星火英语专四听写50片篇文本

1.What a Firefighter's Job Is Like

①The damage that a fire can cause is obvious / and this is why the firefighters'

jobs are so important. / ②Firefighters are usually the first ones responding to any type of emergency and perform many tasks,/which include putting out burning buildings, / helping out with medical emergencies, vehicle accidents and many other incidents./ ③They must make sure their equipment is clean / and all the items they use are in proper working order. / ④Keeping their skills up to date is necessary. / ⑤Therefore, they will be continually trained with new equipment and techniques. / ⑥Because of the extreme conditions / and also the stress associated with the emergency situations that arise, / the firefighters definitely need to stay in shape for the work they must do. / ⑦They will stay in the fire station while on duty. / ⑧Unless they need to work on the trucks or respond to a call, / they can eat, sleep, shower and watch TV at the fire station, just like at home. (160 words)

2.Aliens

①For a long time, aliens have often been in the news. / ②They have always been surrounded by mystery / and interest of people all around the world. / ③People have claimed to have been abducted by aliens. / ④Some have claimed to have actually seen them. / ⑤But is there a sound proof that can prove aliens to be real? / ⑥Alien sightings have mostly been accompanied by sightings of lights in the night sky. / ⑦Some of them have also believed that / the lights came from the spaceships used by the aliens. / ⑧Disk-like objects traveling across the sky / have often been taken as aliens' vehicles./ ⑨At times, people have found blood or hair at the locations / where aliens were sighted. / ⑩Researchers say alien sightings could have probably been a result of human imagination accompanied by fear, / and some of these sightings might have been a result of certain astronomical phenomena. ( 145 words)

https://www.360docs.net/doc/a43033004.html,puter Eyeglasses

①As computers become a more and more vital part of today's lifestyle and practices,/ new medical conditions are developing as a result of their usage. / ②The most common to date is computer vision problems, / which include eye pain, tired and burning eyes, watering or dry eyes, eye strain. / ③One Would never imagine that such a useful and innovative tool could cause so much physical discomfort ! / ④As a result of these, science professionals seized the opportunity / to create computer eyeglasses to ease these common conditions / and make computer usage less painful and more comfortable. / ⑤The computer vision problems affect adults as well as children./ ⑥Although children normally have different requirements for near and distance vision glasses, / computer eyeglasses can be used universally for both groups. / ⑦Please note that near and distance vision glasses / should not be used as replacements for computer glasses. /⑧They do not serve the same purpose, / and in some cases will cause more harm than good. (158 words)

https://www.360docs.net/doc/a43033004.html,bor Day

①International Labor Day, also known as International Workers' Day, / is scheduled for May 1st of each year. /②It is a holiday in celebration of the eight-hour workday. / ③It evolved from efforts of the labor union movement / to celebrate the economic and social achievements of

workers. / ④It is celebrated as a national holiday across many countries around the world. / ⑤The idea for a workers' holiday began in Australia in 1856 / but was celebrated on May 1st in 1886 in Chicago. /⑥In China, Labor Day was extended to three days during the 1990s. / ⑦The Chinese government made it a seven-day holiday / by moving the prior and upcoming weekends together with these three days. / ⑧This holiday allowed millions of Chinese people to travel / or take other activities during this period. / ⑨However, China has reduced the Golden Week holiday down to one day in 2008, / while at the same time reviving some traditional holidays such as Mid-Autumn Festival. (158 words)

5.Negative Effects of Television

①Spending too many hours watching television wastes the precious time / that can rather be spent in fruitful and healthy activities like exercise or reading. / ②It also uses up the time / that you can rather spend with your family and friends. / ③Chatting with your near ones, spending time with your close ones / is a better way of spending time than watching TV. / ④People watching television, especially children and youngsters,/ start identifying with what is shown on TV. / ⑤They relate to television shows and films to such an extent that / they get bored of living a normal and simple life. ! ⑥They are eager for fame and money; / they long for living the lives of their favorite 'IV characters. / ⑦This may lead to a high amount of dissatisfaction for the real world. / ⑧As real life is the contrast of the life shown on TV, / such TV addicts become hungry for power, money and status. (151 words)

6.Family Life in India

①Family life is equally varied in Indian states. /②India is a country with many states / in which people are from different cultures, and so on. /③The languages, clothing, customs, and traditions of people are influenced by the respective regions they live in. / ④Most of the families in India are extended ones, / in which every member has his or her own role, often influenced by age and gender. / ⑤Children are cherished and considered as gifts from God. !⑥Children can look forward to continual family support throughout their lives. / ⑦However, they are expected to respect their elders and parents, their wishes and family relationships. / ⑧The family structure in India is typical, / in which there are many wedding customs, / which have to be strongly followed by people. / ⑨Religion, social status, traditional practices, and regional differences influence family structures. / ⑩Indians are more emotionally attached to the members of their family. / ⑾Husbands and wives are not allowed to openly display their affection for one another. ( 160 words)

