全新版大学英语视听说教程4听力原文

1、.Unit OneTrack 4-1-OL-lA. Jay and Elise are talking about an accident. Listen and check the correct picture.Jay: Come in here, Elise. You should see this show!Elise: What is it?Jay: Its called The Titanic of the Sky. Its about the Hindenburg, a great engineering feat.Elise: The Hindenburg .Jay: You

2、know, that giant zeppelin that crashed in 1934. Thirty-five people died.Elise: Oh yeah, I remember now. It was flying from Germany to the United States. It crashed as it was landing.Jay: Right. Its so funny looking, dont you think? It doesnt look anything like the airplanes as have today.Elise: That

3、s true. Why would people ride in a zeppelin anyway? It seems so dangerous.Jay: Well, some people called the Hindenburg mans greatest achievement in flight. They thought it was safe, I guess. Elise: Who rode in it anyway? Jay: Mostly wealthy people. It accommodated between 30 and 40 passengers and cr

4、ew. One person said it was like a flying hotel. Eise: It sounds pretty great.Jay: Yeah, and it was fast. Thats why people rode it. They wanted to get to their destination faster. Elise: Why didnt they just take a jet plane? Jay: Elise! You know they didnt have jets back then. Look, in 1934 it took f

5、ive days to travel from Germany to the U.S. by ship. The zeppelin could do it in half that time. It was speedy. Elise: Well, maybe Ill sit down and watch a little bit. Maybe Ill learn something .Track 4-1-OL-2B. Listen again. How was the zeppelin described? Check your answers.Track 4-1-OL-3A.Listen

6、to the conversation and check the correct picture.Jack: I think we should buy a bigger car. Big cars are safer.Kayla: Yes, but on the other hand, they consume more oil.Jack: They also look really cool.Kayla: Thats true, but there are some SUVs which are not big but also very beautiful.Jack: And 1 th

7、ink big cars are more fun to drive.Kayla: But then again, its very expensive.Jack: Well, lets get more information about several kinds of cars, okay?Track 4-1-OL-4Listen to another person talking about famous buildings in his country and fill in the blanks with information you hear.My country has tw

8、o very famous buildings called the Petronas Towers. The buildings are made of glass, steel, and concrete. They were designed by an American architect, but he used a Malaysian style. They were finished in 1998, and they were the tallest buildings in the world at that time. Each tower has 88 floors, a

9、nd is 452 meters high. I really like the Petronas Towers. They show both the modern and the traditional side of my country.Track 4-1-OL-5A.Listen to a talk on controversies about modern buildings. Then fill in the blanks to complete the sentences.Modern buildings: We love them, We hate themThe world

10、-famous Louvre Museum in Paris is almost 500 years old, and it faced a very modern problem: There simply wasnt enough space for six million visitors each year. In 1989, American architect I.M. Pei designed a striking glass pyramid in the buildings center to be a visitor entrance and shopping arcade.

11、 But he also started an angry debate. Some people felt his glass building was a piece of art, like the ones inside the museum. Others said it was just an ugly, modern mistake.Kyoto, Japan, is the countrys ancient capital, and the heart of its culture. Its railroad station was too small for the milli

12、ons of visitors. In 1997, the city completed a new station in a huge shopping center, right in the oldest part of the city. Designed by Hiroshi Hara, the building also contains a hotel and department store. Before it was built, critics said that the high, wide, modern building would destroy the city

13、s traditional look. On the other hand, supporters said it would bring new life into the city center.Track 4-1-OL-6B.Now listen again and complete the chart with the information you hear.Track 4-1-OL-7B. Listen to the interview with Erika Van Beek, an engineer. According to Erika, what should be done

14、 about overcrowding in cities?The future building boom?Interviewer: What do you think is the biggest problem facing our cities?Erika: I think its overcrowding. Talk to anyone living in a major metropolitan area and they will say the same thing: Theres no space. Even the suburbs are getting crowded.I

