华研听写120篇-60篇标准训练.doc

Passage 31
Educational Technology
How do American schools use educational technology? There is not a simple answer. It depends on the subject and level of students, of course. But it also depends on the interest and training of the teachers, and the goals and budgets of the schools. Schools are almost all connected to the Internet. But some have more technology, and use it more than others. For example, some schools use computers for activities like video conferencing, to bring the world into the classroom. And some classrooms are equipped with things like an interactive whiteboard. Interactive whiteboards are large displays for presentations. They connect to a computer and can operate by touch. They can be used for documents or writing or to project video. Some teachers are trying creative new ways to teach with devices like mobile phones. But educators say the most important thing is the content.

Passage 32
TOEIC
TOEIC, which stands for the Test of English for International Communication, measures the ability of people to communicate in the workplace using everyday English. More than 9,000 organizations use the test in more than 90 countries. Non-native English speakers take the test to demonstrate their English skills when seeking a new job or a promotion. Some organizations use the TOEIC to measure progress in English training programs and as a placement test. The cost of the test is set locally in each country. The TOEIC is really two tests. People can take one or both of them. One is a paper-and-pencil test, which measures listening and reading skills. The other test given on a computer measures speaking and writing skills. Eleven questions on the computer test require speaking. For example, the test taker is asked to read out loud or describe a picture. Eight other questions require written answers, including an opinion essay.

Passage 33
Dictionary
A dictionary is a reference book that focuses on defining words and phrases, including multiple meanings. The most frequently used dictionary is a language dictionary that includes the majority of frequently used words in a language. Language dictionaries are made for different types of users: scholars, office workers, schools, and second language learners. There are many competing dictionaries put out by different companies. Not only do they have different forms - paperback, hardback, and online editions but they differ in other ways. Each company, for example, uses its own version of phonetic respelling based on the research done by its experts. Other differences between dictionaries show up in other features. Many dictionaries include their experts' guidance on grammar, usage, and the history of the language. Definitions differ slightly, and sample sentences may be the work of the editorial staff or taken from real-world usage, perhaps the first known written use./

Passage 34
Medical Education
It is not easy to become a doctor in the United States. Students must attend a college or university and do well in their studies. Students who want to become doctors usually study large amounts of biology and chemistry in college. Some students work for a year or two in a medical or research job before they attempt to enter medical school. Once in medical school, students spend their first two years mainly in classroom study. They learn about the body and all its systems. They also begin studying how to recognize and treat disease. By the third year, students begin working with patients in hospitals. Experienced doctors who have treated many patients guide them as they work. During the fourth year, students begin applying to programs in hospitals for the additional training they will need after medical school. Competition to work at a top hospital can be fierce.

Passage 35 The Graduation Ceremony
In American high schools and colleges, the last day of the school year is graduation day.The students who finish their last year in the school will graduate.The graduation ceremony is often in the school gymnasium. The people who come to watch the graduation are teachers, parents and friends of the graduates. Those students who will graduate will wear long robes and caps with square tops. The graduate who has the best record in school will make a speech. The school principal and other officials will also make speeches. Then each graduate will receive a a diploma or a degree which has his name and the name of the school. After the ceremony, students often chat with their teachers, friends and relatives who come to congratulate them. They take pictures of each other. They will show each other these pictures a few nights later at the graduation party. Graduation is a memorable event.

Passage 6 The International Student Exchange Program
The International Student Exchange Program, or ISEP, was started in 1979. / ISEP is a group of colleges and universities around the world. / They cooperate to provide international educational experiences for their students.
Students can study for up to one year in the United States / or any of the other countries involved. / They do not have to go through the usual application process to get into a school. / And they pay only what they would have to pay for a term at their own school at home.
To take part in the ISEP program, / students must attend a member college or university. / Each school has an ISEP coordinator, / who helps students apply to the ISEP office in Washington, D.C. / To be accepted, students must have good grades. / They are asked to list up to ten choices of American schools they would like to attend. / Officials at the ISEP office then place students in the openings / offered in colleges and universities.

