英语四级真题听力原文及标准答案
2023年12月英语四级听力真题原文(第1套)

2023年12月英语四级听力真题原文(第1套)News Report 1Have you noticed how similar you are to your friends?It may be because your brains operate in harmony with each other.We know that friends are more likely to be the same age, gender and ethnic background as each other.Now it seems their brains are alike, too.Researchers at the University of California scanned the brains of 42 classmates while they watched videos intended to provoke varying responses.Some people might find a romantic scene touching, for instance, while others would feel it was embarrassing.The activity of friends' brains was more similar than that of people who didn't know each other, particularly in regions involved in attention, emotion and language.This similarity was strong enough that it could be used to predict whether two people were already friends or not.The relationship probably goes two ways.We are drawn to people who think like us; we then influence their thoughts over time, which may push their brain activity into more closely resembling our own.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 1:What may be the reason that friends are similar to each other according to the recent research?Question 2:What does the news report say about the relationship between friends?News Report 2Two men who have been best friends for 60 years have just realized they are actually brothers.Ifs reported that Alan Robinson and Walter MacDonald met in the 6th grade at a school in Hawaii.They have been best friends ever since.Alan was given away for adoption soon after he was born, and Walter never knew his father.So recently, they made separate attempts on DNA matching websites to discover more about their ancestry.Walter was astonished to find that he matched with website user Robi 737. He knew immediately that this was his best friend Alan, whose friends call him Robi and flew 737 airplanes when he was a pilot.The pair were bom to the same mother 15 months apart.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 3: What did both Alan Robinson and Walter MacDonald attempt todo on DNA matching websites?Question 4: What did the news report say about Alan Robinson and Walter MacDonald?News Report 3Amid all the election drama, air pollution problems and disease outbreaks, five tourists' good work is being spread online.Yesterday two male and three female tourists were spotted walking the kilometer-long beach, picking up trash.One of the male tourists from Australia commented that although there was a lot of trash, nobody was doing anything.The beach was not as nice or beautiful as it should be.He felt so sad to see such a gorgeous place littered with so much trash. Thus, he and his friends decided to grab a few trash bags and clean it all up.A man passing by decided to video their good deed and put it on the internet.It was unclear where the rest of the group was from, but they were most likely traveling together.One local woman commented on being embarrassed that tourists were cleaning up their beach.Another mentioned that it was actually the natives who brought food and drinks then left trash all along the island.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 5: Why did one of the male tourists feel sad?Question 6: Who put the good deed video on the internet?Question 7: Why did one local woman say she was embarrass?Conversation 1Hello Benjamin, Dan and I will be going for a run along the canal Saturday morning. Would you like to join us?I'd love to, but I hurt my ankle last weekend playing football with work colleagues.Oh dear, is it serious?No, not at all. I landed badly during a fall and twisted it a little, but it's no big deal.It's just a little swollen and I should be fine for next Saturday if you still want to go for a jog then.I won't be here next Saturday. I'm going to the zoo.The zoo?Yeah. My little nephew turns six, and he loves the zoo, so the whole family is going.Oh, okay then. I haven't been to a zoo since I was a kid.They are nowhere near as popular as they used to be when we were children.I personally feel sorry for the poor animals stuck in cages, but there's no denying they are fun and educational for children.Do you know if Dan will be around next Saturday?Yeah, I think he will. Just send him a text message. He's always keen on physical activities.That's true. Dan is extremely fit and healthy. He goes to the gym most days, plus tennis two or three times a week.So, what have you been doing to stay busy while you've had that swollen ankle?I've been catching up on some reading. I was given three books over Christmas, and I'm only now getting around to reading them.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 8: Why can't the man go for a run Saturday morning?Question 9:Why is the woman's whole family going to the zoo next Saturday? Question 10: What do we learn about Dan from the man's description? Question 11: What has the man been doing since last weekend?Conversation 2Our guest on today's Book Talk is John Black, the author of the new bestseller, Retire Early.Thanks for having me on the show, Lisa.John, your book is getting a lot of attention, partly because you write that most people can retire by 40. Is that realistic?Definitely. When researching this book, I interviewed hundreds of people who retired by 40.Okay, but how much money does a person need to retire? I've read articles recommending one million dollars as a good figure for retirement. While most financial planners do give numbers, I don't think that's useful, as people are living in different areas with different costs of living, and have different needs and wants, which is why I suggest that people aim for financial independence.What do you mean by financial independence?Having investment income that's greater than monthly expenses.That sounds risky to me. What if an accident happens or you get ill and need medical treatment? Shouldn't people have extra cash for emergencies? Too many people spend their lives working on jobs they hate because they're afraid, so I counsel people to take risks. Retirement doesn't have to be permanent, and if people need to, they can go back to work.But it's not always easy to get back into the workforce after an extended absence.True, but if you keep current with your skills, you will be attracted to employers.Maybe, but how can anyone save enough to retire by 40 when most people can't retire at 60?Simple, by cutting housing, food, and transport expenses, and investing half your monthly income.That sounds impossible.I admit it's difficult, but it has worked for thousands.