英语四级听力材料原文
一、2016年6月份听力材料原文：（更多材料可关注公众号：巨微英语四六级）
News Report 1
The International Labor Organization says the number of people without jobs is increasing. In its latest update on global employment trends, the agency says projections of the number of unemployed people this year range from 210 million to nearly 240 million people. The report warns that 200 million poor workers are at risk of joining the ranks of people living on less than 2 dollars per day in the past three years. The director general of the International Labor Organization Juan Somavia notes that some countries have taken measures to address the effects of the global crisis.
However, he points out that many countries have not done so. And based on past experiences, it takes four to five years after economic recovery for unemployment to return to pre-crisis levels. Mr. Somavia says the International Labor Organization is proposing a global jobs' agreement to deal with unemployment. 'It's key objective is to play so the center of recovery efforts, measures that would generate high levels of employment and provide basic social protection for the most vulnerable.'
Q1. What is the news report mainly about?
Q2. What does, Juan Somavia, the director general of the International Labor Organization say?
News Report 2
Big fast food chains in New York City have started to obey a first of its kind rule, requiring them to post calorie counts right on the menu. Cathy Nurses is with the New York City department of health, 'We wanted to give people an opportunity to actually see the calories before they purchased the food and make a decision and inform decision. That if they want to make their healthier choice, if they want to eat fewer calories they can. And we expect this will have a huge impact on obesity. And of course, if it has an impact on obesity, it will have an impact on diabetes and heart disease and high blood pressure. 'The new rules will introduce as a part of anti-obesity campaign. That also includes a recent citywide ban and artificial trans-fats in restaurant food. The menu roll only applies to restaurants that serve standardized potion sizes and have fifty more locations nationwide. Starting last Saturday, chains big enough to fall under the rule will face penalties about 2000 dollars for not showing calorie information in a prominent spot on their menus preferably next to the price.
Q3. What are big fast food chains in New York City require to do according to the new rule?
Q4. What would happen to big restaurant chains that violate the new rule?
News Report 3
Almost all companies recognize the importance of innovation today. But not many are able to integrate innovation into their business.
A commentary in the Shanghai Daily points out that innovation doesn't mean piles of documents. It is something more practical. The article says many people tend to assume that innovation just means creating something new, but actually it's more than that. It's an attitude of doing things. A company should find ways to innovate not just in products but also in functions, business models and processes.
The article cites the global giant Procter & Gamble as an example, saying a real innovative company should develop an innovation culture and use it as a primary tool for success. Procter & Gamble has a “Corporate Innovation Fund” which offers big rewards for high-risk ideas that succeed. It also has a special innovation facility for its employees. Sometimes its employees are released from their daily jobs for weeks and spend their time interacting in the innovation facility instead. In conclusion, the article says innovative ideas alone do not ensure success. It's pointless unless there is a repeatable process in place to turn inspiration into financial performance.
Q5. What is the problem with many companies according to the news report?
Q6. What do many people tend to think of innovation?
Q7. What does the company Procter & Gamble owe its success to?
Conversation One
M: So, Linzy, do you like to text message on your cell phone?
W: Yeah, I text message a lot.
M: I don't do it so much. I prefer to make a call if I'm in a hurry.
W: Yeah, I go both ways. Sometimes I don’t really want to talk to the person. I just want to ask them one question, so it's much easier for me just to text message. If I call them, I'll have to have a long conversation.
M: Yeah, I can see what you mean. But I get off the phone pretty quickly when I call. I'm not a big talker.
W: Yeah, that's true. You don't talk a lot.
M: So are you fast at writing the messages with your thumb?
W: Well, when I first got a cell phone, I was so slow. I thought I would never text message. But then people kept text messaging me, so I felt obliged to learn how to text message. So now I'm pretty fast. What about you?
M: Actually I have the opposite problem. When I first got my cell phone, I thought it was so cool to text message all my friends who have one, and I was pretty fast with my thumb then. But it seems like now I don't use it so much, I've got slower actually.