7.Society's Influence on Education

①Society plays an important role in education, and influences it both positively and negatively. / ②Social inequalities and unhealthy educational practices are some of the negative influences of society on our lives. / ③Customs and traditions prevent certain sections of society from exercising their fundamental rights / and get in the way of the well-being of society, / shatter the basic ideas of education and social awareness. / ④Some social groups deny women's right to education, / while others force children to work, / depriving them from a healthy environment / which is good to their growth and development. / ⑤Education is one of the basic human rights. / ⑥If social norms come in the way of social welfare, / it defeats the purpose of education. /⑦

Society is an entity that can't be separated from us. / ⑧It is we who make up the society. / ⑨It is entirely in our hands whether to add value to our education or devalue it. (149 words)

8.Choosing the Perfect Hair Color

①Coloring your hair is one way to express your individuality. / ②Choosing the right hair color can be confusing / whether you want to cover gray hair or give yourself a new fresh look. / ③If you are clear about what you want exactly, / it can help while choosing the hair color that is right for you. / ④You can achieve the most flattering look, / if you consider your skin make-up and eye color. / ⑤Hair color that balances your complexion gives the best results. / ⑥For covering gray hair, you can select a shade close to your natural hair color. / ⑦Hair highlights are another way to improve your overall look. /⑧Highlights can look fascinating and make an attractive impression. / ⑨They add depth and dimension to the base color or natural hair. /⑩Different hair colors suit different complexions. /⑾In order to choose a suitable hair color, / you need to identify the right combination. ( 148 words)

9.Traditional Brazilian Clothing

①Brazil is known internationally for its stylish and sophisticated clothing. /②Brazilian clothes are comfortable, vivid, beautifully crafted and decorated with attractive laces. / ③Traditional Brazilian clothing is influenced by a combination of different races and immigrants from all over the world. / ④A true traditional Brazilian clothing can be seen in the countryside, / where men's clothing includes shirt, jeans and dresses made from inexpensive cotton. / ⑤In the south of Brazil, the cowboys wear a distinctive dress including loose-fitting trousers, / while in the northeast region they wear coat, hat and leather trousers. / ⑥In the urban areas of Brazil, most people prefer modern clothing. / ⑦Young men wear jeans and T-shirts. / ⑧Short skirts and dresses are very popular among women. / ⑨Brazilian jeans are very common ! and they come in a wide variety of styles and textures. / ⑩Jeans made for women are tight-fitting and loose-fitting near the feet. / ⑾Due to abundance of beautiful beaches, / beachwear is a very popular clothing in Brazil. ( 156 words)

10.Sunday School

①Sunday School is a practice designed to help children, after church, / to adhere to the path of justice and truth. /②However, today, the approach is very unlike the older one / which focused on the classroom-bound mode of interaction and reflection / on the values of Christianity and the Holy Word. / ③Now, children are being allowed to experiment with ideas / and develop a result-based resource base, / with the help of planned and directed effort. / ④Sunday School is now being held within and out of church. / ⑤The children and youth are allowed to interact with peers / outdoors, at picnics, workshops and camping. / ⑥This calls for a redress of security and safety equipment. / ⑦As a matter of fact, with activities such as these, / Sunday School security and safety is the concern of every parent. /⑧And the safety and security of the children is the prime responsibility of the public. ( 146 words)

11.Spy Cell Phones

①A spy phone is a mobile phone or a spy device / that allows a user to monitor

and hear or record conversations and other activities taking place over the phone. /②Spy phones

can function in different ways. / ③They can be used as listening devices/ whereby secretive conversations can be tracked. / ④They are popularly used by secret agencies to track criminal activities / that are carried out over networks. / ⑤They can be used for tracking periodic calls and recording the frequency of calls from certain suspicious numbers. / ⑥Also, they can be used for monitoring business and household activities / while the cell phone user is away. / ⑦Although spy cell phones have many positive sides, / they give rise to legal as well as moral concerns, / because spy cell phone software is easily available. / ⑧Cell phones are easily transferable to spy phones. / ⑨Their ready availability makes them subject to illegal use. (146 words)

12.Water Pollution

①Water pollution is an undesirable change in the state of water, / polluted with harmful substances. /②It is the second most important environmental issue next to air pollution. / ③Any change in the physical, chemical or biological properties of water / will have a harmful effect on living things. / ④Water pollution affects all the major water bodies of the world / such as lakes, rivers, oceans and groundwater. / ⑤Polluted water is unfit for drinking and for other consumption processes. / ⑥It is also not suitable for agricultural and industrial use. / ⑦The effects of water pollution are harmful to human beings, plants, animals, fishes and birds. / ⑧Water problems in the future will become more intense and more complex. / ⑨Our increasing population will tremendously increase urban wastes, primarily sewage. / ⑩On the other hand, increasing demands for water / will decrease the amount of water available for dealing with wastes. /⑾Due to water pollution, the entire ecosystem gets disturbed. (150 words)

