英语周报：2009年6月英语四级听力全真模拟题(七)

　　Section B

　　Directions: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A)， B)， C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre。

　　Passage one

　　Cars are an important part of life in the United States. Without a car most people feel that they are poor. And even if a person is poor he doesn’t feel really poor when he has a car。

　　There are three main reasons the car became so popular in the United States. First of all the country is huge and Americans like to move around in it. The car provides the most comfortable and cheapest form of transportation. With a car people can go any place without spending a lot of money。

　　The second reason cars are popular is the fact that the United States never really developed an efficient and inexpensive form of public transportation. Long-distance trains have never been as common in the United States as they are in other parts of the world. Nowadays there is a good system of air service provided by planes. But it is too expensive to be used frequently。

　　The third reason is the most important one, though. The American spirit of independence is what really made cars popular. Americans don’t like to wait for a bus, or a train or even a plane。

　　They don’t like to have to follow an exact schedule. A car gives them the freedom to schedule their own time. And this is the freedom that Americans want most to have。

　　Questions 26 to 29 are based on the passage you have just heard。

　　26. Which of the following is not the reason for the popularity of cars in America?

　　27. When a poor American owns a car, ________。

　　28. According to the passage, ________。

　　29. Americans prefer cars to other means of transport because ________。

　　Passage Two

　　The convenience and economy of small cars account for their popularity. They are easy to park quickly and take smaller parking spaces. Small cars are also a means of conserving energy because they use less gas than big cars. Small cars are inconvenient and uncomfortable on long trips. However, because of their limited passenger and trunk space, they are also more economical to operate and maintain. And they cost less. Because of all these advantages, the next car I buy is going to be an Econo-Midget。

　　Questions 30 to 32 are based on the passage you have just heard。

　　30. According to the passage, which is not true about small cars?

　　31. What’s the title of the passage?

　　32. The speaker said small cars are economical. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason?

　　Passage Three

　　People face many choices when buying insurance policies. They commonly choose an insurance company based on several criteria. Some of the most important of these include: 1) the financial stability of the unit, 2) the price of policies, and 3) details of coverage and service。

　　Only a financially sound company can fulfill its promise to pay in all circumstances. Companies with good records of stability can provide insurance security. Otherwise, it may result in poor service and coverage, even if the company boasts of its high quality service。

　　Policy price varies significantly among companies. So a detailed examination of coverage in policies provided by different companies can help consumers make the best choice based on the risks they face, their needs, and their finances。

　　People seeking to buy insurance often use the services of an insurance agent or broker to assist in their purchase. Those who purchase insurance should keep the following in mind. There are four main categories, according to what it covers. They are 1) property and casualty, 2) life, 3) health and disability, and 4) old-age and unemployment。

　　Questions 33 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard。

　　33. What does the passage discuss?

　　34. What is your first concern while choosing an insurance company?

　　35. What will happen to the insurance security if the company you choose is not financially sound?