W: Yeah, I think text messaging actually is what you have to do with your age. For example, people in high school, they text message a lot. But I ask my father if he texted messages, and guess what he said?
W: He said he'd never text message. He thinks it's very childish and unprofessional to text message.
M: Yeah, I can see what he means. It's considered pretty informal to text message to someone.
Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you've just heard.
Q8: What does the man say about himself?
Q9: What does the woman tend to do while she is on the phone?
Q10: Why did the man text message all his friends when he first got his cell phone?
Q11: What does the woman's father think of text messaging?
Conversation Two
W: Good morning, Mr. Johnson. How can I help you?
M: Well, I'd like to talk to you about Tim Bond, the department manager.
W: What seems to be the problem?
M: Well, ever since Sandra left the department, I feel like I've been targeted to do all her work as well as mine. I'm expected to attend too many meetings and I seem to be spending a lot of my time doing unnecessary paper work.
W: I'm sorry to hear that.
M: And, on top of that, I'd specifically asked if I could leave early last Friday as I done a lot of overtime during the week. But that afternoon, even though I'd finished my assigned work, I was told to help other colleagues finish their work, too.
W: But surely that's a positive sign showing that Mr. Bond has a lot of trust in you.
M: Yes, but other colleagues get to leave early, and they don't have such a lot of work to do.
W: So you feel he's really making unrealistic demands on you?
M: Yes, absolutely.
W: Have you approached Mr. Bond about this particular problem?
M: I've tried, but it seems like he just has no time for me.
W: Well, at this stage, it would be better if you approached him directly. If nothing else showing that you've tried to solve the problem yourself before you take it further. Makes it clear that you're just not a complainer. Why don't you send an email requesting a meeting with him in private?
M: Hmm, I've been a bit worried about his reaction. But anyway I'll send him an email to request a meeting, and I'll see what happens from there. Thanks for your advice.
W: Good luck. And let us know the outcome.
Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you've just heard.
Q12. What do we learn about the man from the conversation?
Q13. What is the man's chief complaint?
Q14. How does the woman interpret the fact that the man was asked to help his colleagues with their work?
Q15. What did the woman advise the man to do?
Passage One
The massive decline in sleep happened so slowly and quietly that few seemed to notice the trend. Was it because of the growing attraction of the Internet, video games and endless TV channels? Never disconnecting from work? No matter how it happened, millions of Americans are putting their health, quality of life and even length of life in danger.
New evidence shows why getting enough sleep is a top priority. Some 40% of Americans get less than 7 hours of shut-eye on week nights. "The link between sleep and health, and bad sleep and disease is becoming clearer and clearer." says Lawrence Alberstaine, a sleep expert at Harvard University. For example, sleep duration has declined from some 8 hours in the 1950s to 7 in recent years. At the same time, high blood pressure has become an increasing problem. Blood pressure and heart rate are typically at their lowest levels during sleep. People who sleep less tend to have higher blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, weight gain and other problems.
Sleeping better may help fight off illness. "When people are sleep-derived, there are higher levels of stress hormones in their bodies which can decrease immune function." says Doctor Felice, of Northwestern University in Chicago. A university of Chicago study shows people who sleep well live longer. So say good night sooner and it may help you stay active and vital to a ripe old age.
Q16. What is the speaker mainly talking about?
Q17. What do we learn from the talk about today's Americans?
Q18. What does the speaker say will happen to people who lack sleep?
Passage Two
Parents and teachers will tell you not to worry when applying for a place at a university. But in the same breath will remind you that it is the most important decision of your life.
The first decision is your choice of course. It will depend on what you want to get out of university, what you are good at and what you enjoy. The next decision is where to apply. Aim high but within reason. Do you have the right combination of subjects and are your expected grades likely to meet entry requirements? The deadline is January 15th. But it is best to submit your application early because universities begin work as soon as forms start rolling in.
The most important part of the application is the much feared personal statement. This is your chance to convey boundless enthusiasm for the subject. So economy of expression is foremost. Omit dull and ineffective generalities and make sure you give concrete examples.