13.Health Benefits of Red Wine

①We all know drinks containing alcohol are not good for health, / but when it comes to drinking red wine, / it is the other way around. / ②Recent studies have concluded that there are no negative effects on the body, / if red wine is not consumed excessively. / ③Certain compounds in red wine can play a very important role in protecting the heart. / ④It is a heart-healthy drink that can be enjoyed during evening meals. /⑤If you think that red wine is only good for the heart, / then you are wrong. / ⑥Studies have revealed that the substance found in the skin of red grapes, / can restrict cancer's development. /⑦However, the ideal consumption is not 7 to 8 glasses of red wine. /⑧Scientific studies on the potential benefits of red wine recommend that women should not have more than one drink per day; / whereas men can have 2 drinks per day. /⑨The word "moderate" is the key to maximize health benefits of red wine. (160 words)

14.How to Gain Fluency in Another Language

①To gain fluency in another language, / many people will tell you the only solution is / to travel to a foreign country and immerse yourself completely. / ②This advice may be greatly appealing for some people. / ③But for the majority of people, this solution is both inconvenient and costly. / ④Thankfully, the Internet has brought us new and exciting options for communicating in another language. / ⑤To expand your vocabulary, try reading free articles and original books in another language. / ⑥To begin with, reading may be a slow and frustrating process / as you will have to stop to look up the meanings for many unfamiliar words. / ⑦Before you begin, find an online dictionary / that will offer you quick translations. / ⑧Hearing a language is the key to learn how to speak it. / ⑨Popular music downloading sites offer free audio

files / that you can download and take with you wherever you go. / ⑩And most importantly, one must actually practice speaking the language. (155 words)

15.Benefits of Going to College

①One of the primary benefits of going to college / is being able to obtain a college degree. /

②A college degree helps you push your career in the right direction / and opens doors for good job opportunities. / ③The college years are filled with academic / as well as extra curricular activities. / ④The projects, the oral and practical exams and demonstrations that are parts of college education / help you build self-confidence and enhance your communication skills. / ⑤College education plays a vital role in the development of analytical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills. / ⑥These skills help you throughout life. / ⑦However, the most important benefit of going to college is / perhaps the environment it offers. /⑧It gives you an opportunity to be a part of a huge group. / ⑨College education helps you develop skills of working in a team. / ⑩It gives you an opportunity to understand different points of view on different issues in life.( 150 words)

16.Benefits of Becoming a Teacher

①Becoming a teacher gives you a chance to spend a major portion of your day with children or youngsters. / ②With kids around, you are a part of their world of innocence and purity. / ③It indeed creates a healthy work environment for you. / ④On becoming a teacher, / you get a chance to be with children laughing with them, / think their way and enjoy their innocently silly and healthily naughty behavior. / ⑤Apart from this, the nature of your job is such that / you do not work on weekends / and you get your share of holidays. / ⑥Becoming a teacher / entitles you for receiving private scholarships and sponsorships for teaching programs. / ⑦However, one of the most important benefits of becoming a teacher is that / teachers contribute to the shaping of the future generations./ ⑧They make a difference to society / by playing a vital role in nurturing young minds. ( 146 words)

https://www.360docs.net/doc/a43033004.html,anic Coffee

①Today many agricultural products are grown using organic methods / and coffee is no exception. / ②Organic products have a very minimal effect on the environment / because there is no use of pesticides and fertilizers. / ③M1 organic produces are certified to ensure that / their products are grown in such a way. / ④Organic coffee is a multimillion dollar industry / and each year the sales of this coffee are increasing. / ⑤Exports of organic coffee are up in most of Europe and North America. / ⑥Organic coffee is usually grown in many countries such as Africa, Asia and South America. / ⑦All over the world people have become organic coffee drinkers, / but Americans consume the majority of it./ ⑧AI1 organic coffee products in the USA are certified for quality. /⑨The organic coffee is produced in a very specific way / and all operators are at random inspected to ensure that they meet US Department of Agriculture standards. ( 149 words)

18.The Rivers

①The rivers are formed when group of springs and streams, / which are known as headwaters/ and having their origin in the mountains, / flow down to form a large

stream or springs. / ②The stream bed of a river lies between the banks of a river. / ③The large streams are called as rivers / while the smaller ones are called as creeks. / ④The rivers form the major component of the water cycle. / ⑤The water in a river is accumulated from gathering of ground water / and also through the release of stored water in natural reservoirs such as icebergs. / ⑥Rivers have been one of the sources of food, water and transport since prehistoric times. / ⑦The rivers aid the cultivation of crops by supplying water. / ⑧Historians claim that shipping dates back to a very long time ago. / ⑨Rivers of the world are the major source of fresh water / and they maintain their own food chain. ( 147 words)

19.Environmentally Friendly Cars

①Environmentally friendly cars are supposed to be the vehicles of future generations. / ②Nevertheless, such cars exist now / and are becoming more popular in the modem car market than traditional vehicles / which work on fossil fuels. / ③The advantages of such cars are not only in their lower harmfulness for the environment and people's health / but also in the lower fuel costs. / ④However, their production is rather expensive, / so it is still a controversial point / both for the customers and the automobile manufacturers. / ⑤Although they are more expensive to buy, / they pay for themselves in a period of about 5 years / because they consume less expensive fuels. /⑥The common types of environmentally friendly ears include electric cars, fuel-cell-powered cars, crossbreed cars and solar cars. / ⑦And environmentally friendly cars have become the choice of many people / who decided to reduce the influence of burning fossil fuels on the nature. (146 words)