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 12: What do we learn about the man's book published recently? Question 13: What do the articles the woman read recommend?Question 14: What does the man say about retirement?Question 15: How does the man say his proposal about retirement can be carried out?Passage 1New research from America studies the role that the presence of individuals from different social or racial groups has in influencing consumers' food choices.This research found college students were more likely to choose healthy food in the presence of an observer of a different race, as opposed to an observer from their own race.The same was true when they were with someone from a different university, compared to someone from their own.Researchers say this was because participants anticipated more negative judgment from an outsider group.In contrast, they felt less judged by members of their own group.In one experiment, participants were offered the choice between candy and fruit as a snack.When in the presence of an unknown student from their own university, only 12 per cent of students selected the healthier option.However, this number was 31 per cent when in the presence of ae unknown student from another university.Other experiments showed similar results based on racial group.What's the reason for this pattern? The study found that people feel judged to a larger extent by members of other groups.Because of this, they strategically use healthy food choices to make a positive impression.There have been many attempts to help consumers make healthier choices, but consumers often struggle to maintain a healthy diet.This research finds that one way to promote a healthy diet could be to advertise the social benefits of healthy choices.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 16:What was the finding of the new research from America about consumers' food choices?Question 17: When did 31 per cent of students in the experiment select the healthier option?Question 18:How could a healthy diet be promoted according to the findingsof the new research?Passage 2For college students under pressure, a dog may be the best stress fighter around, according to the finding of a recent study."It's a really powerful finding," said Patricia Pendry, who led the study. "Universities are doing a lot of great work trying to help students succeed academically, especially those who may be at risk due to a history of mental health issues or academic and learning issues.This study shows that traditional stress management approaches aren’t as effective for this population compared with programs that focus on providing opportunities to interact with therapy dogs."The researchers measured executive functioning in the students involved in the study.Executive function is a term for the skills one needs to plan, organize, motivate, concentrate and memorize.These are skills students need to succeed in college.The researchers found that students who were most at risk had the most improvements in executive functioning after interacting with therapy dogs.These results remained when researchers followed up six weeks later. Many universities provide academic stress management programs and workshops.These are traditionally very similar to college classes.They often talk about ways to get more sleep, set goals, or manage stress or anxiety.Pendry acknowledges that these are really important topics and these workshops help typical students succeed.But they're less helpful for struggling students.Pendry believes those students may experience the programs as another lecture and feel even more stressed.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 19: What does the recent study led by Patricia Pendry aim to examine?Question 20: What did the new study measure in the participants? Question 21: What does Patricia Pendry think traditional stress management programs may do?Passage 3Taking risks in business does not mean going into business blindly and then expecting great results.On the contrary, taking risks in entrepreneurship involves careful planning and hard work.Nobody can really be sure if risks will be met with success, no matterhow calculated they may be.But this should not stop you from taking risks, as risks are necessary if you want your business to succeed.Some risks may not work out, but an optimistic risk-taker will always look at failure as an opportunity to learn.The willingness to experiment with new ideas is key to business growth. As the old saying goes, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."Failure will teach you how to think and plan strategically.But just remember that not all risks are good ones, and when you fail, learn it and move forward.Since most people tend to avoid risk, businesses that are brave enough to take risks already have a competitive advantage.They are the ones setting the standard with new ideas, fresh offers and bold inventions.Risktakers are best at adapting in difficult times.Simply put, when most individuals stay away risk, it means less competition for risk-takers.We don't know if you'll achieve what these risk-takers have achieved. But for as long as you want to stay safe, and for as long as you are content with where your business is right now, you will never find out. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 22:What do entrepreneurs have to do when taking risks according to the passage?Question 23: What does the passage say is key to business growth? Question 24: What are we advised to do when we fail?Question 25:What does it mean to risk-taking businesses when most people tend to avoid risk?。
2022年12月英语四级听力原文和答案(第一套)

2022年12月英语四级听力原文和答案(第一套)Part II Listening Comprehension第二部分:听力考试Section AA 节Directions: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A) , B) , C) and D) . Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.考试说明:在这一部分,你将听到三篇新闻报道。
每篇新闻的结尾,会有两到三个问题。
新闻和问题只读一遍。
听到问题后从A、B、C、D 四个选项中选出最佳答案。
然后在答题纸1 上相应的字母中间划上横线(涂满)。
News Report One新闻报道一(1)Operations at one of Australia's largest gold mines had to be temporarily suspended on Friday after a partial wall collapse at one of the mine's dams.周五,澳大利亚最大金矿之一的一座大坝发生部分围墙坍塌,该矿不得不暂停运营。
The wall collapsed at the Cadia Mine. Came just a few days after two earthquakes hit the area.卡迪亚矿区的墙壁倒塌了。
大学英语四级听力真题及答案

大学英语四级听力真题及答案到了大学以后,为了准备英语四级的考试,你平时是怎么练习真题里面的听力的呢?下面是店铺给大家带来大学英语4级考试听力真题及答案,供大家参阅!大学英语四级听力真题1Conversation One19.A. He finds it hard to afford the rent all by himself.B. He feels lonely living all by himself.C. He needs to find somebody to make theapartment more comfortable.D. He wants to get help with his courses from hisroommate.20.A. The carpet in the living room is soiled in several places.B. The carpet in the living room is worn out in several places.C. The toilet is clogged and the sink has a few leaks.D. The windows in the bathroom can keep out rain and snow.21.A. He used some cardboard to keep it shut.B. He applied some super glue to keep the hinges on tightly.C. He pushed a box against the door to keep it shut.D. He pushed a chair against the door to keep it shut.22.A. Find a job for the man.B. Split the rent.C. Help Dave fix up the house.D. Look for another place.大学英语四级听力真题原文1Conversation OneM: Hi, Shelley. Come on in.W: Uh, yeah, I stopped by to see if you were stilllooking for a roommate to share your house.M: Yep. I sure am. [19]Ever since I cut back on myworking hours to go to school, I've been reallystrapped for cash. Hey, let me show you around theplace. Uh, here's the living room.W: Oh. [20]It looks like you could use a new carpet... and those stains?M: Well. I've had a few problems with some former roommates. I know it needs to be cleaned,but I just don't have the money to do it right now.W: Oh. And what about the kitchen?M: Right this way. Look. It's completely furnished with all the latest appliances, except... [21]Well, the refrigerator door is broken... a little bit... and it won't shut all the way. It needsfixing, but don't worry. [21]I've pushed a box against it to keep it shut.W: Hmm. Great. Well, how about the bathroom? ... No, no. Don't tell me. The toilet is cloggedor the sink has a few leaks.M: No, those work fine. Well, there's another slight problem. The windows. I've put up a pieceof cardboard to keep out the rain and snow, and if it gets a little cold, you can always turn upthe heat.W: Hey, [22]I think I've seen enough. I can't believe you've survived under these conditions.M: So what do you think? You really can't beat a place like this for $450 a month. So it has itsproblems, but we can fix those.W: Uh, no, thank you. I think I've seen enough.大学英语四级听力真题答案解析1Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19. Why does the man need to share his apartment with a roommate?[A]解析:对话开始,女士就提出了对话主题:看男士是否还需要人合租。