Admissions officers read every personal statement that arrives. It is not convincing if you say you have chosen the subject because you enjoy it. You have to get across what it is about a particular area that has inspired you. They will look for evidence that you have reflected and thought about the subject.
Applicants should be honest. There is no point saying you run marathons, if you are going to be out of breath arriving at the interview on the second floor.
Q19. What is the first decision you should make in preparing to apply for a place at a university?
Q20. What is the most important part of the application?
Q21. What must applicants do in their personal statements?
Passage Three
It is widely believed that German invented the first car in 1885. It was actually a tricycle with a petrol motor at the rear. Soon, members of the royal family and other wealthy people took up motoring as a sport. Many of the early cars had 2 seats. There were no petrol pumps and few garages, so every driver had to be his own engineer for the frequent breakdowns.
By 1905, cars began to look like cars of today, with head lamps, wind screen, rubble tires and number plates. Henry Ford's Model T introduced in America in 1909 was cheaper because it was made on the assembly line. It brought cars closer towards the reach of ordinary people. With the popularity of the car, registration became a must in 1903 with the motor car act. Competency tests were introduced in 1935.
Today, the legal driving age for a car in the UK is 17. You are not allowed to drive a car unsupervised until you have passed a driving test. In 1958, Britain celebrated the opening of its first motor way – the Preston Bypass. Until then, no one really understood what a motor way was, not even the laborers who were building it. The bypass held a new era in motor travel and was greeted with excitement and optimism. Service stations came with the motor way and the legend of the transport cafe was born. Of course, the service station has diversified greatly. But whether it’s an English-cooked breakfast or a coffee and a sandwich, one thing has remained the same: the prices.
Q22. What does the speaker say about the first motor car?
Q23. What was the problem with the early cars in Britain?
Q24. Why did Henry Ford's Model T cars cost less?
Q25. What do we learn about the Preston Bypass?
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2015年12月份英语四级听力材料原文：
Part 1 短对话
Question 1 - M: Do you remember the wonderful film on space exploration we watched together last month? - W: Sure. It's actually the most impressive one I've seen on that topic. Q:What do we learn about the speakers?
Question 2 - W: Are you looking for anything in particular? - M: Yes. My son is graduating from high school, and I want to get him something special. Q:Where does the conversation most probably take place?
Question 3 - M: Mike told me yesterday that he had been looking in vain for a job in the art gallery. - W: Really? If I remember right, he had a chance to work there, but he turned it down. Q:What does the woman say about Mike?
Question 4 - W: Would you like to come to Susan's birthday party tomorrow evening? - M: I'm going to give a lecture tomorrow. I wish I could be in two places at the same time. Q:What does the man mean?
Question 5 - W: Aren't you discouraged by the slow progress your staff is making? - M: Yes. I think I will give them a deadline and hold them to it. Q:What is the man probably going to do? Question 6 - W: Excuse me. Could you tell me where the visitors' parking is? I left my car there. - M: Sure. It's in Lot C. Over that way. Q:What does the woman want to know?
Question 7 - W: You look great! Now that you've taken those fitness classes.
- M: Thanks. I've never felt better in my life. Q:What does the man mean?
Question 8 - W: I really admire the efficiency of your secretaries. - M: Our company selects only the best. They have a heave workload and we give them a lot of responsibilities. Q:What are the speakers talking about?
Part 2 长对话
Conversion 1 W: Hi Leo, why do you say English would become the world language? M: Well. For one thing, it's so commonly used, the only language that is used by more people is Chinese. W: Why is English spoken by so many people? M: It's spoken in many countries of the world because of the British empire. And now of course is the influence of America as well.
W: Many students find English a difficult language to learn. M: Oh, all languages are difficult to learn. But English does have two greatest advantages.
W: What are they? M: Well, first of all, it has a very international vocabulary. It has many German, Dutch, French, Spanish and Italian words in it. So speakers of those languages will find many familiar words in English. In fact, English has words for many other languages as well.