20.Overpopulation

①Overpopulation is the condition / where the number of organisms exceeds the carrying capacity of their habitat. / ②We are facing the effects of overpopulation in our daily lives. / ③Overpopulation has affected the life of common man / and has proved to be one of the most serious difficulties that have to be fought. / ④Overpopulation implies a shortage of resources and economic inflation. / ⑤Living through the negative effects of overpopulation / has made us realize serious problems associated with it. / ⑥It is high time we waken up / and found the causes of overpopulation and worked on them. /⑦Generally, the causes of overpopulation include decline in the death rate, rise in the birth rate, migration and lack of education. / ⑧Not every nation is capable of providing its people with the adequate amount of resources. / ⑨The ever-increasing population will eventually fail to provide its people with the resources they need to thrive. /⑩When the environment fails to accommodate the living beings that inhabit it, / over-population becomes a disaster. (160 words)

21.The Bottled Water

①The bottled water used can be sourced from public water sources, / and the purity and safety depend largely on the regulation of quality adopted within a country. /②The regulation conducted and recorded ensures that / the bottled water's quality is safe. /③The label on the bottled water container or bottle accurately reflects bottle contents, / or at least it is expected to. / ④In many developing and under-developed nations, / these standards are variable. / ⑤This makes the safety of the bottled water controversial. / ⑥There is no doubt about the convenience of bottled water relative to boiling. / ⑦However, bottled water may provide a possibility to

unsafe drinking water/ only for those who can afford it. / ⑧The sales of bottled water have surpassed the sales of all other drinks, except some soft drinks. / ⑨And the bottled water companies make a good money / even though the popularity of bottled water has been criticized by environmentalist, economists and care-takers and -givers. (151 words)

22.Online Education

①Online education, or distance learning, has really taken on a life of its own in the past few years. / ②With the availability of the Internet, /it is becoming easier and easier to join one of the approved online colleges /and to get your degree online. /③These colleges are spread out all over the world. / ④If you are truly getting your education online / then you don't have to be in the same city / as if you were getting your degree locally. / ⑤You simply log into the classroom every day to get your assignments, / then you upload them in order to get your grade. / ⑥There isn't even a need to meet the teachers or other students / and you can do it at any time of the day. /⑦Therefore, it won't interfere with your work schedule or your life in general. / ⑧And the great news is that employers are recognizing more and more that / an online education is a great way to go. (160 words)

23.Red Wolves

①Red wolves present a characteristic red colored fur / which is more obvious behind the ears and in the neck and legs. /②Other than these parts, / the fur color of red wolves is brown with black shading in the back and tail. / ③Their big ears help them overcome hot and humid climatic conditions. /④The average size of red wolves is 4 feet in length, 20 inches tall and weight about 45 to 80 pounds. / ⑤Generally, red wolves attain sexual maturity at the age of 22 months; / however, there are some species that attain within 10 months. /⑥The breeding season of red wolves is during February and March / and their pregnancy period is about 2 months. / ⑦Females give birth to about 1 to 10 children one time around March to April. / ⑧The newly borns usually stay with their parents about two years, / after which, they spread around the wild. /⑨The lifespan of red wolves is around 7 or 8 years in the wild / and about 15 years in captivity. (160 words)

24.The Earth Day

①Our Planet Earth has so much to give us. / ②From the beautiful natural surroundings to the rich types of creatures, / Planet Earth has loads of things to offer / that only make the life more beautiful. / ③However, have you given a thought to how many individuals actually respect this planet? / ④April 22nd is known the world over as Earth Day. / ⑤It is celebrated to create more awareness about our planet / and situations that we need to take care of/to ensure our Planet Earth is well loved and cared for. / ⑥As things are, we need to celebrate it on one day / to remind us of the responsibilities we need to handle in the coming years. / ⑦The importance of Planet Earth is something / that should be taught to children in their early years, at home and in the school. / ⑧Only then will the young and old alike, understand the issues / such as global warming, energy conservation and the importance of recycling. (159 words)

25.Car Alarm System

①Car alarm systems are basic ways to keep thieves away. / ②The first car alarm system was designed in 1896. / ③Nowadays every car is fitted with advanced electronic sound alarm

system. / ④Though car alarm systems do not always stop the theft from happening but they do create troubles, / which act as alarms for both the owner of the car and the thief. / ⑤There have been innumerable cases / when in spite of the car alarm system being there, / the vehicle has been stolen, / because at times the car alarm system fails to understand what exactly is a car theft. / ⑥Experts are of the opinion that / nowadays thefts occur in spite of the alarm system being there / because nobody bothers much about it. / ⑦People do not pay attention because alarm systems sound / even when there is a strong wind or a pet trying to interfere with the vehicle. / ⑧Moreover, thieves are designing newer ways to

make new technologies that are being used failed. (160 words)