2023年6月英语四级答案详细解析及听力原文和作文

On Excessive PackagingNowadays the phenomena of excessive packaging of goods are prevai ling in our society: clothes swathed in tissue paper, placed in cardboard b ox and finally wrapped in well-designed plastic bags, imported bottles of grape wine packed in wooden boxes, fruits put in hand-woven baskets, to name but a few.rg.nu panie.believ.tha.the.ca.attrac.customers.attentio.an.stimulat.the i.purchasin.desir.b.over-packagin.thei.goods.thu.gainin.mor.profits.O.th.o the.hand.quit..numbe.o.consumer.mistakenl.hol.tha.th.mor.delicat.th.pack ag.is.th.bette.th.qualit.wil.be.thu.encouragin.excessiv.packaging.In my point of view, excessive packaging has disastrous consequenc es, including the loss of precious resources, excessive consumption of wat er and energy, and unnecessary extraction of scarce land for landfill.T.solv.th.problem.it’w. panies.I.additio n.w.nee.t.rais.consumer’.awarenes.tha.excessiv.packagin.doesn’.equa.t. hig.qualit.an.advocat.packagin.recycling.【解析】本次作文旳话题是“过度包装”, 话题不停新, 考生应当都比较熟悉。
2024年7月英语四级真题及参考答案完整版

2024年7月英语四级真题及参考答案完整版(注意:本文根据所给题目进行了创作,请注意密切关注真实的英语四级考试信息)Introduction2024年7月英语四级考试是一次备受关注的重要考试。
本文将为大家呈现2024年7月英语四级真题及参考答案的完整版,旨在帮助考生了解考试内容和答题方法,为他们的备考提供指导。
Part I - 听力(Listening)第一节(共5小题)听下面5段对话,每段对话后有一个小题。
从题中所给的A、B、C 三个选项中选出最佳选项。
听完每段对话后,你都有10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。
每段对话仅读一遍。
1. W: Have you checked the weather forecast for tomorrow's picnic?M: Yes. It says the weather will be sunny with a high of 28 degrees Celsius.Q: What will the weather be like for tomorrow's picnic?[解析] 根据对话内容,女士问男士是否查看了明天野餐的天气预报。
男士回答说阳光明媚,温度为28摄氏度。
所以正确答案是 A) Sunny.2. M: Excuse me, where can I find the textbooks for the biology course?W: You can find them in the university bookstore on the ground floor.Q: Where does the conversation most probably take place?[解析] 根据对话内容,男士询问女士生物课程的教材放在哪里,女士回答说放在一楼的大学书店,故正确答案是 B) In a university bookstore.3. W: The new mall is opening tomorrow. Would you like to go shopping there with me?M: I'd love to, but I have a meeting in the afternoon. How about this weekend?Q: What does the man mean?[解析] 女士邀请男士一起去新开的购物中心逛街,男士表示很想去但是有一个下午的会议,问女士这周末如何。
2024四级试题及答案

2024四级试题及答案### 2024年大学英语四级考试试题及答案#### 一、听力部分听力理解(共25分)1. 短对话(共8分)- 问题1:What does the man suggest doing?- 答案:A. Visiting the museum.- 问题2:Why is the woman upset?- 答案:B. She missed the bus.2. 长对话(共10分)- 问题1:What is the main topic of the conversation?- 答案:C. Planning a trip to the countryside.- 问题2:What does the man think of the woman's idea?- 答案:D. He is not very enthusiastic about it.3. 短文理解(共7分)- 问题1:What is the speaker mainly talking about?- 答案:A. The importance of environmental protection.- 问题2:What is the speaker's suggestion for the audience? - 答案:B. To reduce the use of plastic bags.#### 二、阅读部分阅读理解(共20分)1. 快速阅读(共10分)- 问题1:What is the main idea of the passage?- 答案:A. The benefits of regular exercise.- 问题2:What does the author suggest to improve health? - 答案:B. Combining exercise with a healthy diet.2. 仔细阅读(共10分)- 问题1:According to the passage, what is the key to success?- 答案:C. Persistence and hard work.- 问题2:What does the author believe about failure?- 答案:D. It is a stepping stone to success.#### 三、写作部分作文(共15分)题目:The Impact of Technology on Education范文:In recent years, the integration of technology in education has been a topic of much debate. It is undeniable that technology has revolutionized the way we learn and teach. For instance, the use of online platforms and digital resources has made education more accessible and interactive. Students can now access a wealth of information at their fingertips, and teachers can employ various tools to enhance the learning experience.However, there are also concerns about the over-reliance ontechnology. Some argue that it may lead to a decrease in critical thinking skills as students may become too dependent on search engines and online summaries. Additionally, the digital divide can exacerbate educational inequalities, as not all students have equal access to technology.In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly brought about positive changes in education, it is crucial to strike a balance. Educators should use technology as a tool to complement traditional teaching methods, ensuring that students develop a well-rounded set of skills.#### 四、翻译部分汉译英(共20分)原文:随着经济的快速发展,人们的生活水平有了显著提高。
2020年12月英语四级听力原文和答案(第一套)

2020年12月英语四级听力原文和答案(第一套)2020年12月英语四级听力原文(第一套)News report 1( 1 ) A poisonous fish which has a sting strong enough to kill a human is invading the Mediterranean, warn the scientist.The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has raised concerns after the poisonous fish was spotted in the waters around Turkey, Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean.Native to the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, the potentially deadly fish has poisonous barbs and an painful sting capable of killing people.Although fatalities are rare, the stings can cause extreme pain, and stop people breathing.The fish, also known as the Devil Firefish, is a highly invasive a species, ( 2 ) and environmentalists fear its arrival could endanger other types of marine life.After being spotted in the Med, a marine scientist says: "The fish is spreading, and that's a cause for concern.”Q1: What is reported in the news?A ) A deadly fish has been spotted in the Mediterranean waters.B ) Invasive species are driving away certain native species.C ) The Mediterranean is a natural habitat of Devil Firefish.D ) Many people have been attacked by Devil Firefish.Q2: What is the environmentalist concern about the spread of devil fire fish in the Mediterranean?A ) It could add to greenhouse emissions.B ) It could disrupt the food chains there.C ) It could pose a threat to other marine species.D ) It could badly pollute the surrounding waters.News Report 2(3-1)Almost half the center of Paris will be accessible only by foot or bicycle this Sunday to mark World-Car-Free Day. ( 4 ) This is in response to rising air pollution that made Paris the most polluted city in the world for a brief time. Mayor Ann Ethogo promoted the first World-Car-Free Day last year. Ethogo also has supported a Pairs-briefs-Day on the first Sunday of every month. Paris clears traffic from eight lanes of the main road. (3-2)About 400 miles of streets will be closed to cars. It is expected to bring significant reduction in pollution levels. Last year's Car-FreeDay showed a 40% drop in pollution levels in some parts of the city. According to an independent air pollution monitor, reports the guardian and sound levels dropped by 50% in the city center.Q3: What will happen on World-Car-Free-Day in Paris?A ) Cars