Passage 37 Universitys' Grading System

Most American colleges and universities use the grading system of A, B, C, D and F. An A is worth four points, a B three points, a C two points and a D one point. Getting a grade like a B-plus or a C-minus adds or subtracts a few tenths of a point. An F is a failing grade worth zero toward a student's grade point average. A small number of colleges reject the traditional grading system. They are organized into programs taught by teams of professors. Each program brings together different subjects and extends in length over two or three quarters. Students are required to do a major research project at the end of each program.
The professors write detailed evaluations of the students. These are combined with evaluations written by the students themselves. Most teachers would probably agree that traditional grades are sometimes unfair. But professors at big schools say there is not enough time to write evaluations for each student in large classes.
Passage 38 West Point
West Point is the four-year military school in New York State that educates future Army officers. The students are called cadets. They do not have to pay for their education. All student costs are paid by the United States Army. But the students do have to agree to serve on active duty in the Army for at least five years after they graduate. It is difficult to become a student at West Point. Only about 15 percent of students who apply are accepted. They must be nominated to the academy, usually by a federal or state lawmaker. Nominees also must satisfy the entrance requirements. These include excellent physical condition and high marks in school. West Point also accepts a limited number of international students nominated by their home government. They also must satisfy the physical and educational requirements. After graduation they return to their home countries to serve in their country's army.
Passage 39 On-Campus Housing
Housing policies differ from school to school in American universities.
Some schools have limited housing or none at all.
Dormitory buildings might house a small number of students or many hundreds.
Some dorms have suites.
A suite has several bedrooms, a common area and a bathroom.
Other dorms have rooms along a common hallway.
Two, three or four students might share a room.
Males and females often live on different floors of the same building.
Or they might live on the same floor, or in some cases even share a suite if permitted.
But single-sex housing is usually also available.
Different groups and organizations such as fraternities might have their own houses where their members live.
And there is often housing for married students.
Some dorms are nice, others are not so nice.
But many students say they like the chance to make friends and be near their classes.
Passage 40 Working While Studying in the US
International students are permitted to work for the college or university they attend or for a business at the school.
But the business must directly provide a service to students.
You could work at the bookstore, for example, but not for a construction company that is building something on campus.
Also, a foreign student cannot displace an American citizen in a job.
Foreign students normally cannot take a job that has no connection to their school.
But the government may give permission if students are suddenly faced with a situation that is out of their control.
Examples include large medical bills, the loss of financial aid or an unexpected change in the financial condition of their source of support.
Students must also meet other conditions.
They must have attended their American school for at least one year.
Government approval is given on a case-by-case basis.
Students must re-apply after a year if they want to continue an off-campus job.
Passage 41 Education for the Blind
An American federal law approved in 1975 guarantees blind students a free public education.
It requires that all states provide a free public education in the best environment to children who suffer mental or physical problems.
To help blind students learn, schools are also required to provide special books published for the blind.
In these books, words are formed using raised areas of paper which blind people feel with their fingers.
Schools also provide other services and equipment to help blind people learn.
Many children with sight problems attend their local public schools with other children.
They are taught the same subjects as other students their age.
But they also receive special life skills training.
This could include learning how to move and work successfully within the community.
It could also mean special training on equipment to make life easier.
Some schools even have special vision instructors.
These are trained professionals who work directly with blind students.
Passage 42 Vocational Education in the US
There is a long history of vocational education in the US.
Dating back to colonial times, the government has supported programs to train skilled workers.
It started out as a way to teach students to farm and work in industries.
But as the American economy grew, so too has vocational training.
Today, vocational education is usually called career and technical education, or CTE.
Students in high schools and trade schools can earn degrees in many areas.
They include nursing, engineering, accounting, biotechnologies, web design and auto mechanics.
Career and technical education is different from traditional school because it is much more "hands-on."
Instead of sitting in a crowded classroom taking notes, students in CTE programs learn a trade.
They are prepared to step out of the classroom right into the working world.
That means they can start earning money years before students who attend four-year colleges.
Passage 43 Adult Education
Millions of people are enrolled in evening adult education programs across America.
Community colleges have become popular and their enrollments have increased rapidly.
Large universities are offering more courses in the evenings for adult students.
One reason for this is that many older people are changing their professions.
Another reason is that repair costs have increased.
Adults taking courses like electrical repair hope that the high costs for repairs can be avoided.
Advanced technology is the most important reason for the rise in adult education. Engineers, teachers and businessmen have found that more education is needed to do their jobs well.
Computers and business courses are taken by many adult students.
Foreign languages, accounting and communication courses are also popular.
Some students attend classes to earn degrees, while others take courses for the knowledge and skills that they can receive.
The lives of many people have been enriched because of adult education.
Passage 44 Father's Day
Father's Day is never quite such the big commercial event that Mother's Day is,probably because it hasn't been in existence for so long.
Most people would buy their fathers a card.
Some people do buy presents as well.
Popular gifts for Dads are probably ties, chocolates or socks because these are things that Dads can always use even if they don't want them.
In the run-up to Father's Day,there will be advertisements on the TV giving us ideas of CDs or gadgets we can buy.
Card shops will be full of mugs or pens and similar merchandise with nice messages on them.
Some families might do things together to celebrate Father's Day like going for a meal.
As a special treat, people might give their Dad a bit of a rest-make him a cup of tea, or even wash his car and mow the lawn to make him feel really appreciated.
Passage 45 A Scottish New Year
If you're invited to a Scottish home on New Year's Eve,
it's important to know what to bring with you:
a lump of coal, some shortbread and some whisky.
The coal signifies warmth,
so you're wishing that the people you visit will have enough heat in the coming year.
The shortbread represents food,
so you're hoping that the people will have enough to eat.
And whisky was called "the water of life" by Scots,
so it means you want the hosts to have enough to drink.
There is one more key task you still have to perform as a guest.
The first person to knock on a neighbour's door is supposed to be a tall, dark, handsome man. If you are, you'll bring good luck to the household.
But if that's not you, don't ring the bell just yet.Wait for a while and the right person is bound to turn up soon!
Passage 46 The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty represents a woman holding a torch of fire.
It stands on an island at the entrance to the New York City harbor.
It is almost 93 meters tall,one of the tallest statues ever built.
Its complete name is "Liberty Enlightening the World".
The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the people of the United States from the people of France.
It was an expression of friendship and the goal of liberty shared by the people of both countries.
The statue was designed and built in France.
France officially presented the statue to the United States Minister to France in Paris on July 4