中南大学口语考试A

Directions: You and your partner are going to choose one from the following eight items at random. Each item is composed of two tasks: conversation (40%) and discussion or debating (60%). Before you start the tasks, you have half a minute to introduce your name, major, student’s number, etc. briefly.

Item One

Task 1: Situational dialogue (3 minutes)

A is calling B, her boyfriend, to see a film. But he has been having a hard time at work lately and just wants to have a quiet night at home, alone.

A:Sweety,do you remember that we are going to see a film today?I’m looking forward to it.

B:Honey,I’m afraid that I have to cancle it……

A:What?But you havc already canclled once last week!And tonight is the last night it’s showing.I can’t stand you anymore ,you always being that! B:Calm down.Give me a chance to explain.I am really sorry ,but I just want to have a quiet night in at home.

A:But why? Are you tired of me?

B:No ,you the one I want to be with,but,I want to have a relax,alone. A: OK.I’m sorry.I know there must be something worrying you ,and I feel worried about our relationship ,too.

B:Thank you for your consideration.it really comfort me a lot. You know,I have been having a hard time at work lately ,and I just need a rest . A:Ok.Maybe we can go to the cinema next time .

B:I’m really sorry.

A:Don’t be .We should trust each other ,right? I’ll always stand by you. B:You are so sweet.

A:I love you.Bye.

B:Bye.

Task 2: Discussion (5 minutes)

Do you know of any place that has undergone modernization? Were the changes for the better or the worse?

A:Hey ,You Yuanxue.Do you know the news that Hunan performing arts group and Hollywood Investment Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Changsha?

B:No,what was it about?

A:It’s reported that Hollywood will be stationed in the Chinese, initial station Hunan deduction will be settled in Yiyang group!

B:Wow,it sounds wonderful!It must be a good news for Yi Yan’s development of modernization.

A:Yes!You know ,Yi Yan is my hometown.But I’m a little afraid of the negative effects of the changes.

B:Why are you so worried?It is the tendency of the decelopment in our society .

A:You know, i n recent years Yi Yan has undergone a rapid process of modernization, and there are also some severe problems,pollutions of the environment ,for example.

B:I know.But it’s has pros and cons of the modernization,and I think the positive.

effects are more important.You can enjoy the modern labour-saving devices such as electronic products,you can go to a place more quickly ,and even,you can have more chances to see the superstars .

A:That’s fantastic! It does be more convenient for us to live in a modern city.You know m odernization theory and experience have been explicitly used as guides for countries eager to develop rapidly, such as China.

B:Yes.Indeed, modernization has been proposed as the most useful framework for World history in China,cause china is one of the developing countries.

A:I think we should summarize the good effects of the modernization by b asing on the actual conditions and learn experiences from other modern cities.

B:You are right.Hope YiYan success.

A:Good luck for my hometown.

B:It’s time for class,let’s go!

A:Ok.

Item Two

Task 1: Situational dialogue (3 minutes)

A, a customer in a street market, sees a jacket that she/he would like to buy. And A is trying to negotiate a discount—ideally 20% with B, a market stall holder, who is prepared to offer a very small discount for goods.

B: Welcome to Tu’s store. Anything I can do for you?

A: Well you know, I just occasionally walk in and kind of wanna look around. B: Then here is the right place to go. These are all my personal designs. The works are unique and even hand made.

A: I always have a good taste and also picky eyes by the way. Can you show me that jacket please?

B: Excellent choice. That’s the most expensive one, and of course it’s of great quality.

A: Not bad indeed. Wait a minute…What? 300dallors? A re you kidding ? That’s unreasonable!

B: Have a second thought please, look at it, it’s entirely made by calfskin. With advanced technology and perfect details, it will keep your body warm and your appearance in fashion.

A: 20 percents off at least, I may try it on. I did notice what you have mentioned, but still it’s just a jacket. I don’t quite like the collar as well.

B: Look, I know you really like it, also, I think you would look sharp in it. Seriously, it fits you well. However 20 percents is too much. A: Thanks for your compliment. It’s a good thing to see your own work finds its owner, isn’t? So tell me about your discount.