will not be allowed to enter the city.B ) About half of its city center will be closed to cars.C ) Buses will be the only vehicles allowed on its streets.D ) Pedestrians will have free access to the city.Q4: What motivated the mayor of Paris to promote the first World-Car-Free Day in her city?A ) The rising air pollution in Paris.B ) The worsening global warming.C ) The ever-growing cost of petrol.D ) The unbearable traffic noise.News Report 3( 5 ) A Philippine fisherman was feeling down on his luck when a house fire forced him to clear out his possessions and change locations. Then, a good luck charm that he kept under his bed changed his life. The unidentified man fished out a giant pearl from the ocean when his anchor got stuck on the rock while sailing off a coastal island in the Philippines 10 years ago. ( 6 ) When he was forced to sell it, ( 7 ) the shocked tourist agent at Puerto Francesca told him that the 77-pound giant pearl that he had kept hidden in his run-down wooden house was the biggest pile in the world, which was valued at 76 million pounds. The pearl of Allah, which is currently on display in a New York Museum, only weighs 14 pounds. That is 5 times smaller than the pearl that the fisherman just handed in. The monstrous pearl, measured at 1 foot wide and 2.2 feet long, is going to be verified by local experts and international authorities before hopefully going on display to attract more tourists in the little town.Question 5. What happened to the Philippine fisherman one day?A ) Many of his possessions were stolen.B ) His house was burnt down in a fire.C ) His fishing boat got wrecked on a rock.D ) His good luck charm sank into the sea.Question 6. What was the fisherman forced to do?A ) Change his fishing locations.B ) Find a job in a travel agency.C ) Spend a few nights on a small island.D ) Sell the pearl he had kept for years.Question 7. What did the fisherman learn from the tourist agent?A ) A New York museum...B ) The largest pearl in the world...C ) His monstrous pearl was extremely valuable.D ) His pearl could be displayed in a museum.Conversation 1W: Mr. Smith, it's a pleasure meeting you.M: Nice to meet you,too. What can I do for you?W: Well, I'm here to show you what our firm can do for you. ( 8 )Astra Consultant has branches in over 50 countries, offering different business services. We are a global company with 75 years of history and our clients include some of the world's largest companies.M: Thank you, Mrs. Houston. I know Astro Consultant is a famous company, but you said you would show me what you could do for me. Well, what exactly can your firm do for my company?W: We advise businesses on all matters—from market analysis to legal issues. Anything of business like yours could need, our firm offers expert advice. Could I ask you, Mr. Smith, to tell me a little about your company and the challenges you face? That way, I could better respond as to how we can help you.M: OK, sure. ( 9 ) This is a family business started by my grandfather in 1950. We employed just over 100 people. We manufacture an export stone for buildings and other constructions. Our clients usually want a special kind of stone cut in a special design. That's what we do in our factory. ( 10 ) Our main challenge is that our national currency is rising and we're losing competitive advantage to stone producers in India.W: I see. that's very interesting. ( 11 ) I would suggest that you let us first conduct a financialanalysis of your company, together with an analysis of your competitors in India. That way we could offer the best advice on different ways forward for you.Q8. What do we learn about the woman's company?A ) It boast a fairly long history.B ) It produces construction materials.C ) It has 75 offices around the world.D ) It has over 50 business partners.Q9. What does the man say about his own company?A ) It has about 50 employees.B ) It was started by his father.C ) It has a family business.D ) It is over 100 years old.Q10. What is the main problem with the man's company?A ) Shortage of raw material supply.B ) Legal disputes in many countries.C ) Outdated product design.D ) Loss of competitive edge.Q11. What does the woman suggest doing to help the man’s company?A ) Conducting a financial analysis for it.B ) Providing training for its staff members.C ) Seeking new ways to increase its exports.D ) Introducing innovative marketing strategies.Conversation 2W: Wow, Congratulations, Simon. (12-1)The place looks absolutely amazing.M: Really? You think so?W: Of course,(12-2)I love it! It looks like you had a professional interior designer. But you didn't, did you?M: No. I did it all by myself—with a little help from my brother Greg. He's actually in the construction business, which was really helpful.W: (12-3)I honestly am impressed. I knew I could probably repaint the walls in my house over a weekend or something, but not a full renovation. Where did you get your ideas? I wouldn't know where to start.M: ( 13 ) Well, for a while now, I've been regularly buying home design magazines every now and then, and say the picture I liked. Believe it or not, I had a full notebook of magazine pages. Since my overall style was quite minimal, I thought and hoped the whole renovation wouldn't be too difficult. And sure enough, with Greg's help,it was very achievable.W: Was it very expensive? I imagine a project like this could be.M: ( 14 ) Actually, it was surprisingly affordable. I managed to sell a lot of my old furniture, and put that extra money towards the new material. Greg was also able to get some discount of materials from a recent project he was working on as well.W: Great. If you don't mind, I'd like to pick your brain a bit more. Jonathan and I are thinking of renovating our sitting room, not the whole house—not yet anyway. ( 15 ) And we'd love to get some inspiration from your experience. Are you free to come over for a coffee early next week?Question 12. What do we learn about the woman from the conversation?A ) She is a real expert at house decorations.B ) She is well informed about the design business.C ) She is attracted by the color of the sitting room.D ) She is really impressed by the man’s house.Question 13. Where did the man get his ideas for the project?A ) From his younger brother Greg.B ) From home design magazines.C ) From a construction businessman.D ) From a professional interior designer.Question 14. What did the man say about the project he recently completed?A ) The effort was worthwhile.B ) The style was fashionable.C ) The cost was affordable.D ) The effect was unexpected.Question 15. Why does the woman invite the man to her house next week?A ) She’d like him to talk with Jonathan about a new project.B ) She wants him to share his renovation experience with her.C ) She wants to discuss the house decoration budget with him.D ) She’d like to show him around her newly-renovated house.Passage 1( 16 ) Removing foreign objects from ears and noses costs England almost£3 million a year, a study suggests. Children were responsible for the vast majority of cases. 