Section B

Directions: In Section B, you will hear two short passages, and you will be asked three questions on each of the passages. The passages will be read twice, but the questions will be spoken only once. When you hear a question, read the four possible answers on your paper and decide which one would be the best answer to the question you have heard.

Questions 11 through 13 are based on the following report.

An orphan in Chongqing born with six fingers on his right hand is determined to rely on himself to save up for his surgery by collecting and selling used bottles, Yangcheng Evening News reported.

Wan Chenchen, 13, whose parents passed away years ago, lives with his grandmother. The two support themselves by collecting and selling paper boards and used plastic bottles.

“When the day goes well and we sell enough bottles, I buy eggs and cook rice with eggs for Chenchen,” Wan Chenchen’s grandmother said. Chenchen would occasionally bring food saved from his lunch in the school for his grandmother.

Chenchen is shorter and smaller than other children of his age because of poor nutrition. He refused many donations as he’s determined to save on his own for the 8,000 yuan needed for the operation. “To gain dignity, I have to depend on myself,” Chenchen said.

He will have to collect more than 100,000 bottles, at about 0.05 yuan per bottle, to pay for the surgery. Chenchen has so far saved 400 yuan.

(Now listen again, please)

Questions:

11. How does Wan Chenchen and his grandmother make a living?

12. Why does Wan Chenchen refuse many donations?

13. Which of the words can best describe Wan Chenchen?

Questions 14 through 16 are based on the following passage.

How do you usually travel? Do you go with a close friend or a group of friends? Do you join a tour group? Do you travel with your family?

Have you ever imagined travelling alone? In the mid 1990s, it was estimated that 9 million Americans were planning a summer vacation alone. Since then, the number of single travelers has increased.

You may think that travelling alone would be scary or boring. Well, according to people who do it, that’s not exactly true. Single travelers often have positive experiences: they make new friends, get to know themselves better, and can make their own schedules.

There are many different things you can do on a vacation alone. Some single travelers use the time to learn or practice a sport such as golf, mountain climbing, or surfing. Others go and stay on a farm and learn how to ride a horse. You can pretend to be a cowboy or a cowgirl for a day!

You may not believe this, but some travelers like to study on their vacation. They even go to “vacation college” at a university or join a research team as a volunteer worker. It’s hard but satisfying work. You can “play scientist” for a week or two while you help someone with their project.

For single travelers of different ages and sexes, there are many travel choices. There are tours for women only and for people over the age of 60. And, of course, there are trips for singles who are looking for romance. One company offers trips that focus on fine dining—there is time for sightseeing during the day and for sharing a delicious meal with new friends at night.

The next time you take a trip somewhere, why don’t you consider going alone?

Have a pleasant journey!

(Now listen again, please)

Questions:

14. Which is not an advantage for single travelers according to the passage?

15. What do some travelers do when they go alone according to the passage?

16. What does the passage mainly want to assure us?

Section C

Directions: In section C, you will hear two longer conversations. Each conversation will be read twice. After you hear the conversation, you are required to fill in the numbered blanks with the information you have heard. Write your answers on your answer sheet.

Blanks 17 through 20 are based on the following conversation.

W: Hello, this is Cambridge Theatre, booking office.

M: Hello, I wonder if you have got any tickets for Mamma Mia for this Saturday evening?

W: Which performance? 5:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.?

M: 8:30 p.m., please.

W: OK, let me check. Sorry, that performance is just sold out.

M: Well, have you got any tickets for the 5:00 p.m. performance?

W: Yes, we have tickets at 8 pounds 59 pence, 10 pounds 80 pence and 12 pounds.

M: I’d like to reserve two seats at 8 pounds 59 pence, please.

W: Right. That’s two tickets at 8 pounds 59 pence, Saturday, 5:00 p.m. performance. What’s the name, please?

M: Henry Thatcher.

W: Thatcher. Is that T-H-A-T-C-H-E-R?

M: That’s right.

W: Thank you. You’ll collect the tickets one day in advance, won’t you?

M: Yes, of course.

W: By the way, it’s better to collect your tickets before 4:30 p.m..

M: No problem. Thank you. Goodbye.

(Now listen again, please)

Complete the form. Write ONE WORD for each answer.

Blanks 21 through 24 are based on the following conversation.