B: 10 percents off. That’s all I can give. This is my price with sincerity. A: OK. 10 percents it is. You know what, actually I regard the collar as the best part of the jacket. I was just lying. Your works are brilliant and you deserve it.

B: Many thanks. Remember to come over next time.

Task 2: Discussion (5 minutes)

Do you have any money-saving tips? Share them with your partner.

A:Hey ,You Yuan xue ,could you lent me some money?

B:Ok.How much do you need?

A:200 yuan.

B:Ok.Here you are.Is the money that your parents give you not enough? A:Maybe.But I think the most important reason is that I don’t have a good plan and waste too much money .Do you have any money-saving tips?

B:Yes.In my opinon,we should try to eat at the canteen every meal.It can save up much money,and it is also more healthy.

A:I agree.And I think I should wake up earlier or buy a second-hand bycicle so I will not pay extra money taking school bus

B:You are right.But take care of your bike,there are so many thieves . A:Ok.Besides,I also can’t help bulk buying useless things on the Internet,and it costs me so much money.

B:I have this problem ,too.The products are cheaper on the Internet,but we should keep a list and supervise each other in case of buying useless things.

A:You are right.And what about the leisure time?I also spend much money on watching movies and singing songs with my friends on KTV.

B:We can watch free movies on the Internet ,too.And if there’s no need ,you should reject your friends’invitation to the KTV.After all,you are a student who can not make money by yourselve.

A:Uh,OK.Maybe I can go to the book shop with my friends.It’s free,and we can make progress by broadening our horizons .

B:Ha Ha.

A:I will make a reasonable plan of my pocket money next month!I will be a savvy spender!

B:Hope you success.

Item Three

Task 1: Situational dialogue (3 minutes)

A and

B are college students. They are talking about their experience of eating out at a restaurant.

A:hi

B:hi.how r u

A:not bad.but i just a little bit hungry now

B:hungry?you makes me remember the last time we ate out at the palace hotel.

A:you mean the time i had pasta with seafood and pasta with garlic sauce...

B:and u had a pumpkin pie as dessert.the Pan-Fried Beef Steak with Black Pepper and Pan fried french goose liver with caesar salad. U really ate a lot.

A:did i?i never thought i ate 2 much.but i Iwas really f ull.I never had such a great meal.what did u eat?i dont remember.

B:i had a fried chicken.I thought the fried chicken was really tasty.and the soup is so yummy.i cant wait going to that restraunt again.

A:me too.how about this weekend?

B:this weekend what?

A:go to palace hotel

B:sure.i’d love to

Task 2: Discussion (5 minutes)

Are you a savvy spender, a penny-pincher or a credit-card binger? Describe your spending habits.

A:oh,i spend all of my money again!

B:again?you r really a penny-pincher.

A:yeah,I struggled with debt for years. I couldn’t get a handle on where my money went. I made a decent wage, but I was always broke! Where did I spend it all?

B;may be you just buy 2 much clothes that you would never put them on. A:that’s true.and i spend a lot of money on traveling.what about u?Where did u spend your money all?

B:i just spend the money on having meals and buying books.

A:oh,u r a savy spender.how good your spending habits is!Come on,tell me how i can save my money!

B:嗯。。U should make a plan.and list all the money you have to spend,and save the other money.it is so easy!Right!

A:got it.i will have a try.

Item Four

Task 1: Situational dialogue (3 minutes)

A is telling

B a story. It could be a favorite children’s stor y, a traditional tale, or the plot of a novel, or a film or television program, or his/her own experience. B should respond to A’s story.

A:Do you like watching movies?

B:Sure!I love movies!

A：So I guess that the reason why you are so good at English.

B:Well,maybe.Via watching those movies,especially the Hollywood products,can help us comprehending with English better.

A:Yeah,you bet.So what's your favorite movie?

B:Many movies are awesome,but I like Titanic the best.

A:That's a very famous movie,I haven't seen it yet.What't is about?

