactive toy for the kids. They love it. So I’m happy.

Pam: How much did it cost?

Lynn: Don’t ask. It wasn’t very affordable. It’s cheaper than having a real dog, though. We don’t ever have to

buy dog food! And the batteries are rechargeable. Juliana: Hey, Henrik. Look.

Henrik: What is it, Juliana?

Juliana: What’s that guy doing over there?

Henrik: Which guy?

Juliana: The one over there. Wearing a suit. H’s pu nching so many buttons on his cell phone.

Henrik: Oh, him. He’s probably playing a game.

Juliana: Really?

Henrik: A lot of people have games on their cell phones.

It’s really popular here in Finland. They play them

everywhere.

Juliana: Do you play them, too?

Henrik: Yes, I do.

Juliana: I only use my phone to make telephone calls. I guess I’m old-fashioned.

Henrik: I heard that some people play games even at work.

They can play quietly during business meetings. No one

knows about it.

Juliana: I’d l ike to try it.

Henrik: Here, use mine!

Track 4-2-OL-3

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.

Track 4-2-OL-4

E-mail is my favourite 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. Track 4-2-OL-5&4-2-OL-6

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 favourite kind of toast: light or dark. Companies are designing a “smart” coffee maker and a “smart” clock. Th e 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. Track 4-2-OL-7&4-2-OL-8

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. 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!”

UNIT3

Track 4-3-1&4-3-2

Conversation 1

Woman 1: What are you watching?

Woman 2: Oh, just the news.

Woman 1: Can I change the channel?

Woman 2: In just a minute. I want to see the end of this report.

Woman 1: I didn't know you were interested in the news. Woman 2: Well, it's Christiane Amanpour. She's really great. She usually reports from London -- the city where she was born. Woman 1: I don't know her.