15、nterviewer: Well, in some places there simply isnt any land left for building, right?Erika:Yes, thats true, but you have to think creatively. You cant give up so easily.Interviewer: Think creatively? What do you suggest?E r i k a: What Im saying is that we can build more structures underground. We c

16、an add parking lots, malls, hotels, and even apartment buildings. Theres plenty of space.Interviewer: Isnt it expensive?E r i k a: Yes, it can be. In the past building underground has been very expensive. However, we have new technology that will bring the cost down. It involves using robots. You do

17、nt have to pay robots a salary!Interviewer: Isnt building down more dangerous than other kind of construction?E r ika: Actually, I think its safer than building skyscrapers, for example. Remember, we already do it. We have subways and underground shopping malls. Im just suggesting we invest in a var

18、iety of bigger projects and that we dig deeper.Interviewer: What would you say to people who doubt your idea?Erika: I can understand their feelings. Whenever theres a new idea, it can cause controversy. But building down is not some kind of impractical idea. It makes sense. There is so much space un

19、derground: It can accommodate a lot of traffic, storage, and people. With the new technology we have, wed be crazy not to consider the idea its the wave of the future!Track 4-1-OL-8C. Listen again. Check the statements you think Erika would agree.Unit 2 Track 4-2-OL-1Pam: Well, Lynn, I must be going

20、. It was great to see you Lynn: By, Pam.Pam: Whats that?Lynn: Oh thats Ollie.Pam: Ollie: I didnt know you had a dog!Lynn: Well, we dont really.Pam: What do you mean?Lynn: Come here.Pam: Oh my goodness. Its a robot!Lynn: Thats right. Its a dog robot. They call it a “dogbot.”Pam: How interesting! But

21、its a little strange, dont you think?Lynn: Well, I wanted to get an interactive toy for the kids. They love it. So Im happy.Pam: How much did it cost?Lynn: Dont ask. It wasnt very affordable. Its cheaper than having a real dog, though. We dont ever have to buy dog food! And the batteries are recharg

22、eable.Juliana: Hey, Henrik. Look.Henrik: What is it, Juliana?Juliana: Whats that guy doing over there?Henrik: Which guy?Juliana: The one over there. Wearing a suit. Hs punching so many buttons on his cell phone.Henrik: Oh, him. Hes probably playing a game.Juliana: Really?Henrik: A lot of people have

23、 games on their cell phones. Its really popular here in Finland. They play them everywhere.Juliana: Do you play them, too?Henrik: Yes, I do.Juliana: I only use my phone to make telephone calls. I guess Im old-fashioned.Henrik: I heard that some people play games even at work. They can play quietly d

24、uring business meetings. No one knows about it.Juliana: Id like to try it.Henrik: Here, use mine!Track 4-2-OL-3Penny: Hello. Your Computer World sales department.Ted: Hi, Penny. Its Ted.Penny: Oh, hi, Ted. Whats up?Ted: well, my computer has crashed again.Penny: Oh no!Ted: Oh, yes. Thats why Im call

25、ing. You know, its five years old. And I need to speak to Scott about getting a new one.Penny: well, youve called at a good time. We have some attractive new models.Ted: Great! Im looking for something affordable. And I want to get something portable this time.Penny: Im sure Scott can help you with

26、that Lets see, he is in a meeting until 3:30. Ill ask him to call you.Ted: No, thats OK. Ill call him after 3:30. Please give him the message. E-mail is my favourite way to communicate. I think it is as fast as a fax machine, and it is as easy as a cell phone. Of course, e-mail has some problems, to

27、o. It isnt as affordable as ordinary mail, because you need a computer and Internet service. And I dont think it is as reliable as a fax machine. Sometimes e-mail messages get lost. But in my opinion, e-mail is as convenient as a cell phone. I can send a message from my home or office, and my friend

28、s can read it when they have time.Track 4-2-OL-5 In todays report, we look at a new technology called pervasive computing. Pervasive computing means putting tiny computers into everyday electronic appliances, such as toasters and microwaves. With pervasive computing, appliances can communicate with