B:It's a beautiful love story happened on the famous ship--Titanic.

A young man named Jack who is not wealth fell in love with a noble girl named Rose.When the ship crashed into an iceberg,and was about to sink,Jack sacrificed his life to save Rose.And he told her before he died,"Stay alive,for me."So Rose survived in that accident,and later built her own family.But she never forgot about the love between her and Jack,untill she's very old and died in her dream.

A:Wow,that's a moving story.I can't wait to watch it now!

B:I do have the DVD of this movie,you can come to my house to get it.

A:That's great!Thanks~

Task 2: Discussion (5 minutes)

Which capital city would you most like to spend a weekend in? Why?

A:Which capital city would you most like to spend a weekend in?

B:london

A:why?

B:there r so many reasons.let me think.en..London is a cosmopolitan mixture of the Third and First worlds, of chauffeurs and beggars, of the establishment, the avowedly working class and the avant-garde. Unlike comparable European cities, much of London looks unplanned and grubby, but that is part of its appeal. Visiting London is like being let loose on a giant-sized Monopoly board clogged with traffic. Even though you probably won't know where the hell you are, at least the names will look reassuringly familiar. The city is so enormous, visitors will need to make maximum use of the underground train system: unfortunately, this dislocates the city's geography and makes it hard to get your bearings.

A:wow!I wanna go to london!

B:what about u?Which capital city would you most like to spend a weekend in? A:beijing

B:why?

A:Beijing is the political educational and cultural centre of the country and as such it is rich in historical sites and important government and cultural institutions. The city is well known for its flatness and regular construction.

B:and?

A:Landmarks The centre of the city and most important landmark is Tiananmen Square in Dongcheng District. This is the worlds largest public square and a must see for all visitors from abroad and from elsewhere in China. I love it!

B:but it is 2 noisy.i dont like it at all!

A:it is ok for me

Item Five

Task 1: Situational dialogue (3 minutes)

A wants to borrow B’s car to take his/her elderly aunt, who has difficulty walking, to the airport. There are no buses or trains as it is an early flight. B, however, prefers not to lend the car again, as it got scratched when a friend borrowed it the last time.

A:Hello,is your car abscent tomorrow night?

B:probably I won’t use it until this Friday.

A:could you lend your car to me?

B:what's it for?

A: i need to take my elderly aunt she has difficulty walking, to the airport so,can you help me?

B:I remember you have a car…

A; my car doesn't work,and I took my car to the garage.it won’t be back until next week. B;that’s really a trouble.maybe you ask your anut to take buses or trains to the airport.

A:it probably couldn’t solve my problem. Just now I call to the reception.she told me There are no buses or trains as it is an early flight.

B:actually.i don’t prefer to lend it again.cause it got scratched when a friend borrowed it the last time.it costs me quite a lot of money to repair it .i don’t want to see the same things happen again.

A: So I understand your irritation.

Task 2: Discussion (5 minutes)

What are the advantages and disadvantages of urban life?

A：Hello, long time no see.I heard that you have moved to the urban last week. Do you adapt to the urban life?

B:yeah,it’s real comfort.it’s quiet developing.And i could enjoy the covenienc of hospitals,schools and colleges,places of entertainment,various shops,and modern means of transport.

A:definitely.but it also brings some new problems.you have to endure noise,dirty air,traffic jams and crowded housing conditions.i prefer to live in the countryside.

B:yeah,you bet. But the persons in the country think that there are many opportunity in the city. And there are good education, good service, good medical treatment in the city. They can nor appear in the country. People in the urban have much tension for the society. They have to work hard for living in the city and making themselves alive.

A: But The country is a good place for them to relax their body and their heart. In the

country they will do the thing which they like doing, such as drawing the rural sight. Nowadays, in the city, there are more and more crimes. They do not give people security. Every day, people live in the fear. And the quality of living will fall. Now many people feel that many people are cold to each other. It also makes our heart to tire. So people in the city want to have a rural life.

B: So the persons in the country want to have a urban life not only for themselves but also for their children and grandchildren. They think if they stay in the city, their future will be full of shinning.