26.Domestic Violence and Abuse

①Domestic abuse occurs when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. / ②An abuser doesn't play fair. / ③He or she uses fear, guilt, and shame to wear you down and gain complete power over you. / ④He or she may threaten you, hurt you, or hurt those around you. / ⑤Domestic abuse that includes physical violence is called domestic violence. / ⑥Victims of domestic abuse or domestic violence may be men or women, / although women are more commonly victimized. /⑦Except for the gender difference, domestic abuse doesn't discriminate. / ⑧It happens within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and financial levels. / ⑨The abuse may occur during a relationship, / while the couple is breaking up, or after the relationship has ended. / ⑩Despite what many people believe, / domestic violence is not due to the abuser's loss of control over his behavior. / ⑾Actually, violence is a deliberate choice made by the abuser / in order to take control over his wife or partner. ( 165 words)

27.Differences between Chinese and Western Eating Habits

①There are great differences between Chinese and Western eating habits. / ②Unlike the West, where everyone has their own plate of food, / in China the dishes are placed on the table and everybody shares. / ③If you are being treated by a Chinese host, / be prepared for a ton of food. / ④Chinese are very proud of their culture of cuisine / and will do their best to show their hospitality. / ⑤And sometimes the Chinese hosts use their chopsticks to put food in your bowl or plate. / ⑥This is a sign of politeness. / ⑦The appropriate thing to do would he to eat the whatever-it-is / and say how tasty it is. / ⑧If you feel uncomfortable with this, / you can just say a polite thank-you and leave the food there. / ⑨And you should never tap on your bowl with your chopsticks, / which can be very insulting to the host. (143 words)

28.Water Pollution

①When toxic substances enter lakes, streams, rivers, oceans, and other water

bodies, / they get dissolved or lie suspended in water or get deposited on the bed. / ②This results in the pollution of water whereby the quality of the water deteriorates,/ affecting aquatic ecosystems. / ③Pollutants can also go down and affect the groundwater deposits. /④Water pollution has many sources. / ⑤The most polluting of them are the city sewage and industrial waste discharged into the rivers. /⑥The facilities to treat waste water are not adequate in any city in India. / ⑦Presently, only about 10% of the waste water generated is treated; / the rest is

discharged as it is into our water bodies. / ⑧Due to this, pollutants enter groundwater, rivers, and other water bodies. / ⑨Such water, which ultimately

ends up in our households, / is often highly polluted and carries disease-causing bacteria./⑩Agricultural run-off, or the water from the fields that drains into rivers, / is another major water pollutant as it contains fertilizers and pesticides. (161 words)

29.Listening Skills

①Communication with others involves learning listening skills. / ②It's a good feeling when someone listens to you / when you're talking to them. / ③It makes you feel like they care about you and what you're saying. / ④The same respect should be given to people that are speaking to you. / ⑤Controlling the conversation or interrupting constantly with your views or suggestions / is not listening to the other person. / ⑥Listening closely and then responding at the appropriate time makes a good conversation. /⑦Making comments at the correct time lets the speaker know you're interested / and can help you stay centered on the conversation. / ⑧Asking good questions about the subject will show you want to know more about it. / ⑨Try not to ask too many questions with the word why. / ⑩People might not know the answer and won't be able to respond to the question. /⑾Always, let the person finish what they're saying / before you talk about something else. ( 154 words)

30.Marketing

①Marketing is the process of planning and executing the conception, / pricing, promotion and distribution of ideas, goods, / and services to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational objectives. / ②It consists of advertising and promoting your product or service in order to sell it. / ③Your business produces goods and services. / ④Marketing is to let potential customers know what are available for sale. /⑤Sales, advertising, and public relations are essential components of marketing / and each requires specialized skills and expertise. / ⑥While a small business may have only one person / performing all these functions under the marketing umbrella, / knowledge of each area is important to develop a focused effort. / ⑦A focus on what the customer wants and needs / is essential to successful marketing efforts. / ⑧This customer-orientation should go hand-in-hand with the company's objective of maintaining a profitable volume of sales. / ⑨Marketing is a creative process combining all of the activities needed to accomplish both of these objectives. (156 words)

31.The World Health Day

①The World Health Day is on 7th April. / ②It marks the founding of the World

Health Organization / and is an opportunity to draw worldwide attention / to a subject of major importance to global health each year. / ③World Health Day 2009 focuses on the safety of health facilities / and the readiness of health workers who treat people affected by emergencies. / ④Health centers and staff provide vital health care in communities every day. /⑤In disasters, their services are in even greater demand: / treating injuries, preventing illnesses and caring for people's urgent health needs. /⑥A safe hospital that continues to function at best capacity during / and after a disaster or other emergency is a safe haven that protects lives. / ⑦Safe health facilities are a joint responsibility, / requiring crucial support from other sectors to ensure essential life-lines. /⑧When health facilities stop functioning, / it is a double blow to a devastated community. (147

words)

