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Section B
Directions: In this section, you will hear3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Boththe passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear aquestion, 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 singleline through the centre.
Passage One
What makes a person famous? This is a mystery that many people have carefully thought about.
All kinds of myths surround the lives of well-known people.
Most people are familiar with the works of William Shakespeare, one of the greatest English writers of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Yet how many know Shakespeare, the person, the man behind the works?
After centuries of research, scholars are still trying to discover Shakespeare's personal history. It is not easily found in his writings.
Authors of the time could not protect their works. An acting company, for example, could change a play if they wanted to. Nowadays, writers have copyrights that protect their work.
Many myths arose about Shakespeare. Some said he had no formal education. Others believed that he began his career by tending the horses of wealthy men.
All of these myths are interesting, but are they true? Probably not.
Shakespeare's father was a respected man in Stratford-on-Avon, a member of the town council. He sent young William to grammar school.
Most people of Elizabethan times did not continue beyond grammar school; so, Shakespeare did have, at least, an average education.
Some parts of Shakespeare's life will always remain unknown.
The Great London Fire of 1666 burned many important documents that could have been a source of clues.
We will always be left with many questions and few facts.
16. What does the speaker say about William Shakespeare?
17. What do we learn about Shakespeare's father?
18. Why does the speaker say parts of Shakespeare's life will remain a mystery?
Passage Two
Almost everyone suffers from a headache occasionally. But some people suffer from repeated, frequent headaches.
A headache is important because it can be the first warning of a serious condition that could probably be controlled if discovered early.
If a person removes the warning, day after day, with a pain-killer, he or she may pass the point of easy control.
The professional name for covering up a symptom is “masking.”
A headache specialist once said, “Masking symptoms is not the best way of treatment. Sometimes it is wiser to stand still than to advance in darkness.”
A headache often interferes needlessly with normal, happy living.
The employee with a headache does less work.
In a flash of temper he or she may upset fellow workers or customers, causing a direct or indirect loss to the organization.
The mother with a headache suffers and disturbs the family. She upsets her husband and children.
Rest, quiet and fresh air stop many common headaches. Lying down and possibly falling asleep may help.
One can often handle tension headaches by rubbing and pressing back neck muscles.
Heat from an electric pad or a warm bath can also help.
Because hunger may be overlooked as a headache source, one must make a habit of regular meals.
If a meal must be postponed for more than an hour, a snack helps to avoid a hunger headache.
19. Why does the speaker say a headache is important?
20. What do specialists suggest we do with headaches?
21. What does the speaker say helps relieve the symptoms of common headaches?
Passage Three
If your paycheck seems to be disappearing into thin air, you may be stuck in money traps.
But don’t despair. Most people can get unstuck without going bankrupt.
The biggest budget mistake is no budget at all.
As one reader put it, “we just put all the bills in a pile, and try to decide which to pay.
As she and others have learned, however, the money usually runs out before the bills do.
The same problem plagues many who do have budget.
In letter after letter we read, “It looks good on paper, but it never seems to work.” Why not?
Often because the budgets are unrealistic.
The solution: make a detailed record of where all your money goes now; then study it carefully.
Look for expenses that can be cut back. And don’t give up in the face of high fixed expenses. Many of these can be reduced too.
In fact, it’s often easier to save on essentials than on enjoyable extras.
If housing takes more than 25 percent of your income, for example, consider moving to a cheaper place, or renting out an extra room.
If utility bills are high, get the whole family involved in a conservation plan.
Some bills can be eliminated altogether.
When one mother realized that cable TV was costing her $500 a year, she decided that network TV wasn’t so bad.
If you question every expense, you can find a few that can be reduced.
22. What does the speaker say is the biggest budget mistake?
23. What does the speaker say about the so-called fixed expenses?
24. What does the speaker suggest people do to save housing expenses?
25. What is mainly discussed in the talk?