29、their users and with other appliances! Some companies now sell pervasive computing products like a “smart” toaster. It remembers your favourite kind of toast: light or dark. Companies are designing a “smart” coffee maker and a “smart” clock. The coffee maker can measure the water and coffee. It can

30、even put milk in your breakfast coffee and make black coffee in the afternoon. The clock will check the time on other clocks in your house, and give information about other appliances. For example, it can tell you, “Your coffee maker needs more water.” And thats only the beginning. One company is no

31、w advertising “Save time phone your washing machine!” engineers are making a “smart” house. In this house, the lights, heater, and air conditioner change automatically when family members come home. This makes the home comfortable, and it saves a lot of energy. Pervasive computing could change many

32、parts of our daily lives. But do people really want pervasive computing? Do they really need technology everywhere? One company asked people about their opinions on “smart” appliances. There were surprises. A “smart” refrigerator can buy more food on the internet, but people didnt want it, because i

33、t might make mistakes. “Pervasive computing is as important as a telephone,” says Rebecca Blair, president of InnoTech Corporation. But some of these products are not useful, or even practical. Companies should learn more about the technology that people really want.Track 4-2-OL-7Local girl rescued

34、She may have a broken leg, but she cant be happier. Morgan Bailey, 11, is happy to be alive. Tuesday was like any other day for Morgan. She was at school. It was fourth period, and she was the first student to arrive in the gymnasium for her physical education class. Suddenly there was a loud noise.

35、 “There was a sharp cracking noise and then a loud boom. After that, I dont remember anything,” said Morgan. The roof of the gymnasium had collapsed under the heavy snow. Morgan was trapped underneath. She couldnt escape. “I woke up and there was a big piece of wood on my leg. I couldnt move it. I w

36、as starting to get cold.” Fortunately, help was nearby. A new program using “rescue robots” was tried for the first time. “We were nervous about using the robot,” said Derrick Sneed, the man in charge of the program. “But in the end, the robot gave us reliable information. It went extremely well.” T

37、he rescue robot was able to go into the gym and locate Morgans exact position. “We send in robots first because it may not be safe for humans,” said Mr. Sneed. “Human beings are not as useful as robots in some situations. A gas leak, for example, could kill you or me but wouldnt hurt a robot.” Altho

38、ugh it didnt happen in Morgans case, some rescue robots can bring fresh air or water to people who are trapped.Rescue robots go into rough, dangerous places. They work in life or death situations. They have to be durable.Doctors say that Morgan is doing well. She should be going home in two or three

39、 days. What is the first thing she wants to do after she gets out of the hospital? “I want to meet my hero,” laughs Morgan. “That little robot that saved my life!”Track 4-2-OL-9The first word processorMrs. Morgan: Good. So change the first part and make those corrections and your paper will be great

40、.Tara: OK. Thanks for all your help, Professor Morgan. Ill e-mail my paper to you later today.Mrs. Morgan: You know, technology is amazing. In high school I used to write my term papers on a typewriter.Tara: It must have taken a long time to write a paper on a typewriter.Mrs. Morgan: Well, I was pre

41、tty fast, but I made some mistakes. Actually, the typewriters werent that bad. Now, as for the first computers oh my gosh!Tara: What do you mean?Mrs. Morgan: The first computers were so unreliable. They used to crash all the time. And they were not as affordable or as fast as they are now.Tara: Mine

42、s pretty fast, but not as fast as some of the newer, more expensive ones.Mrs. Morgan: I know! And nowadays, almost everyone has a computer. In those days, nobody had their own computer. We used to use the ones at the university.Tara: In the computer lab?Mrs. Morgan: Yeah, thats all we had. Ill never

43、 forget, one spring, during final exams. Everybody was working on their term papers, and the electricity went out!Tara: So? No big deal laptops have batteries Mrs. Morgan: Yes, but remember, in those days we didnt have laptops. If your computer crashed, you lost everything.Tara:Everything?Mrs. Morga