32.Wood Recycling

①Recycling timber is the process of turning waste timber into usable products. /②Recycling timber is a practice that was popularized in the early 1990s / as issues such as deforestation and climate change, / prompted both timber suppliers and consumers to turn to a more sustainable timber source. / ③Recycling timber has become popular /due to its image as an environmentally friendly product. / ④Consumers commonly believe that by purchasing recycled wood, / the demand for green timber will fall and ultimately benefit the environment. / ⑤Recycled timber is now used as a construction product. / ⑥It has been important in both raising industry / and consumer awareness towards deforestation / and promoting timber mills to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. / ⑦Wood recycling is a subject which has in recent years taken an even greater role in our lives. / ⑧The problem, however, is that although many local authorities like the idea of recycling, / they do not fully support it. ( 151 words)

33.Idioms

①An idiom is defined as a group of words / whose meaning must be known as a whole, / because it cannot be learned from the meaning of the same words used separately. /②Obviously, there is a problem / when you cannot look up individual words in a dictionary and find the meaning, / the usual strategy we all employ when we come across a word or words that are unfamiliar. / ③With idioms, however, we must learn the group of words. / ④In everyday English, idioms are in common use. / ⑤In fact, idioms are so common that / most native speakers do not even realize that they are using idioms. / ⑥It is particularly important to recognize idioms / when you hear them or read them. / ⑦When you are able to use them comfortably in your own speech and writing, / and then you have achieved a higher level of mastery / and fluency in the language. ( 147 words)

34.Book Review

①The determination of the book review is to communicate to the readers' mind /the ideas and sensations book reviewer experienced / while researching the content. /②Professional book reviews are important in all professions. / ③But they are especially important in the sciences, / which defines the specialization of the book reviewer. /④That is because the basic unit of scientific communication, the primary research paper, / is typically five to eight printed pages in most fields, / which is short and narrowly specific. / ⑤Therefore, to provide a general overview of a significant slice of science, / professional writers of scientific books have to organize and join the reported knowledge in a field into a much larger, / more meaningful package. / ⑥In other words, new scientific knowledge is made meaningful / by sorting the bits and pieces into book reviews to provide a larger picture. / ⑦Thus, the individual plants and flowers, and even the weeds, become a landscape. ( 148 words)

35.Television Advertisements

①A television advertisement or television commercial is a span of television programming / produced and paid for by an organization that conveys a message. / ②Advertisement revenue provides a significant portion of the funding / for most privately owned television networks. / ③

The vast majority of television advertisements today consist of brief advertising spots, / ranging in length from a few seconds to several minutes,/ even program-length information commercials. / ④Advertisements of this sort have been used to sell every product imaginable over the years, / from household products to goods and services, to political campaigns. / ⑤The effect of television advertisements upon the viewing public has been greatly successful and pervasive. / ⑥In some countries, like the United States, / it is considered impossible for a politician to wage a successful election campaign / without the purchase of television advertising. /⑦In other countries, such as France, political advertising is strictly limited on television. /⑧Some countries, like Norway, even completely ban it. (151 words)

36.Nongovernmental Organization in Denmark

①Danes pursue common interests in leisure, sports, and politics. / ②Associations are essentially nongovernmental, originating in the late nineteenth century, / when farmers and workers formed interest groups. /③Today Denmark has one of the highest proportions of association membership in the world. / ④More than 90 percent of the population belongs to an organization, / and more than 73 percent of the people have multiple memberships in more than three hundred thousand organizations. / ⑤Organizations and associations play three important roles. / ⑥First, they have been able to develop common interests and identities among different groups of people. / ⑦Second, practical improvements in the form of production, increases in salary, / and membership discounts have been achieved. / ⑧Third, organizations participate in the political struggle for the distribution of values and goods in society. / ⑨For example, charities use sophisticated public relations campaigns to raise funds / and employ standard lobbying techniques with governments. / ⑩Interest groups may be of political importance /because of their ability to influence social and political outcomes. (160 words)

37.E-waste: Dark Side of Digital Age

①What happens to those old computers once they've been abandoned for newer

models? / ②The refuse from discarded electronics products, also known as e-waste, /often ends up in landfills instead of being recycled. / ③And that means toxic substances like lead and mercury that are commonly used in these products / can contaminate the land, water and air. / ④The United States generates more e-waste than any other nation. / ⑤Some of that waste is recycled. / ⑥For example, steel, aluminum and copper are often stripped from outdated machines and reused in newer models. /⑦But even recycled parts come at a price. /⑧An estimated 50 to 80 percent of e-waste collected in the United States for recycling / is exported to areas such as China or India or Pakistan, / where workers taking apart the old machines are handling toxic chemicals / that can pose serious health problems. / ⑨Luckily, some manufacturers are beginning to assume greater responsibility for / what happens to their products after they become out-of-date. (158 words)