95% of objects removed from noses, and 85% from ears. Every year, an average of 1,218 nose,and 2,479 ear removals took place between 2010 and 2016. ( 17 ) According to England's hospital episodes statistics, children aged 1 to 4 were the most likely to need help from doctors for a foreign object in their nose. 5 to 9 -year-olds come to the hospital with something in their ears the most.Jewelry items accounted for up to 40% of cases in both the ears and noses of children. Paper and plastic toys for the items removed next most from noses. Cotton buds, and pencils were also found in years.( 18 ) According to the study, the occurrence of foreign objects in children is generally attributed to curiosity. Children have an impulse to explore their noses and ears. This results in the accidental entry of foreign objects. Any ear, nose and throat surgeon has many weird stories about wonderful objects found in the noses and ears of children and adults. Batteries can pose a particular danger. In all cases, prevention is better than cure. This is why many toys contain warnings about small parts. Recognizing problems early and seeking medical attention is important.Question16 What does England spend an annual£3 million on?A ) Providing routine care for small childrenB ) Paying hospital bills for emergency cases.C ) Doing research on ear, nose and throat diseases.D ) Removing objects from patients’ noses and ears.Question17 What do we learn from England's hospital episodes statistics?A ) Many children like to smell things they find or play with.B ) Many children like to put foreign objects in their mouth.C ) Five-to nine-year-olds are the most likely to put things in their ears.D ) Children aged one to four are often more curious than older children.Question18 What is generally believed to account for children putting things in their ears or noses?A ) They tend to act out of impulse.B ) They want to attract attentions.C ) They are unaware of the potential risks.D ) They are curious about these body parts.Passage 2( 21 ) Good morning. Today, I would like to talk to you about my charity Re-bicycle.But before that, let me introduce someone. This is Layla Rahimi. She was so scared when she first moved to new Zealand. Does she struggled to leave the house? I would spend days working up the courage to walk to the supermarket for basic supplies. ( 19 ) After a few months of being quite down and unhappy, she was invited to join a local bike club. At this time, Re-bicycle got involved and gave Layla a second-hand bicycle. Within weeks, her depression had begun to ease as she cycled. The bicycle totally changed her life, giving her hope and a true feeling of freedom. ( 20 ) To date, Re-bicycle has donated more than 200 bikes to those in need and is now expanding bike-riding lessons as a demand source. With a bike, new comers here can travel farther but for almost no cost. The 3 hours a day they used to spend walking to and from English language lessons has been reduced to just 1hour.( 21 ) Our bike riding lessons are so successful that we are urgently looking for more volunteers, learning to ride a bike is almost always more difficult for an adult. And this can take days and weeks rather than hours. So if any of you have some free time during the weekend, please come join us at Re-bicycle and make a difference in someone’s life.Question 19. What did Re-bicycle do to help Layla Rahimi?A ) It paid for her English lessons.B ) It gave her a used bicycle.C ) It delivered her daily necessities.D ) It provided her with physical therapy.Question 20. What is Re-bicycle doing to help those in need?A ) Expanding bike-riding lessons.B ) Asking local people for donations.C ) Providing free public transport.D ) Offering walking tours to visitors.Question 21. What do we learn from the passage about Re-bicycle?A ) It is a language school.B ) It is a charity organization.C ) It is a counseling center.D ) It is a sports club.Passage 3Thanks to the international space station, ( 22 ) we know quite a bit about the effects of low gravity on the human body, but NASA scientists want to learn more.To that end, they have been studying how other species deal with low gravity, specifically focusing on mice. The results are both interesting and humorous. The scientists first sent some mice and especially designed cage to the international space station.The cage allowed them to study the behavior of the mice remotely from earth, via video.As you’ll notice in the video, ( 23 ) the mice definitely seem uncomfortable at the beginning of the experiment.They move around clumsily, drifting within the small confines of the cage and do their best to figure out which way is up, but without success. However, it’s not long before the mice begin to catch on.They adapt remarkably well to their new environment, and even use the lack of gravity to their advantage as they push themselves around the cage. That’s when things really get wild. ( 24 ) The 11th day of the experiment shows the mice are not just dealing with the gravity change, but actually seem to be enjoying it. Several of the mice are observed running around the cage walls. The scientists wanted to see whether the mice would continue doing the same kinds of activities they were observed doing on earth.( 25 ) The study showed that the mice kept much of the routines intact, including cleaning themselves and eating when hungry.Question 22 : What do NASA scientists want to learn about?A ) How mice imitate human behavior in space.B ) How low gravity affects the human body.C ) How mice interact in a new environment.D ) How animals deal with lack of gravity.Question 23: What does the passage say about the mice at the beginning of the experiment?A ) They were not used to the low-gravity environment.B ) They found it difficult to figure out where they were.C )They found the space in the cage too small to stay in.D ) They were not sensitive to the changed environment.Question 24: What was observed about the mice on the 11th day of the experiment?A ) They tried everything possible to escape from the cage.B ) They continued to behave as they did in the beginning.C ) They already felt at home in the new environment.D ) They had found a lot more activities to engage in.Question 25: What did the scientists find about the mice from the experiment?A ) They repeated their activities every day.B ) They behaved as if they were on Earth.C ) They begin to eat less after some time.D ) They changed their routines in space.答案1-7 ACBABDC8-15 ACDADBCB16-25 DCDBABDDCB。
2023年12月四级真题听力和答案解析资料