A: If it is up to me make the choice, I think I have my urban life until I will be old. In the city, there are much challenge for me. I want to accept them.

B: Maybe it’s the best choice for us.

Item Six

Task 1: Situational dialogue (3 minutes)

Imagine that A comes from Beijing and B is a foreigner who is going to visit the city for the first time. Make up a dialogue about Beijing and give relevant tips.

B:I was really excited that I will come to Beijing next month,I have been Longing for the visit for a long time,I couldn’t wait it.

A:yeah.china really worth visit.and it’s crystal clear that the visit must be forgettable.

B:so,could you make a instruction for me?

A:yeah, Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center.

B:Beijing is really one of the metropolitan cities in china.I also heard that Beijing is the home to the headquarters for most of China's largest state-owned companies. It’s the destination of many international flights to China.

A:that’s right.nevertheness,the most attractive part of Beijing is its culture. Beijing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. It has been the heart of China’s history for centuries, The city is famous for its palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates.

B:that’s really cool. Its art treasures and universities have long made it a centre of culture and art in China.so could you give me some relevant tips.

A: you should make sure your passport there,it will be really troublesome if you lose it.and remember that you don’t need that many clothes you should choose clothes which is comfortable and easily clean.

B:ok,get it.thank you for your advice.

A:never mind. May a favorable wind send you safely to beijing!

Task 2: Discussion (5 minutes)

Should death penalty be abolished or not?

A:hey.i heard that opinions vary on the issue that whether the death penalty should be abolished or not.and it has sparked the controversy among the general public.shortly become the spotlight.do you have any idea about it? B:from my perspective. I'm opposed to it because it only would work if murderers were capable of rational thought instead of being motivated by alcohol, drugs. It is about time that the United States joins the rest of the Western civilized nations and abolish it.

A:Yes.i can’t agree more. Looking at the death penalty system in action, you realize that the only purpose it serves is revenge, there is a serious and continuing risk of executing innocent people. It costs much more than life in prison.

B: However, even families who have supported the death penalty in principal have testified that the drawn-out death penalty process is painful for them A:it hasn't been significant part of the justice system for over a century. Death penalty is the ultimate denial of human dignity and respect. Every person has the equal right to live and make mistakes.

B:By issuing death sentences countries refuse to consider prisoners as human beings. Death penalty also stands against the basic idea among all nations that life should be cherished; it is an act of murder.

A:Death penalty is a passive way of prevention; it subjects the prisoner to endless darkness where the prisoner is deprived of any chance of rehabilitation. B:On the other hand, through other sentences the prisoner may finally realize the brutality of the crime. Death sentences are extremely expensive to carry out A:i believe that Governments will realize the fact as the human beings are marching towards a more civilized society.

B:When they look at the costs, this is a criminal waste of the public's money. Item Seven

Task 1: Situational dialogue (3 minutes)

A and

B are talking about their travelling experiences. They tell each other the cities which impress them most.

A:you are really an experienced traveler.the album has recorded many places you have visited.

B:yeah,I really have a lot of fun on my trip.look at this picture,it’s the first time I really enjoy a good time.

A:could you give me a brief instruction?

B: Beijing is really one of the metropolitan cities in china.It is the home to the headquarters for most of China's largest state-owned companies. It’s the destination of many international flights to China.

A:then what impress you most?

B: the most attractive part of Beijing is its culture. Beijing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. It has been the heart of China’s history for

centuries, The city is famous for its palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates.then what about you?could you share your experience with me?

A:I could find no better experience than the trip to Yunnan.

B:that’s really fantastic! yunnan is a place that is really exotic.

A:you are right.i have been to Kunming, capital,called as "Spring City" reputation of the four seasons like in the spring, flowers are blooming, and beautiful sites, many are one of China's tourism hot spots. Southbound Shilin natural wonders, in Xishuangbanna,.it has natural scenery and ethnic customs.in Dali, Lijiang sites, as well as animal and plant kingdoms mysterious world, constitute a variety of scenic routes.