38.Children's Health

①It seems we have developed such a fast paced society of convenience / that kids today don't play outside much anymore. / ②But they would rather stay inside and have things done for them. /③They spend too much time inside on the sofa / and neglect any kind of physical activity, / which causes a state of being inactive and unhealthy. /④Inactive kids have a higher risk of

becoming obese, / having high blood pressure and a higher risk of heart disease. / ⑤Along with being inactive, / kids today don't get enough personal interaction with other kids, / causing them to have a lack of interpersonal skills. / ⑥Besides, their parents and grandparents allow children to have everything they want. / ⑦Parents' spoiling only makes for an attitude of selfishness. / ⑧To avoid this situation, parents should encourage their kids to spend more time out of the house, / such as playing basketball in a community basketball team. (147 words)

https://www.360docs.net/doc/a43033004.html,rmation Age

①The Information Age means something different to everyone. / ②In 1956 in the United States, researchers noticed that / the number of people holding "white collar" jobs had just exceeded the number of people holding "blue collar" jobs. / ③These researchers realized that this was an important change, / as it was clear that the Industrial Age was coming to an end. / ④As the Industrial Age ended, / the newer times adopted the title of "the Information Age". /⑤Of course, at that time relatively few jobs had much to do with computers and computer-related technology. / ⑥What was occurring was a steady trend / away from people holding Industrial Age manufacturing jobs. /⑦An increasing number of people held jobs as clerks in stores, office workers, teachers, nurses, etc. / ⑧The Western world was shifting into a service economy. /⑨Eventually, Information and Communication Technology became a significant part of the economy. / ⑩Microcomputers were developed, / and many business and industries were greatly changed by it. (155 words)

40.Obesity

①At the other end of the malnutrition scale, / obesity is one of today's most visible, yet most neglected, public health problems. / ②Paradoxically, co-existing with under-nutrition, / a global epidemic of overweight and obesity is taking over many parts of the world. / ③If immediate action is not taken, / millions will suffer from an array of serious health disorders. /④Obesity is a complex condition, one with serious social and psychological dimensions, / that affects virtually all age and threatens to overwhelm both developed and developing countries. / ⑤As of 2000, the number of obese adults is over 300 million. /⑥Contrary to conventional wisdom, the obesity epidemic is not restricted to industrialized societies. / ⑦In developing countries, / it is estimated that over 115 million people suffer from obesity-related problems. / ⑧Generally, although men may have higher rates of overweight, women have higher rates of obesity. / ⑨For both, obesity poses a major risk for serious diet-related non-communicable diseases, / including stroke and certain forms of cancer. ( 156 words)

41.Waste

①Waste is sometimes a subjective concept, / because items that some people

discard may have value to others. / ②It is widely recognized that waste materials are a valuable resource, / while there is debate as to how this value is best realized. /③Governments need to define what waste is / in order that it can be safely and legally managed. / ④Different definitions need to be combined / in order to ensure the safe and legal disposal of the waste. / ⑤The European Union has started a discussion / that will end in an End-of-Waste directive. / ⑥It will clarify the distinction between waste that shall be treated for disposal / and raw materials that can be reused for the same or other purposes. /⑦All over the world, America generates more waste

than any other nation in the world, / with 4. 5 pounds of municipal solid waste per person per day, / 55 percent of which is contributed as residential garbage. (150 words)

42.Customer Service

①Good customer service is the lifeblood of any business. / ②You can offer promotions and slash prices to bring in as many new customers as you want. / ③But unless you can get some of those customers to come back, / your business won't be profitable for long. / ④Good customer service is all about bringing customers back. /⑤And about sending them away happy, / happy enough to pass positive feedback about your business along to others, / who may then try the product or service you offer for themselves / and in their turn become repeat customers. /⑥If you're a good salesperson, / you can sell anything to anyone once. / ⑦But it will be your approach to customer service that determines / whether or not you'll ever be able to sell that person anything else. / ⑧The essence of good customer service is forming a relationship with customers, / a relationship that the individual customer feels that he would like to pursue. ( 152 words)

43.Illiteracy in Africa

①Illiteracy in Africa is at extremely high levels. / ②21 nations have adult literacy rates below 50% / and overall 4 of every 10 Africans are illiterate. / ③Achieving higher rates of literacy is a vital part of the effort to eradicate African poverty. / ④But the relationship between the two is complex, / because the effects of poverty are a major obstacle to literacy. / ⑤Given the widespread poverty, / few parents can afford to send their children to school. / ⑥Raising literacy rates depends on governments making schools and programs for adult education available. / ⑦Some governments are making a real effort to improve literacy. / ⑧However, many government officials are either indifferent or corrupt, / giving education a low priority, or the government efforts are poorly organized and implemented. / ⑨Non-governmental organizations can help, / but they must depend on local governments to step up and become a partner, / rather than an obstacle to progress. (i45 words)