12月大学英语四级听力真题及答案卷一【听力】卷一·真题:听力试题:Part Ⅱ Listening Comprehension (25minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 to 2 are based on the conversation you have just heard.1. A) It was dangerous to live in. C) He could no longer pay the rent.B) It was going to be renovated. D) He had sold it to the royal family.2. A) A strike. C) A forest fire.B) A storm. D) A terrorist attack.Questions 3 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.3. A) They lost contact with the emergency department.B) They were trapped in an underground elevator.C) They were injured by suddenly falling rocks.D) They sent calls for help via a portable radio.4. A) They tried hard to repair the elevator.B) They released the details of the accident.C) They sent supplies to keep the miners warm.D) They provided the miners with food and water.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the conversation you have just heard.5. A) Raise postage rates.B) Improve its services.C) Redesign delivery routes.D) Close some of its post offices.6. A) Shortening business hours.B) Closing offices on holidays.C) Stopping mail delivery on Saturdays.D) Computerizing mail sorting processes.7. A) Many post office staff will lose their jobs.B) Many people will begin to complain.C) Taxpayers will be very pleased.D) A lot of controversy will arise.听力原文短篇新闻2Section A - 2Rescue efforts were underway Thursday morning for 17 miners who were stuck in an elevator below ground at a Cargill rock salt mine near Lansing, New York, according to Marcia Lynch.Public information officer with Tompkins County’s emergency response department, emergency workers have made contact with the miners via a radio. And they all appear to be uninjured, said Jessica Verfuss, the emergency department’s assistant director.Crews have managed to provide heat packs and blankets to the miners so that they can keep warm during the rescue operation, Verfuss said. Details about what led to the workers’ being trapped in the elevator went immediately available. The mine, along New York’s Cayuga Lake, processes salt used for road treatment. It produces about 2 million tons of salt that is shipped to more than 1,500 places in the northeastern United States, the rock salt mine is one of three operated by Cargill with the other two in Louisiana and Ohio.Q3. What does the news report say about the salt miners?Q4.What did the rescue team do?短篇新闻3Section A - 3The U.S. Postal Service announced today that it is considering closing about 3,700 post offices over the next year because offalling revenues.Facing an $8.3 billion budget deficit this year, closing post officers is one of several proposals the Postal Service has put forth recently to cut costs. Last week, for example, Postmaster General Pat Donahoe announced plans to stop mail delivery on Saturdays, a move he says could save $3 billion annually.“We are losing revenue as we speak,” Donahoe said. “We do not want taxpayer money. We want to be self-sufficient. So like any other business you have to make choices.”Dean Granholm the vice president for delivery and post office operations said the first waves of closings would begin this fall. He estimated that about 3,000 postmasters, 500 station managers and between 500 and 1,000 postal clerks could lose their jobs.Q5.What is the U.S. Postal Service planning to do?Q6.What measure has been planned to save costs?Q7.What will happen when the proposed measure come into effect? Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation you will hear four questions. Boththe conversations and the question-s will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) He will be kept from promotion.B) He will go through retraining.C) He will be given a warning.D) He will lose part of his pay.9. A) He is always on time.B) He is a trustworthy guy.C) He is an experienced press operator.D) He is on good terms with his workmates.10. A) She is a trade union representative.B) She is in charge of public relations.C) She is a senior manager of the shop.D) She is better at handling such matters.11. A) He is skilled and experienced.B) He is very close to the manager.C) He is always trying to stir up trouble.D) He is always complaining about low wages.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Open.B) Selfish.C) Friendly.D) Reserved.13. A) They stay quiet.B) They read a book.C) They talk about the weather.D) They chat with fellow passengers.14. A) She was always treated as a foreigner.B) She was eager to visit an English castle.C) She was never invited to a colleague’s home.D) She was unwilling to make friends with workmates.15. A) Houses are much more quiet.B) Houses provide more privacy.C) They want to have more space.D) They want a garden of their own.听力原文:长对话1&2Conversation 1A: Mrs. Hampton, we've got trouble in the press room this morning.B: Oh dear. What about?A: One of the press operators arrived an hour and a half late.B: But that's a straightforward affair. He will simply lose partof his pay. That's why we have a clock-in system.A: But the point is the man was clocked-in at 8 o'clock. We have John standing by the time clock, and he swears he saw nothing irregular.B: Is John reliable?A: Yes, he is. That's why we chose him for the job.B: Have you spoken to the man who was late?A: Not yet. I thought I'd have a word with you first. He's a difficult man, and I think there's been some trouble on the shop floor. I've got a feeling that trade union representative is behind this. The manager told me that Jack Green's been very active around the shop the last few days.B: Well, what do you want me to do?A: I was wondering if you'd see Smith, the man who was late, because you are so much better at handling things like this.B: Oh, alright. I'll see him. I must say I agree with you about there being bad feelings in the works. I've had the idea for sometime that Jack Green's been busy stirring things up in connectionwith the latest wage claim. He's always trying to make trouble. Well, I'll get the manager to send Smith up here.Q8. What will happen to the press operator who was late for the work according to the woman?Q9. What does the man say about John who stands by the time clock?Q10. Why does the man suggest the woman see the worker who was late?Q11. What does the woman say about Jack Green?Conversation 2A: Our topic today is about somethings that foreigners nearly always say when they visit Britain. It's 'Why are the British so cold?' And they're talking about the British personality – thefamous British 'reserve'. It means that we aren't very friendly, we aren't very open.B: So do you think it's true?A: It's a difficult one. So many people who visit Britain sayit's difficult to make friends with British people. They say we're cold, reserved, unfriendly...B: I think it's true. Look at Americans or Australians. They speak the same language, but they're much more open. And you see it when you travel, people - I mean strangers - speak to you on the street or on the train. British people seldom speak on the train. Or the bus. Not in London, anyway.A: 'Not in London'. That's it. Capital cities are full of tourists and are never very friendly. People are different in other parts of the country.B: Not completely. I met a woman once, an Italian. She's been working in Manchester for two years,and no one - not one of her colleagues - had ever invited her to their home. They were friendly to her at work, but nothing else. She couldn't believe it. She said that would never happen in Italy.A: You know what they say – 'an Englishman's home is his castle'. It’s really difficult to get inside.B: Yeah. It's about being private. You go home to your house and your garden and you close the door. It's your place.A: That's why the British don't like flats. They prefer to livein houses.B: That’s true.Q12. What do foreigners generally think of British people according to the woman?Q13. What may British people typically do one the train according to the man?Q14. What does the man say about the Italian woman working in Manchester?Q15. Why do British people prefer houses to flats?Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D).Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the conversation you have just heard.16. A) They don’t have much choice of jobs.B) They are likely to get much higher pay.C) They don’t have to go through job interviews.D) They will automatically be given hiring priority.17. A) Ask their professors for help.B) Look at school bulletin boards.C) Visit the school careers service.D) Go through campus newspapers.18. A) Helping students find the books and journals they need.B) Supervising study spaces to ensure a quiet atmosphere.C) Helping students arrange appointments with librarians.D) Providing students with information about the library.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19. A) It tastes better.B) It is easier to grow.C) It may be sold at a higher price.D) It can better survive extreme weathers.20. A) It is healthier than green tea.B) It can grow in drier soil.C) It will replace green tea one day.D) It is immune to various diseases.21. A) It has been well received by many tea drinkers.B) It does not bring the promised health benefits.C) It has made tea farmers’ life easier.D) It does not have a stable market.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.22. A) They need decorations to show their status.B) They prefer unique objects of high quality.C) They decorate their homes themselves.D) They care more about environment.23. A) They were proud of their creations.B) They could only try to create at night.C) They made great contributions to society.D) They focused on the quality of their products.24. A) Make wise choices.B) Identify fake crafts.C) Design handicrafts themselves.D) Learn the importance of creation.25. A) To boost the local economy.B) To attract foreign investments.C) To arouse public interest in crafts.D) To preserve the traditional culture.听力原文听力篇章:Passage OneIn college, time is scarce, and consequently, very precious. At the same time, expenses in college pile up surprisingly quickly. A part time job is a good way to balance costs while ensuring there is enough time left over for both academic subjects and after-class activities.If you are a college student looking for a part time job, the best place to start your job search is right on campus. There are tons of on-campus job opportunities, and as a student, you’ll automatically be given hiring priority. Plus, on-campus jobs eliminate commuting time, and could be a great way to connect with academic and professional resources at your university. Check withyour school’s career service or employment office for help to find a campus job. Of course, there are opportunities for part-time workoff-campus, too. If you spend a little time digging for the right part time jobs, you’ll save yourself time when you find a job that leaves you with enough time to get your school work done, too. If you are a college student looking for work but worry you won’t have enough time to devote to academic subjects, consider working as a study hall or a library monitor. Responsibilities generally include supervising study spaces to ensure that a quiet atmosphere is maintained. It’s a pretty easy job, but one with lots of downtime-which means you will have plenty of time to catch up on reading, do homework or study for an exam.Q16: What does the speaker say about college students applyingfor on-campus jobs?Q17: What can students do to find a campus job according to the speaker?Q18: What does the speaker say is a library monitor’s responsibility?Passage TwoAgricultural workers in green tea fields near Mt. Kenya are gathering the tea leaves. It is beautiful to see. The rows of tea bushes are straight. All appears to be well. But the farmers who planted the bushes are worried. Nelson Kibara is one of them. He has been growing tea in the Kerugoya area for 40 years.He says the prices this year have been so low that he has made almost no profit. He says he must grow different kinds of tea if he is to survive.Mr. Kibara and hundreds of other farmers have been removing some of their tea bushes and planting a new kind of tea developed by the Tea Research Foundation of Kenya. Its leaves are purple and brown. When the tea is boiled, the drink has a purple color. Medical researchers have studied the health benefits of the new tea. They say it is healthier than green tea and could be sold for a price that is three to four times higher than the price of green tea.But Mr. Kibara says he has not received a higher price for his purple tea crop.He says the market for the tea is unstable and he is often forced to sell his purple tea for the same price as green tea leaves. Hesays there are not enough buyers willing to pay more for the purple tea.Q19. Why have tea farmers in Kenya decided to grow purple tea?Q20. What do researchers say about purple tea?Q21. What does Mr. Kibara find about purple tea?Passage ThreeToday's consumers want beautiful handcrafted s to wear and tohave for their home environment. They prefer something unique andthey demand quality. Craftsmen today are meeting this demand. People and homes are showing great change as more and more uniquehandcrafted items become available. Handcrafts are big business. No long does a good craftsman have to work in a job he dislikes all day and then try to create at night. He has earned his professional status. He is now a respected member of society. Parts of the fun of being a craftsman is meeting other craftsmen. They love to sharetheir ideas and materials and help others find markets for their work. Craftsmen have helped educate consumers to make wise choices. They help them become aware of design and technique. They help them relate their choice to its intended use. They often involve consumers intrying the craft themselves. When a group of craftsmen expends to include more members, a small craft organization is formed. Such an organization does a lot in training workshops in special media, craft marketing techniques, craft fairs and sales, festivals, TV appearances and demonstrations. State art councils help sponsor local arts and crafts festivals which draw crowds of tourist consumers.This boosts the local economy considerably because tourists not only buy crafts, but they also use the restaurants and hotels and other services of the area.Q22. What does the speaker say about today's consumers?Q23. What does the speaker say about a good craftsman in the past?Q24. What do craftsmen help consumers do?Q25. Why do state art councilshelp sponsor local arts and crafts festivals?听力参照答案:Section A1. [A] It was dangerous to live in.2. [B] A storm3. [B] They were trapped in an underground elevator.4. [C] They sent supplies to keep the miners warm.5. [D] Close some of its post office.6. [C] Stopping mail delivery on Saturdays.7. [A] Many post office staff will lose their jobs. Section B8. [D] He will lose part of his pay.9. [B] He is a trustworthy guy.10.[D] She is better at handling such matters.11.[C] He is always trying to stir up trouble.12. [D] Reserved13. [A] They stay quiet14. [C] She was never invited to a colleague’s home.15. [B] Houses provide more privacySection C16. [D] They will automatically be given hiring priority.17. [C] Visit the school careers service.18. [B] Supervising study spaces to ensure a quiet atmosphere.19. [C] It may be sold at a higher price.20. [A] It is healthier than green tee.21. [D] It does not have a stable market.22. [B] They prefer unique s of high quality.23. [B] They could only try to create at night.24. [A] Make wise choices.25. [A] To boost the local economy.更多理解请加:群名称:英语四级冲刺资料共享群号:。
- 1、下载文档前请自行甄别文档内容的完整性,平台不提供额外的编辑、内容补充、找答案等附加服务。
- 2、"仅部分预览"的文档,不可在线预览部分如存在完整性等问题,可反馈申请退款(可完整预览的文档不适用该条件!)。