W: Why is that? M: Well, partly because English speakers have travelled a lot, they bring back words with them. So English really does have an international vocabulary.
W: And what is the other advantage of English? M: It that English grammar is really quite easy. For example, it doesn't have dozens of different endings for its nouns, adjectives and verbs, not like Latin, Russian and German for example.
W: Why is that? M: Well, it's quite interesting actually, it's because of the French. When the French ruled England, French was the official language, and only the common people spoke English. They tried to make their language as simple as possible. So they made the grammar easier.
Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you've just heard.
Q9: What does the man say about Chinese?
Q10: What made English a widely used language?
Q11: What is said to be special about English vocabulary?
Conversation 2
Man: Hello. Yes? Woman: Hello. Is that the sales department?
M: Yes, it is. W:Oh, well. My name is Jane Kingsbury of GPF limited. We need some supplies for our design office.
M: Oh, what sort? W:Well, first of all, we need one complete new drawing board.
M: DO44 or DO45? W:Ah, I don't know. What's the difference?
M: Well, the 45 costs 15 pounds more. W:So what's the total price then? M:It's 387 pounds. W:Dose that include valued-added tax?
M: Oh, I'm not sure. Most of the prices do. Yes, I think it does. W:What are the boards actually made of?
M: Oh, I don't know. I think it‘s a sort of plastic stuff these days. It's white anyway. W:And how long does it take to deliver?
M: Oh, I couldn't really say. It depends on how much work we've got and how many other orders there are to send out, you know. W:Ok, now we also want some drawing pens, ink and rulers, and some drawing paper.
M: Oh dear. The girl who takes all those supplies isn't here this morning. So I can't take those orders for you. I only do the equipment you see. W:Ok, well, perhaps I'll ring back tomorrow.
M: So do you want the drawing board then? W:Oh, I have to think about it. Thanks very much. I'll let you know. Good-bye.
Question 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you just heard.
Question 12: What is the woman's purpose in making the phone call?
Question 13: What do we learn about the man from the conversation?
Question 14: What does the man say about delivery?
Question 15: What does the woman say she will possibly do tomorrow?
Part 3 短文 短文 1
No one knows for sure just how old kites are. In fact, they have been in use for centuries. 25 centuries ago, kites were well-known in China. These first kites were probably made of wood. They may even have been covered with silk, because silk were used a lot at that time. Early kites were built for certain uses. In ancient China, they will use to carry ropes to cross rivers. Once across, the ropes were tear down and wooden bridges would hang for them. Legend tells of one General who flew musical kites over the enemies' camp. The enemy fled, believing the sounds to be the warming voices of angels. By the 15th century, many people flew kites in Europe. Marco Polo may have brought the kite back from his visit to China. The kite has been linked to great names and events. For instance, Benjamin Franklin used kite to prove the lightening electricity. He flew the kite in the storm. He did this in order to draw lightening from the clouds. He tied a metal key and a strip of silk to the kite line. The silk ribbon would stop the lightening from passing through his body. Benjamin's idea was first laughed at. But later on, it enlightened the invention of the lightening rod. With such grand history, kite flying is short remain an entertaining and popular sport.
Question 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Question 16: What does the speaker say about kite?
Question 17: What did ancient Chinese use cats to do?
Question 18: Why did BF flied a kite in the storm?
I have learnt many languages, but I'm not mastered them the way the professional interpreter or translator has. Still, they have open doors for me. They have allowed me the opportunity to seek jobs in international contexts and help me get those jobs. Like many people who have lived overseas for a while, I simply got crazy about it. I can't image living my professional or social life without international interactions. Since 1977, I have spent much more time abroad than in the United States. I like going to new places, eating new foods and experiencing new cultures. If you can speak the language, it's easier to get to know the country and its people. If I had the time and money. I would live for a year in as many countries as possible. Beyond my career, my facility with languages has given me a few rare opportunities. Once, just after I returnedmy year in Vienna. I was asked to translate for a German judge at Olympic level horse event and learned a lot about the sport. In Japan, once when I was in the studio audience of a TV cooking show, I was asked to go up on the stage and taste the beef dish that was being prepared and tell what I thought. They asked” Was it as good as American beef?” It was very exciting for me to be on Japanese TV, speaking in Japanese about how delicious the beef was.