B:really wonderful!

A:Yunnan tourism to first clarify the relationship between them is necessary.it is really delicate.and bear the sincere blessing to the visitors all around the world.it really Stimulate me the desire to pay a visit to other places of interest. B:maybe we can go together

Task 2: Discussion (5 minutes)

Do you identify with “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” given of your sex? Why or why not?

A:As the saying puts it. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus,do you identify with it?

B:as far as i known.Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is a book written by American author. The book states that most of common relationship problems between men and women are a result of fundamental psychological differences between the genders,

A:yeah. I can’t agree more. It also refers that men and women are from distinct planets – men from Mars and women from Venus –- and that each gender is acclimated to its own planet's society and customs

B:One example is men's complaint that if they offer solutions to problems that women bring up in conversation, the women are not necessarily interested in solving those problems, but want mainly to talk about them.

A:I could find no better illustration than it. It asserts that each gender can be understood in terms of distinct ways they respond to stress and stressful situations.

B:that is a time when communication is very important in helping to bring the relationship back into balance. men and women view giving and receiving love differently,

A:also the difference in the way the genders react to stress. for example, to go spend time with friends. In their "caves", men are not necessarily focussed on the problem at hand; the y will distance themselves from the problem and relax, allowing them to re-examine the problem later with a fresh perspective.

B:But it has historically been hard for women to understand, because when

they become stressed, their natural reaction is to talk with someone close about it .even if talking doesn't provide a solution to the problem at hand.

A:Definetly.it really have many differences between the man and the woman. B:yeah.that’s the nature of human beings.

Item Eight

Task 1: Situational dialogue (3 minutes)

A and

B are friends. They share with each other their shopping experiences and describe their recent purchases.

A:Hey,your clock looks very nice.when and where do you bought it?

B:Oh,I bought it through the internet last week.

A:it looks so delicate,does it cost a lot?

B:it only cost me 50 yuan.You know you can always have a bargin on the internet.

A:It all depends.I don’t have a comfortable experience when I bought a pair of shoes last month.i ended up getting a pair with desired style but unfit sizes.i would rather try themselves when buying clothes or shoes.

B:Yes its potential dangers to the consumer could not be ignored. One possible risk is that consumers might not get the exact product they want because the information provided might not be enough or reliable.

A: Moreover, if consumers do not pay attention to the credibility of online stores, they might get cheated.

B:but online products range from small items to large ones.It has brought us many conveniences. So online shopping has become popular in people’s daily life.Could you give me some relevant tips on it?

A: certainly consumers should be aware of the credibility of an online store. Instead, they have to make their own judgment

B:with your advice.we could avoid possible trouble caused by inadequate or inaccurate information provided by an online store.thank you. A:you’re welcome

Task 2: Discussion (5 minutes)

Do you think that jokes from another country are sometimes not understood in another? Give examples.

A:it really make me embarrassing!

B:what happen?! I heard that you went to meet your foreign friends,is that go well?

A: Don’t mention it again.everything went well before she sad he is a freaking Yankee.

B:what’s wrong with the sentence?

A:I didn’t catch the meaning of it and don’t know how to continue the dialog. B:oh,the sentence is to describe he as a eccentric guy.it’s kind of the American humor.

A:but sometimes,I really find it’s a great difference between the Chinese humor and American humor. Chinese humor is in ethics kidding. American English do not usually.

B:yeah. American humor usually manners, habits, character, etc. Chinese style of humor is more nonsense, American humor is more serious.

A:you are quite to the point. such as call names tooth is bad, the Chinese people will say the dog hole is big, and British and American people will suggest that tied up your appearance.

B:but it both have a deep impression on the literature.it shows kind of cultural differences between china and America.

A:Yeah,Have you heard of the joke about blonde?

B:oh,do you mean the blonde Joke. how does a blonde try to kill a bird?

the answer is she throws it off a cliff!

A:in America,people usually thought the blonde is dumb or in other words, air-headed.

B:Yeah,we should understand the culture before we understand the joke.

A:that’ right!