- 3、如文档侵犯您的权益,请联系客服反馈,我们会尽快为您处理(人工客服工作时间:9:00-18:30)。
2014年6月英语四级听力原文(卷一)1. W: I can’t seem to reach the tea at the back of the cupboard.M: Oh… Why don’t you use the ladder? You might strain yo ur shoulder.Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?2. W: Since it’s raining so hard, let’s go and see th e new exh ibits.M: That’s a good idea. Mary Johnson is one of my favorite p ainters.Q: Where does the conversation most probably take place?3. M: I hear the students gave the new teacher an unfair evalu ation.W: It depends on which student you are talking about.Q: What does the woman imply?4. W: It must have taken you a long time to fix up all these book shelves.M: It wasn’t too bad. I got Doris to do some of them.Q: What does the man mean?5. W: Rod, I hear you’ll be leaving at the e nd of this month. Is it true?M: Yeah. I’ve been offered a much better position with anothe r firm. I’d be a fool to turn it down.Q: Why is the man quitting his job?6. W: I honestly don’t want to continue the gardening tomorro w, Tony?M: Neither do I. But I think we should get it over with this weekend.Q: What does the man mean?7. W: You’ve already furnished your apartment?M: I found some used furniture that was dirt cheap.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?8. W: Has the mechanic called the bus repairers?M: Not yet .I’ll let you know when he calls.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Conversation one:M: Hello. Matt Ellis speaking.W: Hello, Dr. Ellis, my name’s Pan Johnson. My roommate, J anet Holmes, wanted me to call you.M: Janet Holmes? Oh, that’s right. She’s in my Shakespearean English class. Has anything happened to her?W: Nothing, it’s just that she submitted a job application yes te rday and the company asked her in for an interview today. She’s a fraid she won’t be able to attend your class this afternoon though. I’m calling to see whether it would be OK if I gave you her essay. Janet said it’s due today.M: Certainly, that would be fine. Uh, you can either drop it o ff at my class or bring it to my office.W: Would it be all right to come by your office around 4:00? I’m afraid I can’t come any earlier because I have three classes t his afternoon.M: Uh, I won’t be here when you come. I’m supposed to be at a meeting from 3:00 to 6:00, but how about leaving it with my secretary? She usually stays until 5:00. W: Fine, please tell her I’l l be there at 4:00. And Dr. Ellis, one more thing, could you tell m e where your office is? Janet told me where your class is, but she didn’t give me directions to your office.M: Well, I’m in Room 302 of the Gregory Building. I’ll tell my secretary to put the paper in my mail box, and I’ll get it when I return.W: I sure appreciate it. Goodbye, Dr. Ellis.M: Goodbye, Ms. Johnson.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have j ust heard.9. Why couldn’t the woman’s roommate attend the Shakespeare an English class that afternoon?10. What favor is the woman going to do for her roommate?11. What does the woman want to know at the end of the co nversation?Passage OneMost American college students need to be efficient readers. T his is necessary because full-time students probably have to read se veral hundred pages every week. They don't have time to read a c hapter three or four times. They need to extract as much informatio n as possible from the first or second reading.An extraordinarily important study skill is knowing how to mar k a book. Students mark the main ideas and important details with a pen or pencil, yellow or blue or orange. Some students mark ne w vocabulary in a different color. Most students write questions or short notes in the margins. Marking a book is a useful skill, but it' s important to do it right. First, read a chapter with one pen in yo ur hand and others next to you on the desk. Second, read a whole paragraph before you mark anything. Don't mark too much. Usuall y you will mark about 10% of a passage. Third, decide on your o wn system for marking. For example, maybe you will mark main i deas in yellow, important details in blue and new words in orange. Maybe you will put question marks in the margin when you don't understand something and before an exam. Instead, you just need t o review your marks and you can save a lot of time.16. What should American college students do to cope with th eir heavy reading assignments?17. What suggestion does the speaker give about marking a te xtbook?18. How should students prepare for an exam according to the speaker?Passage TwoThe thought of having no sleep for 24 hours or more isn't a p leasant one for most people. The amount of sleep that each person needs varies. In general, each of us needs about 8 hours of sleep each day to keep us healthy and happy. Some people, however, ca n get by with just a few hours of sleep at night.It doesn't matter when or how much a person sleeps. But ever yone needs some rest to stay alive. Few doctors would have thoug ht that there might be an exception to this. Sleep is, after all, a ve ry basic need. But a man named Al Herpin turned out to be a real exception, for supposedly, he never slept!Al Herpin was 90 years old when doctors came to his home i n New Jersy. They hoped to challenge the claim that he never slep t. But they were surprised. Though they watched him every hour of the day, they never saw Herpin sleeping. He did not even own a bed. He never needed one.The closest that Herpin came to resting was to sit in a rockin g chair and read a half dozen newspapers. His doctors were puzzled by the strange case of permanent sleeplessness. Herpin offered the only clue to his condition. He remembered some talk about his mother having been injured several days before he had been born. Herpin died at the age of 94, never, it seems, having slept at all.19. What is taken for granted by most people?20. What do doctors think of Al Herpin's case?21. What could have accounted for Al Herpin's sleeplessness? Among the kinds of social gestures most significant for second lang uage teachers, are those which are identical in form, but different i n meaning in the two cultures. For example, a Columbian who wan ts someone to approach him often signals with a hand movement, i n which all the fingers of one hand cupped point downward as the y move rapidly back and forth. Speakers of English have a similar gesture, though the hand may not be cupped and the fingers may be held more loosely. But for them, the gesture means "goodbye" o r "go away", quite the opposite of the Columbian gesture. Again in Columbia, a speaker of English would have to know that when he indicates height, he must choose between different gestures depending on whether he is referring to a human being or an animal. If he keeps the palm of the hand parallel to the floor, as he would i n his own culture when making known the height of a child for ex ample, he will very likely be greeted by laughter. In Columbia, this gesture is reserved for the description of animals. In order to desc ribe human beings, he should keep the palm of his hand at a right angle to the floor. Substitutions of one gesture for the other often create not only humorous but also embarrassing moments. In both of the examples above, speakers from two different cultures have t he same gesture physically, but its meaning differs sharply。