44、n: Everything. We used to lose information all the time, but that time it was terrible. Everybody lost their papers that afternoon including me.Tara: What did you do?Mrs. Morgan: I went back to the good, old-fashioned way.Tara: You mean typewriters?Mrs. Morgan: Nope. I used something more affordable

45、, portable, reliable, disposable, something that always worked.Tara: What was that?Mrs. Morgan: (holds up pencil and paper) The first word processor.Unit 3Track4-3-OL-1/Track4-3-OL-2Joe: What are you reading, Maria?Maria: The Daily News.Joe: The News? Ugh! Thats a terrible paper.Maria: Oh, Joe, its

46、not so bad.Joe: Not so bad? Look at that headline on the front page! Its so sensational.Maria: Well, theyve got great comics. I cant live without my comics.Joe: I know. But the news coverage is so poor, . especially the international news. Its a joke, really.Maria: Im not so interested in the intern

47、ational news. Besides, they have so many other good features.Joe: Like what?Maria: Like the daily horoscope, for example. I love it.Joe: Thats not a good reason to buy a newspaper for the horoscope!Maria: Look, the newspaper only costs 50 cents. What so you expect?Joe: Good point.Maria: Besides the

48、horoscope, I also like the entertainment news. I like to read about the stars and their love affairs.Joe: Well, you can keep The Daily News. Im going to stick with The Times. Track 4-3-OL-3 Amy: John, Ive never notice this old photo of your family before.John: My mother just found it in the attic. S

49、he decided to hang it up.Amy: Its a nice picture of your family.John：I think its embarrassing. And I look stupid.Amy: Well, you couldve combed your hair its a nice shot, though. Look at how young you are! How old were you in the photo?John: Eight no wait, Id just turned nine.Amy: I guess these two p

50、eople are your parents.John: Yep. They were married when that picture was taken. Now theyre divorced.Amy: Oh. What do they do?John: My fathers retired. Mom works in a hospital.Amy: What are their names?John： Well, my fathers name is Joseph. My mother is Olivia-she was named after a popular actress.A

51、my: How great! I have an aunt with the same name. I love the name Olivia Whos that guy?John: Which one?Amy: The guy standing behind you. Is that your brother, Tom?John: No, thats my Uncle Randy. Hes only two years older than my brother.Amy: Hes cute. I love a guy with a moustache.John: Um, sorry, bu

52、t hes married now. His wife just had a baby.Amy: I was just making a comment So the other young guy must be your brother.John: Yes. Thats Tom.Amy: How old is he in the picture?John: Lets see hes nine years older than me so he wouldve been 18 then.Amy: And theres your little sister, Tina. Shes so cut

53、e!John: Yeah. Shes two years younger than me. Its hard to believe shes in high school now!Track 4-3-OL -51. A bank robbery in Virginia, USA, was stopped when the robber and the bank teller couldnt reach an agreement. The robber pushed a holdup note under the window, but the teller looked at it, said

54、,” I cant read this,” and gave it back. The robber pushed the note through a second time. The teller crumpled the note up and threw it at the robber. He picked it up and walked out of the bank.2. A professional ice hockey player will miss the rest of this seasons games because he injured himself. Na

55、tional Hockey League goalie Jean-Louis Blanchard went on the injured list after he fell and seriously hurt his back. He was walking out of a restaurant in Ottawa, Canada, when he slipped on some ice.3. The first international camel beauty contest was held last week in Alxa, in western China. More th

56、an 100 dressed-up camels entered the contest. The judges examined them for shiny hair, tall humps, and beautiful costumes. Unlike human beauty contests, though, there were no interviews with the contestants.4. Police in Sheffield, England, arrested a 41-year-old man for stealing five cars. Graham Ow

57、ens went to car dealers and said he wanted to buy a car, and borrowed a car to test-drive. Each time, he drove the car around, then cleaned it inside and washed it outside-before leaving it at the side of the road, and walking home.Track 4-3-OL-71. Nutty newsLulu is a kangaroo. For 10 years she has lived with the Richards family. Lulu was adopted by the family after they found her next to her dead mother.Mr. Ken Richards is a farmer. He was working on his