44.AIDS

①When AIDS first emerged, / no one could have predicted how the epidemic

would spread across the world / and how many millions of lives it would change. /②There was no real idea what caused it / and consequently no real idea how to protect against it. / ③Now we know from bitter experience that / AIDS is caused by the virus HIV, / and that it can destroy families, communities and whole continents. / ④However, experience has also shown us that the right approaches can and do result in lower national HIV infection rates / and less suffering for those affected by the epidemic. /⑤Already, more than twenty-five million people around the world have died of AIDS-related diseases. / ⑥33 million people around the world are now living with HIV, / and most of these are likely to die over the next decade or so. / ⑦It is disappointing that the global numbers of people infected with HIV continue to rise, / despite the fact that effective prevention strategies already exist. (160 words)

45.Home-schooling

①More and more parents are feeling that / the schools are not up to a suitable

standard required to meet their children's needs. / ②Therefore, home-schooling becomes an appealing prospect for parents / who want to remain in control of their

children's learning. / ③There are both benefits and drawbacks to home-schooling a child, / but the positives seem to outweigh the negatives in the minds of parents. / ④In UK home-schooling has increased in recent years as the gap between the best- and worst-performing schools has grown. / ⑤Parents increasingly feel excluded from their children's education, / for schools have turned into examination factories. / ⑥In schools, teaching to the test is the norm, / instead of allowing children to explore their own creativity. / ⑦Schools need to achieve good examination results in order to have their higher status recognized, / which obviously has implications for the level of funding they receive. / ⑧Hence, it would almost seem that students are seen as a means to an end, / rather than as the whole reason for a school's existence. ( 166 words)

46.Mail Fraud

①Mail fraud occurs when someone asks for something of value to be sent through the mail, / promising something in return, then fails to deliver. / ②Fraud can also be committed by wire, phone, or e-mail, / but is only considered mail fraud / when it involves things being sent by mail. / ③This fraud can take the form of offering a product or service / which is then not provided or offering employment that turns out to be a scam. / ④It can also be offering a product or service for a price / that is already provided for free by the government. / ⑤Sometimes, you may receive an advertisement for something designed to look like an invoice. / ⑥Some Internet domain registration providers are known for sending mail to owners of domains / registered through competing companies, / urging them to renew their domains. / ⑦But in the process of renewing,/ the domain registration would be transferred to the provider sending the mail, / often at a higher cost. ( 157 words)

47.Lead Time

①Lead time is the period between a customer's order and delivery of the final product. /

②A small order of a pre-existing item may only have a few hours' lead time, / but a larger order of custom-made parts may have a lead time of weeks, months or even longer. / ③It all depends on a number of factors, / from the time it takes to create the machinery to the speed of the delivery system. / ④Lead time may change according to seasons or holidays / or overall demand for the product. / ⑤Manufacturers are always looking for ways / to improve the lead time on their products. / ⑥Lead time can mean the difference / between making the sale and watching a competitor sign the contract. / ⑦If a company can deliver the product weeks ahead of the competition, / it stands a better chance of receiving future orders. / ⑧Because of this, management and labor teams routinely hold meetings / to discuss lead time improvements. ( 154 words)

48.Online Shopping

①With just a click of the mouse, / shoppers can buy nearly any product online, / from groceries to cars, / from insurance policies to home loans. / ②The world of electronic commerce, als0 known as e-commerce, / enables consumers to shop at thousands of online stores and pay for their purchases / without leaving the comfort of home. /③For many, the Internet has taken the place of Saturday afternoon window shopping at the mall. / ④Consumers expect merchants to not

only make their products available on the Web, / but to make payments a simple and secure process. / ⑤However, the same things can go wrong shopping in cyberspace as in the real world. / ⑥Sometimes it is simply a case of a computer bug or poor customer service. /⑦Other times, shoppers are cheated by clever scam artists. / ⑧Therefore, online shoppers need to take sensible pre-cautions / to make their online shopping experiences enjoyable and safe. ( 146 words)

49.Sight

①Sight is very effective at giving exact information over considerable distances. /②If the viewed object is moving, / it can tell us much about the speed and direction of this movement / as well as allowing us to identify it. / ③For all this to happen we need to see it. / ④This means our eyes have to be looking in the correct direction. / ⑤Light waves do not go around objects very well, / so we cannot see an object if it is hidden behind another object. /⑥This does put limits on what sight can achieve. / ⑦Sight is an easy sense to use, / because during the day we are surrounded by light supplied by the sun. /⑧This light bounces off things and brings us information about them./⑨However, when the sun sets on a cloudy night, / the light is mostly gone, / and then vision shall become less useful as a sense. (146 words)

50.Aging Problems

①UN has claimed that the number of people on the globe / should as expected reach 9.2 billion in 2050, / which will include elderly persons numbering 1 billion. / One of the surprises is tat/ population growth is most concentrated in the 60 plus age group,/which is expected almost to triple./Whilst many regard the aging of the population as a triumph of a civilized and caring society, /others see it as a major problem facing the community./ The increasing aging population will cause the increase in the dependency ratio./ This means that there will be more people claiming benefits such as state pensions, / and less people working and paying income taxes. /Thus, those in work will have to pay higher taxes. /This could create disincentives to work and for firms to invest,/therefore there could be a fall in productivity growth. / The shoerage of workers could push up wages, causing wage inflation. (152 words)