Questions 19 to 22 are based on the passage you've just heard.
Question 19 What does the speaker say about herself?
Question 20 What does the speaker say about many people who have lived overseas for a while? Question 21 How did the speaker experience of living in Vienna benefit her?
Question 22 What was the speaker asked to do in the Japanese studio?
短文3 Dr. Ben Carsen grew up in a poor single parent house-hold in Detroit. His mother, who had only a 3rd grade education helds two jobs cleaning bathrooms. To his classmates and even to his teachers he was thought of as the dummest kid in his class. According to his own not so fond memories. He had a terrible temper, and once threatened to kill another child. Dr. Carsen was headed down part of seld distraction until a critical moment in his youth. His mother convinced that he had to do something dramatic preventing leading a life of failure laid down some rules. He could not watch television except for two programs a week, could not play with his friends after school until he finished his homework. And had to read two books a week, and write book reports about them. His mother's strategy worked. “Of course, I didn't know she couldn't read. So there I was submitting these reports.” he said. She would put check marks on them like she had been reading them. As I began to read about scientists,economists and philosophers. I started imaging myself in their shoes. As he got into the hobbit of hard work, his grade began to soar. Ultimately he received a scholarship to attending Yale University, and later he was admitted to the University of Michigan Medical School. He is now a leading surgeon at Johns Hopkins Medical School and he is also the author of the three books.
Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you've just heard.
Q23 What do we learn about Ben Carsen ?
Q24 What did Ben Caren's classmates and teachers think of him whenhe was first at school?
Q25 What did Ben Carsen's mother tell him to do when he was a school boy?
Part 4 听写题
When you look up at the night sky, what do you see? There are other (26) heavenly bodies out there besides the moon and stars. One of the most (27) fascinating of these is a comet. Comets were formed around the same time the Earth was formed. They are (28) made up of ice and other frozen liquids and gases. (29) Now and then these "dirty snowballs" begin to orbit the sun, just as the planets do. As a comet gets closer to the sun, some gases in it begin to unfreeze. They (30) combine with dust particles from the comet to form a huge cloud. As the comet gets even nearer to the sun, a solar wind blows the cloud behind the comet, thus forming its tail. The tail and the (31) generally fuzzy atmosphere around a comet are (32) characteristics that can help identify this (33) phenomenon in the night sky. In any given year, about a dozen known comets come close to the sun in their orbits. The average person can’t see them all, of course. Usually there is only one or two a year bright enough to be seen with the (34) naked eye. Comet Hale-Bopp, discovered in 1995, was an unusually bright comet. Its orbit brought it (35) relatively close to the Earth, within 122 million miles of it. But Hale-Bopp came a long way on its earthly visit. It won’t be back for another four thousand years or so.
1.B. They enjoyed the movie on space exploration.
2. A. At a gift shop.
3. C. He declined a job offer from the art gallery.
4. D. He will be unable to attend the birthday party.
5. B. Set a deadline for the staff to meet.
6. A. They way to the visitor's parking.
7. D. He has benefited from exercise.
8. D. The secretaries in the man's company.
9. B. It is used by more people than English.
10. C. The influence of the British Empire.
11.It includes a lot of words from other languages.
12.To place an order
13.He is not familiar with the exact details of goods.
14.It depends on a number of factors.
15.Ring back when she comes to a decision.
16. No one knows for sure when they came into being.
17.Carry ropes across river.
18.To prove the lighting is electricity.
19.She can speak several languages.
20.They have an intense interest in cross-cultural interactions.
21.She was able to translate for a German sports judge.
22.Taste the beef and give her comment.
23.He grew up in a poor single parent household.
25.Write two book reports a week.
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